Homemade Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Ingredients :
3 cups (360g) all-purpose or bread flour
1 ¼ tsp salt
1 tsp instant yeast
1 cup (240ml) lukewarm water
1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions :
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the lukewarm water and stir with a spoon or spatula until a soft, sticky dough forms. It should look rough but uniform. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
First Rise (1 hour):
Let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size and bubbly on top.
Fold and Rest Again (30 minutes) :
Lightly flour your surface and gently turn out the dough. Fold it over itself 2–3 times to create a loose rectangle. Transfer it to a floured parchment-lined baking sheet. Dust the top lightly with flour and cover loosely. Let rise for 30 more minutes.
Preheat and Bake :
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the bread for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve :
Let the ciabatta cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to preserve the texture.