Traditional Italian Ciabatta Recipe

Why You’ll Love Traditional Italian Ciabatta Recipe Recipe

• No kneading required—perfect for beginners

• Uses just a few simple ingredients

• Delightfully chewy texture with a crispy crust

• Versatile: great for sandwiches, toasts, or as a side with meals

• Authentic flavor that rivals bakery-quality ciabatta

• Uses a high-hydration dough for that signature airy crumb

• Make-ahead friendly with easy storage and reheating

• Can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings

• A great way to practice artisan-style baking at home

• Naturally vegan with no dairy or eggs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups bread flour

• 1½ cups warm water

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp salt

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, mix the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms. There’s no need to knead.

3. First Rise:
   Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm area for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Ciabatta:
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Gently divide it into two pieces and stretch each one into a rough rectangle. Be careful not to deflate the dough. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Second Rise:
   Let the loaves rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

6. Bake to Perfection:
   Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust turns golden and crisp.

7. Cool & Serve:
   Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing. Serve with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or alongside your favorite meals.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 2 loaves (about 8-10 slices each)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 2–2½ hours
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Variations

• Whole Wheat Ciabatta: Replace up to half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

• Herb Infused: Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for an herbed loaf.

• Garlic Ciabatta: Add minced roasted garlic into the dough for extra flavor.

• Olive Ciabatta: Fold in chopped kalamata or green olives before shaping.

• Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded cheese (like mozzarella or parmesan) on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover ciabatta in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, sprinkle the bread with a little water and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This helps revive the crisp crust and soft interior.

FAQs

What makes ciabatta different from other breads?

Ciabatta is known for its high hydration dough, which creates a light, open crumb with large holes and a crispy crust.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, this ciabatta recipe is no-knead and can be made entirely by hand with a spoon or spatula.

Why is my dough so sticky?

Ciabatta dough is naturally very sticky due to the high water content. This helps create its signature airy texture.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour is preferred because it gives more structure and a chewier texture.

How do I know when ciabatta is fully baked?

The crust should be golden brown and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes. If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?

Bake with steam by placing a pan of hot water in the oven during baking to create a bakery-style crust.

Can I make ciabatta dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can let the dough rise in the fridge overnight for added flavor and convenience.

Is ciabatta bread vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.

Can I freeze ciabatta bread?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

Making traditional Italian ciabatta at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy bakery-style bread with a crisp crust and airy crumb. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or snacking, this rustic loaf is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.