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ciabatta bread recipe

Ciabatta Bread Recipe – Easy homemade Italian ciabatta with a crispy crust, soft crumb, and delicious flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, and dipping in olive oil.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 18 hours
Total Time 18 hours 45 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the biga (starter):
  • 1 cup 120 g all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup 120 ml water
  • ⅛ teaspoon active dry yeast
For the dough:
  • 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup 180 ml water (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon active dry yeast
  • All of the prepared biga

Method
 

Make the Biga:
  1. In a medium bowl, mix flour, water, and yeast until combined.
  2. Cover and let rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours until bubbly.
Prepare the Dough:
  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add water and the biga, then mix until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Stretch and Fold:
  1. With wet hands, stretch one side of the dough and fold it over itself.
  2. Turn the bowl and repeat on all sides.
  3. Rest for 30 minutes and repeat 2–3 more times.
Shape the Loaf:
  1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
  2. Divide into two pieces and shape gently into rectangles.
  3. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise 45–60 minutes.
Bake:
  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Place a tray with water on the lower rack for steam.
  3. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  4. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.