The Best Ciabatta Recipe

Here’s a great ciabatta recipe for you—classic, airy, and perfect for sandwiches or just dipping in olive oil!

The Best Ciabatta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour or bread flour
• 450ml (1 7/8 cups) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the starter (optional but recommended for better flavor):
   • In a bowl, mix 100g flour, 100ml warm water, and 1 tsp yeast.
   • Cover with a cloth and let it sit for 12–16 hours at room temperature until bubbly.
2. Make the dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the starter (or skip and use all flour, water, and yeast directly), remaining flour, warm water, yeast, salt, sugar, and olive oil.
   • Mix with a spoon or dough hook until just combined—it will be very wet and sticky.
3. First rise:
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
   • Let it rise for 1.5–2 hours, until doubled in size and bubbly.
4. Shape:
   • Generously flour your hands and work surface.
   • Turn the dough out gently (do NOT punch down) and shape it into a rough rectangle or oval.
   • Handle carefully to keep as many air bubbles as possible.
   • Place on a floured baking sheet or parchment paper.
5. Second rise:
   • Cover loosely with a towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let it rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) with a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet inside (for crisp bottom).
   • Just before baking, sprinkle water on the oven floor or place a small pan with water for steam.
   • Bake ciabatta for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
7. Cool:
   • Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.