Perfect Homemade Ciabatta Bread Recipe in 5 Easy Steps
This easy-to-follow ciabatta bread recipe delivers bakery-quality results with a crispy crust and airy crumb, perfect for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- Optional: 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Optional: 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water (110°F/43°C) and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Let it rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 2 hours until it doubles in size and looks bubbly.
- Shape the dough: Flour your work surface and gently transfer the dough onto it. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a rough rectangle. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the ciabatta for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
[‘Don’t rush the rise; the slow rise is critical for achieving airy pockets.’, ‘Use warm water around 110°F/43°C for optimal yeast activation.’, ‘Handle the dough gently to avoid deflating it.’, ‘Preheat your oven for a crispy crust.’, ‘Experiment with flavors by adding herbs or garlic directly into the dough.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: ciabatta bread, homemade bread, artisan bread, Italian bread, easy bread recipe