Ciabatta Bread Recipe – How To Make Crispy Crust, Soft Ciabatta

Ciabatta Bread is an Authentic Italian bread known for its crispy crust and soft, airy interior. This easy recipe will help you make your own authentic ciabatta bread at home.

Ciabatta bread has a distinctive look with its rustic, open crumb and crispy crust. It’s perfect for making sandwiches or served as an accompaniment to soups and stews. The dough is a bit wetter than most other bread types, which gives it its airy, open texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients:

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) water
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (1 1/2 tsp) salt
• 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the bread flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour at room temperature.
5. After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down and shape it into two rectangular loaves.
6. Place the loaves on a floured baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy.
8. Allow the ciabatta to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Ciabatta Bread Tips:

1. Use a Starter: A poolish or biga enhances flavor.
2. High Hydration: Keep the dough wet for an airy crumb.
3. Gentle Handling: Use stretch and fold, not kneading.
4. Long Rest: Allow dough to rise slowly for better texture.
5. Hot Oven: Bake at 220°C (425°F) with steam for a crispy crust.
6. Shape Gently: Stretch the dough, don’t roll or punch it down.

Ciabatta Variations:

• Herb & Garlic: Add fresh rosemary and garlic.
• Olive: Mix in chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Cheese: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella.
• Seeds: Incorporate sesame or sunflower seeds.
• Whole Wheat: Use 1/4 whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Sweet: Add sugar or honey with dried fruit or chocolate chips.
• Rolls: Shape dough into smaller rolls for sandwiches.

Not what you’re looking for ? Try our whole wheat loaf !