In this article, I’ll share a tried-and-true ciabatta bread recipe that yields loaves with a crisp crust, a soft and airy crumb, and those signature irregular holes. Ensuring your success in creating this beloved bread.
1. What is Ciabatta?
Ciabatta is an Italian bread known for its distinctive shape, texture, and flavor. It was created in Italy in the 1980s and has become popular around the world. The word “ciabatta” means slipper in Italian, referring to the bread’s shape, which resembles a slipper or a flat shoe.
2. How To Make Ciabatta Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
Begin by adding the water and olive oil to the bread machine pan.
In a separate bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Next, add the flour mixture to the bread machine pan on top of the water and oil. Then create a small well in the center of the flour and add the yeast into the well.
Place the bread machine pan into the bread machine and select the dough setting. Start the machine to allow it to mix and knead the dough.
Once the dough has completed its cycle, remove it from the machine and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Gently shape the dough into an elongated rectangle, being careful not to deflate it too much.
Prepare a baking sheet by dusting it with flour or lining it with parchment paper.
Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise for about 30-40 minutes in a warm, draft-free area until it has noticeably expanded.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) while the dough is rising.
Once the dough has risen, gently transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake the ciabatta bread for approximately 20-25 minutes or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
3. What To Do With Ciabatta Bread
Ciabatta’s sturdy and chewy texture makes it perfect for sandwiches. Slice it horizontally and fill it with your favorite ingredients such as deli meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spreads. You can create classic deli-style sandwiches, paninis, or even gourmet combinations.
Toast slices of ciabatta, rub them with garlic, and top them with fresh diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. Bruschetta makes for a fantastic appetizer or light meal.
Slice ciabatta into thin rounds, toast them, and top them with various toppings like spreads, cheeses, cured meats, or roasted vegetables. Crostini can be served as an appetizer, party snack, or even as a base for canapés.
Combine cubed ciabatta bread with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, basil, olive oil, and vinegar to make a delicious Italian bread salad called panzanella. The bread soaks up the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a nice chewy element to the dish.
If you have leftover ciabatta that has gone slightly stale, you can turn it into homemade bread crumbs. Simply let the bread dry out completely, then pulse it in a food processor until you achieve the desired texture. Use these bread crumbs for breading chicken or fish, adding crunch to casseroles, or topping gratins.
Make a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich by using ciabatta bread, ham, cheese, and a béchamel sauce. Grill it until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then serve it as a delicious and comforting meal. Add a fried egg on top to make it a Croque Madame.
Slice ciabatta in half lengthwise, spread garlic butter on each cut side, and toast it in the oven until golden and crispy. Garlic bread made with ciabatta adds a rustic touch and a delightful chewiness to your meal.
Transform leftover ciabatta into a rich and indulgent dessert by making bread pudding. Tear the bread into pieces, soak it in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, then bake it until golden and set. Serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of ice cream.
With this homemade ciabatta bread recipe, you have the power to bring the essence of an Italian bakery into your own kitchen. The combination of a crisp crust, a soft and airy crumb, and that unmistakable flavor will leave you yearning for more.
