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Homemade Ciabatta Bread


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: ~18 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crusty on the outside, soft and full of airy holes on the inside, Homemade Ciabatta Bread is the perfect artisan-style loaf to bake at home. Whether you need a quick breakfast idea, an easy dinner bread, or a rustic option for gourmet sandwiches, this no-knead recipe checks all the boxes. With a chewy texture and golden crust, it’s a bakery-style bread that you can make with just a few basic ingredients. Ideal for dipping, toasting, or slicing—it’s an easy recipe that brings bakery flavor to your kitchen.


Ingredients

500g bread flour

400ml lukewarm water

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp instant yeast

Extra flour or semolina for dusting


Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and instant yeast. Slowly pour in the lukewarm water while stirring with a spoon or hand until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.

2. Cover the bowl and let the dough ferment at room temperature for 12–18 hours until doubled and bubbly.

3. Lightly flour a surface, gently tip the dough out, and perform 2–3 stretch-and-folds, resting for 10 minutes between each.

4. Shape the dough loosely into a log or slipper form and place it on parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it proof for 1.5–2 hours.

5. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking stone or sheet inside, plus a metal tray on the bottom rack.

6. Lightly mist the dough with water and place it (with parchment) on the hot surface. Add 1 cup hot water to the bottom tray and close the door quickly.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.

8. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

Notes

Do not add extra flour even if the dough feels very wet—it’s essential for the signature open crumb.

Steam during baking is crucial for creating that crispy artisan crust.

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing or it will become gummy inside.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: quick breakfast, easy dinner, homemade bread, ciabatta recipe, Italian bread, healthy snack, rustic bread