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The Best Ciabatta Recipe That Will Make You Fall in Love with Homemade BreadThe Best Ciabatta

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Rustic, chewy, and full of flavor—this homemade Ciabatta bread is the perfect accompaniment for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside your favorite meal. With its airy texture and golden crust, this Italian classic will elevate any dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  1. 4 cups (500 g) bread flour
  2. 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water
  3. 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  4. 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  5. 2 tsp (10 g) salt

Instructions

  • Activate the Yeast: Mix warm water and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
  • Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
  • First Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  • Shape the Ciabatta: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Gently shape it into two loaves and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Second Rise: Let the loaves rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Bake: Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Serve: Allow the bread to cool before slicing and enjoy the chewy, airy texture.

Notes

  • For an even more authentic result, you can use a pizza stone to bake the loaves for a crispier crust.
  • The dough is very sticky; resist the urge to add too much flour while shaping, as it helps keep the airy texture.
  • Let the bread cool for a few minutes after baking for better slicing.
  • Ciabatta is perfect for dipping in olive oil, making sandwiches, or pairing with soups.

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