Crusty Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Introduction
Ciabatta bread is a rustic Italian loaf known for its crisp crust and airy, open crumb. It’s perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed simply with olive oil. This easy recipe guides you through making authentic ciabatta at home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the warm water and yeast until the yeast dissolves. Add the flour and salt, then stir until a wet, sticky dough forms.
- Step 2: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
- Step 3: Lightly flour your hands and surface, then gently shape the dough into a rough rectangle without deflating it too much.
- Step 4: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For a more open crumb, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough enhances flavor and softness.
- Use a baking stone or preheated heavy baking sheet for a crisper bottom crust.
- Try adding herbs or garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
Storage
Store ciabatta bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to revive the crust.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using about 25% less than the amount of active dry yeast, and it can be mixed directly into the flour.
How do I get a crusty ciabatta loaf?
Baking at a high temperature and adding steam during the first few minutes in the oven helps develop a crisp crust. You can place a shallow pan of water in the oven or mist the oven walls with water before baking.
PrintCrusty Ciabatta Bread Recipe
A classic Italian ciabatta bread recipe that yields a crusty exterior with a soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches or serving alongside your favorite meals, this bread is made simple with just flour, yeast, water, and salt, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Mix Wet Dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a sticky dough forms. The dough will be wet and shaggy.
- Let Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size and is full of bubbles.
- Shape and Bake: Gently turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a rustic rectangular loaf without deflating it too much. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture, all-purpose flour works well too.
- The dough is very sticky, flour your hands and surface to handle it without adding too much extra flour.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place helps the yeast activate fully.
- For extra crustiness, place a tray of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to preserve texture.
Keywords: ciabatta, Italian bread, crusty bread, homemade bread, yeast bread
