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Ciabatta Bread Recipe

Ciabatta Bread Recipe

This Ciabatta Bread Recipe is simple, tasty, and perfect for beginners. Ciabatta is a soft Italian bread with a light and airy texture. It has a crispy crust and a fluffy inside.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Italian
Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ½ cups bread flour
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

Activate the Yeast

  • Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for ten minutes until bubbles appear.

Add the Flour

  • Add bread flour to the yeast mix. Stir slowly. Create a sticky and wet dough without dry spots.

Add the Salt and Oil

  • Add salt and olive oil. Mix gently. Do not knead hard. Keep the dough soft and sticky.

Rest the Dough

  • Cover the bowl with a towel. Let the dough rest for one hour until it grows and becomes puffy.

Stretch the Dough

  • Use wet hands. Gently stretch the dough upward. Fold it down. Do this three times.

Let It Rise Again

  • Cover again. Allow the dough to rise for another thirty minutes until it becomes airy.

Prepare the Baking Tray

  • Line the tray with parchment paper. Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Shape the Ciabatta

  • Transfer the dough gently. Do not press hard. Shape into a long rectangle.

Let It Proof

  • Cover lightly with a towel. Let the dough proof for forty minutes until slightly bigger.

Preheat the Oven

  • Heat the oven to 450°F. Place a tray inside to create steam if you like.

Add Steam Option

  • Spray water into the hot oven. This helps create a crispy ciabatta crust.

Bake the Bread

  • Bake for twenty-five minutes until golden brown and crispy on top.

Cool Before Cutting

  • Cool on a rack. Do not cut hot. Cooling helps the bread become soft inside.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for the best chewy texture.
  • Keep the dough wet. Do not add extra flour. Ciabatta needs high hydration.
  • Wet your hands before touching the dough. It prevents sticking.
  • Do not knead the dough like regular bread. Ciabatta needs gentle mixing.
  • Add rosemary or garlic for a flavored version.
  • Replace some water with milk for a softer crumb.
  • Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a fun twist.
  • Use a hot baking stone for better rise and crust.
Keyword Ciabatta Bread Recipe