Crusty 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/crusty-ciabatta-bread-recipe/
