Description
Crusty on the outside, soft and airy on the inside—Homemade Ciabatta Bread is the artisan loaf your kitchen has been missing. With just four ingredients and a touch of patience, you can create a rustic Italian bread that rivals any bakery loaf. Perfect for quick breakfast toast, easy dinner sandwiches, or dipping into olive oil, this easy recipe gives you a delicious foundation for countless food ideas. Whether you’re baking for soup night or making fresh garlic bread, this is a healthy snack or dinner idea you’ll want to repeat.
Ingredients
1 cup bread flour
1/2 teaspoon yeast
1/2 cup water
2 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon yeast
3/4 cup water
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon yeast, 1/2 cup water, and 1 cup bread flour. Stir and let sit overnight (this is your biga).
2. In a mixing bowl, add the biga, 2 cups bread flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon yeast, and 3/4 cup water. Mix until sticky and elastic.
3. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, rest 30 minutes. Perform 3 sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes.
4. Dust a surface, divide dough into two rectangles. Transfer to parchment. Let rest 30 minutes.
5. Bake at 475°F on a hot stone or tray for 20–25 minutes. Cool before slicing.
Notes
Let the biga ferment overnight for optimal flavor and texture.
Use a baking stone if possible for maximum oven spring and crust development.
- Prep Time: 18 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: ciabatta bread, Italian bread, homemade bread, rustic bread, easy bread recipe