Homemade Italian Ciabatta Bread

Homemade Italian Ciabatta Bread

Introduction

Few things compare to the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen.

Ciabatta Bread, known for its signature airy crumb and crisp crust, is a classic Italian bread that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or sandwiches. Despite its rustic look, this bread is surprisingly simple to make at home.

The name “ciabatta,” which translates to “slipper” in Italian, reflects its unique, flat, and elongated shape.

This recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a loaf that’s perfectly crusty on the outside and tender on the inside.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this foolproof recipe will help you achieve bakery-quality bread in your kitchen.

Ingredients

To create this delightful ciabatta bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Starter (Biga):

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

⅓ cup (80ml) water (room temperature)

⅛ teaspoon instant yeast

For the Dough:

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

¾ cup (180ml) water (lukewarm)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon instant yeast

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Starter (Biga):

   In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, ⅓ cup water, and ⅛ teaspoon yeast. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.

2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 12–16 hours (overnight) to develop flavor and bubbles.
3. Make the Dough:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and ½ teaspoon yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.Add the prepared starter, olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until it forms a sticky dough. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.Knead for 10 minutes if using a stand mixer, or stretch and fold the dough by hand until it becomes elastic and smooth.

4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Loaves:
   • Once the dough has risen, dust your work surface generously with flour. Turn out the dough and divide it into 2–4 pieces, depending on your desired loaf size.
   • Gently shape each piece into a rectangle or oval, being careful not to deflate the dough too much. Transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second Rise:
   • Cover the shaped loaves with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, until slightly puffed.
7. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
   • Place the ciabatta loaves into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This allows the crust to stay crispy while the inside remains soft and airy.

Conclusio

Making Homemade Italian Ciabatta Bread is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with an artisanal treat. The airy, hole-filled texture and crispy crust make it a versatile addition to any meal. Use it to create gourmet sandwiches, serve it alongside a hearty soup, or simply enjoy it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The slow fermentation process of the starter ensures a depth of flavor that’s worth the wait. With this recipe, you’ll master the art of ciabatta and impress family and friends with your baking skills. Give it a try and savor the joy of homemade bread at its finest!