Description
Ciabatta bread is a delightful Italian classic known for its crispy crust and airy, soft interior. This easy recipe will guide you in creating your homemade ciabatta, perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or savoring fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups warm water (110°F)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and yeast.
- Gradually add the warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for approximately 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a rectangular loaf.
- Transfer the loaves onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover again and allow the dough to rise for an additional hour.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Before baking, drizzle the loaves with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool before slicing.
Notes
- Ciabatta bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in a paper bag.
- For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag.
- Reheat frozen slices in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy again.
- For a crunchier crust, try baking the bread in a preheated cast-iron skillet or baking stone, or add steam in the oven.
- To make the dough ahead, refrigerate after the first rise for up to 24 hours and allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
