Description
Learn how to make the best ciabatta bread at home with this delicious recipe. Crusty on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, it’s perfect for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil.
Ingredients
Scale
For the sponge (biga):
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the dough:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water
- all of the prepared sponge
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Start by making the sponge: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup lukewarm water, 1/2 teaspoon yeast, and 3/4 cup flour. Stir until smooth, cover loosely, and let sit at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours or overnight.
- To make the dough: Dissolve 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast in 3/4 cup lukewarm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the sponge, flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix with a dough hook on low for 1 minute, then increase to medium-high and knead for 8–10 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a rough rectangle. Gently stretch and fold it into a loaf, trying not to deflate the dough too much. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover loosely and let rise again for 45–60 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack. Place a pan of water on the bottom rack for steam.
- Bake the ciabatta for 20–25 minutes, until golden and crusty. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Ciabatta dough is very wet—resist the urge to add extra flour.
- For best texture, use a baking stone and steam to create a crisp crust.
- This bread is perfect for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 8–12 hours for sponge)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
