Description
Learn how to make authentic ciabatta bread with a perfectly crisp crust and an airy, open crumb. This step-by-step guide walks you through each stage of the process so you can bake bakery-quality Italian bread at home with simple ingredients and techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (approximately 110°F/45°C)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 1/4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Flavor Enhancements:
- 1–2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
- Sea salt flakes for finishing
- Additional olive oil for brushing or dipping
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Sponge: Add 2 cups bread flour and salt. Stir until smooth and thick like pancake batter.
- Incorporate Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining 1 1/4 cups flour, stirring continuously until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, turn once to coat, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1–2 hours until doubled and bubbly.
- Shape: Dust your work surface generously with flour. Turn out dough and divide into two portions. Shape each into a flat rectangle about 1 inch thick using wet hands.
- Second Rise: Place loaves on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover loosely, and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy and jiggly.
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the lower rack to create steam.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Internal temperature should be 205–210°F.
- Cool: Transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Store cooled ciabatta in a paper bag at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Refresh in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes before serving to restore crust crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100g (1 slice)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: ciabatta bread recipe, Italian bread, homemade ciabatta, artisan bread, rustic bread, easy ciabatta, crusty bread