Rustic Ciabatta

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Ciabatta uses a wet dough for its open crumb and chewy crust. Handle it gently after the rise, dust generously with flour and bake in a hot oven with steam for better crust development. Combine flour, yeast and water until no dry flour remains. Cover and rest 20 minutes. Add salt and mix until incorporated. With wet hands, fold dough over itself from four sides. Repeat every 30 minutes for 2 hours, keeping covered. Heat oven to 230°C (445°F) with a baking tray inside. Turn dough onto a heavily floured surface, divide in two and gently shape into oblong loaves. Transfer to parchment and proof 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Slide loaves onto hot tray. Add steam by placing a pan of hot water on lower rack. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden. Cool on rack.

Recipe card

Rustic Ciabatta

Rustic Italian white bread with an airy crumb, crisp crust and olive oil.

Prep 30 minCook 25 minTotal 235 minYield 2 loaves

Adjust recipe Half batchOriginal batchDouble batchOnly numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Mixing bowl, measuring tools and suitable pan

Ingredients

500 g bread flour 400 ml water, lukewarm 7 g instant yeast 10 g fine salt 1 tbsp olive oil, plus for bowl extra g flour, for shaping

Instructions

1. Mix dough

   Combine flour, yeast and water until no dry flour remains. Cover and rest 20 minutes. Add salt and mix until incorporated.

2. Fold and rise

   With wet hands, fold dough over itself from four sides. Repeat every 30 minutes for 2 hours, keeping covered.

3. Shape

   Heat oven to 230°C (445°F) with a baking tray inside. Turn dough onto a heavily floured surface, divide in two and gently shape into oblong loaves.

4. Proof

   Transfer to parchment and proof 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.

5. Bake

   Slide loaves onto hot tray. Add steam by placing a pan of hot water on lower rack. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden. Cool on rack.

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How to tell when it is ready

Crust is deep golden and loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Tips

• Measure ingredients before starting.
• Use even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
• Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate covered.

Troubleshooting

• If mixture is too thick, add liquid gradually.
• If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

• Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
• Choose a compatible dairy-free alternative where appropriate.

Variations

• Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
• Add citrus zest for a brighter flavor.

Serving suggestions

• Serve with a fresh seasonal side.
• Pair with a suitable salad or fruit.
• Offer a complementary sauce or topping.
• Serve warm for the best texture.

Make ahead

Measure ingredients ahead and refrigerate perishable components; finish shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains wheat. Handle hot oven steam and cookware carefully.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.

How should I store rustic ciabatta?

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and store leftovers safely.