Easy Ciabatta Bread

Craving homemade bread that’s crusty on the outside, soft and airy inside, and doesn’t require any complicated techniques? This Easy Ciabatta Bread recipe is just what you need. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can bake this Italian favorite right in your own kitchen—even if you’re a beginner baker!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Fancy Equipment – Just a bowl, spoon, and oven—no mixer required.
Minimal Ingredients – Made with basic pantry staples you already have.
Crusty Exterior & Airy Interior – The perfect texture combo in every slice.
Perfect for Sandwiches – Ideal for paninis, bruschetta, or dipping in olive oil.
Beginner-Friendly – No kneading needed and detailed steps make it easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ciabatta Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp instant yeast
1 ½ cups lukewarm water (about 100°F)
1 tsp olive oil (for coating the bowl)

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Bench scraper or spatula
Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast.
Add the lukewarm water and stir until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
The dough will be very wet and soft—that’s exactly how it should be.

Step 2: Let It Rise
Lightly coat another clean bowl with olive oil.
Transfer the dough to the oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
Let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size and looks bubbly.

Step 3: Stretch and Fold (No Kneading!)
Lightly flour your work surface and gently turn the dough out onto it.
Using floured hands or a bench scraper, gently stretch one side of the dough and fold it over itself.
Repeat this on all four sides.
Form the dough into a rough rectangle and let it rest for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Second Rise
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dust it with flour.
Carefully transfer the dough to the baking sheet, seam-side down.
Dust the top with a little more flour.
Loosely cover the dough and let it rise again for 45–60 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Ciabatta
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place an empty metal baking pan on the bottom rack.
Once the oven is hot, pour a cup of hot water into the empty pan to create steam—this gives the ciabatta its crusty exterior.
Bake the bread on the middle rack for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the ciabatta from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack.
Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to maintain the airy structure.
Enjoy fresh or toasted!

Tips for Success
Use Lukewarm Water – Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast; aim for about 100°F.
Sticky Dough is Good – Resist the urge to add more flour; the high hydration creates that signature open crumb.
Don’t Skip the Steam – It’s key to a crusty exterior, so be sure to use that pan of water.
Handle Gently – Ciabatta dough is delicate; minimal handling preserves its light, airy structure.
Cool Completely – Cutting into hot bread may cause it to collapse or become gummy inside.

Serving Suggestions
Dipping – Pair with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a classic appetizer.
Sandwiches – Try it with grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, and pesto.
Breakfast – Toast and top with butter, jam, or avocado.
Soups & Stews – Perfect for soaking up brothy or creamy dishes.

How to Store & Reheat

Reheating:
Oven – Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Toaster – Slice and toast for a quick crispy option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Is it okay to use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely. Bread flour will give the loaf a slightly chewier texture with a bit more structure.

Why is my ciabatta dense?
Most likely, too much flour was added or the dough was handled too much. Keep the dough sticky and handle it gently.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure you use a large enough bowl and baking sheet to handle the increased dough.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can generously flour a clean kitchen towel or silicone mat, but parchment paper works best to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts
With just a few ingredients and a little patience, this Easy Ciabatta Bread recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time. It’s crusty, light, and absolutely delicious—perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying all on its own. Whether you’re new to bread baking or just looking for a reliable go-to recipe, this ciabatta won’t disappoint.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Share your photos online—I’d love to see your creations!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 2.5 hours
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 190mg

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