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Homemade Ciabatta Bread

Homemade Ciabatta Bread

Learn to make Homemade Ciabatta Bread with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches or as a side.
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours
Total Time 10 hours 25 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 rolls
Calories 233 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Silicone Spatula
  • Stand Mixer
  • dough hook
  • bench scraper
  • baking sheet
  • Cooling Rack
  • Instant-Read Thermometer

Ingredients
  

Biga/Preferment

  • 1 cup bread flour spooned & leveled
  • teaspoon active-dry or instant yeast
  • ½ cup room-temperature water about 70°F (21°C)

Ciabatta Rolls

  • 1 teaspoon active-dry or instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm water about 100–110°F (38°–43°C)
  • 2.5 cups bread flour plus more as needed
  • 1.5 teaspoons table salt
  • olive oil as needed for coating hands and spatula

Instructions
 

Day 1: Prepare the Biga

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and yeast. Add the water and mix with a silicone spatula until combined. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 8–24 hours.

Day 2: Make the Dough

  • Uncover the bowl with the biga. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast and warm water. Cover and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast has dissolved. Add the biga, flour, and salt. Gently mix together. Knead if necessary.
  • Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
  • Perform the first stretch-and-fold.
  • Repeat stretching and folding, allowing the dough to rest for 30 minutes each time for 4 times total.
  • After the fourth stretch-and-fold, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour to 24 hours.

Shaping and Baking

  • Flour your work surface. Gently scrape the dough out onto the floured surface and shape it into a rectangle.
  • For 8 rolls, cut the dough into 8 pieces. For 2 loaves, cut in half.
  • Arrange the dough on floured parchment, covering lightly with a towel. Let rest for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
  • When ready, transfer the dough to the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Dough can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Best flavor and texture are achieved by using bread flour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 233kcalCarbohydrates: 43.7gProtein: 7.4gFat: 2.8gSodium: 437.5mgSugar: 0.2g
Keyword artisan bread, baking, bread recipe, Ciabatta, homemade bread, Homemade Ciabatta Bread
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