Ciabatta bread is a classic Italian loaf known for its crispy crust and soft, airy interior. Its rustic texture makes it perfect for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil. Making ciabatta at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy fresh, bakery-quality bread anytime.
Why You Will Love the Ciabatta Bread Recipe
This ciabatta recipe offers a delicious, authentic experience with minimal effort. Whether you’re a novice or experienced baker, you’ll appreciate the rewarding results.
- Crispy, golden crust paired with a light, open crumb texture.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
- Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or serving alongside meals.
- Requires minimal hands-on time, letting the dough ferment naturally.
- Brings an authentic taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You Will Need
Gather these essential ingredients to make authentic ciabatta bread with ease.
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 400 g warm water
- 200 g biga (starter sponge)
- 2 g instant yeast
- 12 g kosher salt
- Extra flour for dusting
How to Make Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Follow these simple steps to bake delicious ciabatta bread from scratch.
Step 1: Build the Biga
Combine 140g flour, 70g water, and ¼ tsp yeast. Mix until smooth, cover, and ferment for 4–8 hours at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a mixer, combine flour, water, biga, and yeast. Mix for 5–10 minutes, or until the dough is cohesive. Let it rest for 20 minutes, then add salt and mix for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it. Let rise for 4–6 hours, until doubled in size and puffy. It should spring back slowly when pressed.
Step 4: Shape the Loaves
Dust your work surface with flour. Gently stretch dough into a log and divide into two portions. Let rest under a towel for 2–4 hours until puffed.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F). Transfer loaves onto parchment on a baking tray. Bake for 20–30 minutes, until golden and crusty, with an internal temperature of 98–99°C (208–210°F).
Ciabatta Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Mix 140 g flour, 70 g water, and ¼ tsp yeast until smooth. Cover and ferment 4–8 hours at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
- In a mixer, combine flour, water, biga, and yeast. Mix 5–10 minutes until cohesive. Rest 20 minutes, add salt, then mix 5 more minutes.
- Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 4–6 hours until doubled and puffy. It should slowly spring back when pressed.
- Dust surface with flour. Gently stretch dough into a log and divide into two portions. Rest under towel 2–4 hours until puffed.
- Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F). Place loaves on parchment-lined tray. Bake 20–30 minutes until golden, crusty, and internal temp reaches 98–99°C (208–210°F).
Notes
Serving Tips for Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Enjoy ciabatta bread at its best by pairing it creatively and storing it properly.
- Serve warm with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Slice and toast for making delicious paninis or garlic bread.
- Use leftover or stale ciabatta to make crunchy croutons for salads or soups.
- Store cut-side down on a wooden board on the first day to keep crust crisp.
- Freeze sliced bread to maintain freshness and toast slices as needed.
Nutritional Benefits of Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Ciabatta bread offers energy-rich carbohydrates and moderate amounts of essential nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet. A typical 57-gram slice contains approximately 140 calories, providing a good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
It contains around 5 grams of protein and minimal fat, making it a light bread choice. When made with enriched or whole-wheat flour, ciabatta also provides dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as calcium. Enjoy it with healthy toppings to boost its nutritional value.
Conclusion
This ciabatta bread recipe yields a crunchy crust and a soft, airy crumb with minimal effort. Perfect for sandwiches or dipping, it brings authentic Italian flavor right to your kitchen. Try baking it today and impress your family and friends with fresh, homemade bread!