Are you looking to master the art of baking with a delightful Ciabatta bread recipe? This traditional Italian bread is known for its crispy crust and soft, airy interior. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy fresh, homemade Ciabatta right from your own kitchen.
Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Take your baking skills to the next level with this simple yet rewarding recipe. Perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed on its own, homemade Ciabatta will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, or until it has doubled in size and bubbles form on the surface.
- After the dough has risen, flour your work surface and gently turn the dough onto it. Remember, this dough will be very wet and sticky, so handle it with care.
- With floured hands, divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a rough rectangle.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully transfer the shaped dough onto the sheet. Dust the tops with additional flour and cover with a kitchen towel. Let them rest for about 45 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) during the last 20 minutes of rising.
- Just before baking, make a few shallow slashes on top of each loaf to allow for steam escape.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crusty on top. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once done, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Slice up your freshly baked Ciabatta and enjoy it with olive oil, homemade dips, or as the foundation for an amazing sandwich. Baking this bread from scratch is not just a joy, but a true labor of love that will fill your home with delightful aromas. Happy baking!