Ciabatta Bread Recipe

How to Make Ciabatta Bread from Scratch Recipe

Ciabatta Bread Recipe Description

Enjoy the versatile texture of homemade ciabatta bread with this MealPro chef tested ciabatta bread recipe. Great for sandwiches, dipping, and more, ciabatta bread is coveted for its crispy crust and airy, moist crumb.

Ingredients for this Ciabatta Bread Recipe

Homemade Ciabatta Bread Recipe Baking Tools

Step-by-Step Baking Ciabatta Bread Instructions:

1. Combine the ciabatta bread dough ingredients: 3½C all purpose flour, 2⅓C water, 1 packet instant yeast, and ¼C olive oil to your stand mixer bowl. Mix the ciabatta bread dough on low speed until the ingredients are fully incorporated, and a smooth batter forms. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer, cover with a towel, and allow the batter to rest for one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
   

   This first mixing creates a smooth batter.



2. Once the ciabatta bread batter has adequately risen, place the bowl back into your stand mixer. Add the remaining 1C all purpose flour and 1½tsp of salt to the bowl, and mix the dough on a low setting until a smooth, wet dough forms. Once again you will cover the bowl with a towel, and allow the ciabatta bread dough to rest and rise for another hour, or until it has doubled in size.
   

   The ciabatta dough begins to take shape.



3. Ensure your preferred working surface is clean and sanitized. Proceed to heavily flour your working surface to eliminate the ciabatta bread dough from sticking. Gently fold the dough out of the bowl, onto your floured surface, taking care to not deflate the dough by over-handling it.
   

   Be careful to not over-handle the dough in this stage.



4. You will gently shape the ciabatta bread dough into a large rectangle, as you may decide which ciabatta style you prefer. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into the relevant shapes. For sandwiches, for instance, try cutting the dough into 3″×4″ loaves. If you want a sliced ciabatta for dipping, you can cut the dough into oblong or rectangular loaves.
   

   This rustic style ciabatta will be perfect for dipping.



5. Coat your baking sheet with a non-stick cooking spray (or use a non-stick cooking sheet). Carefully transfer your ciabatta doughs to the sheet, ensuring adequate space between them. Dust the tops of your loaves with flour, and let rise for one more hour.
   

   The dough requires one last rise before baking.



6. Preheat your oven to 425º. You will bake your ciabatta loaves for approximately 20-30 minutes, until their tops reach a golden brown color, and their internal temperature reaches 190º. Then remove from the oven, and allow your homemade ciabatta bread to cool fully before serving.
   

   This homemade ciabatta bread was served with oil and vinegar.

Sides & Suggestions for this Ciabatta Bread Recipe

Fresh homemade ciabatta bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and serving suggestions. Serve it alongside a selection of Italian cured meats, cheeses, and olives for a delightful antipasto platter. Alternatively, use slices to make flavorful panini sandwiches filled with grilled vegetables, pesto, and mozzarella for a satisfying meal. Lastly, dip torn pieces of ciabatta into a bowl of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet delicious appetizer or accompaniment to a meal.