Ciabatta bread is beloved for its airy, open crumb, crisp crust, and slightly chewy texture. This delicious ciabatta bread recipe is perfect for sandwiches, bruschetta, or simply enjoying with butter and olive oil. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can make bakery-quality ciabatta at home.
Whether you’re baking in the US, UK, or Canada, this recipe is approachable for home bakers of all skill levels.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Crispy, golden crust
Soft, airy, chewy inside
Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dipping
Uses simple pantry ingredients
No fancy equipment required
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 2 Loaves)
4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: extra flour for dusting
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy
2️⃣ Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt
Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil
Stir until a sticky, wet dough forms
Ciabatta dough is wetter than regular bread—don’t worry, this is normal.
3️⃣ First Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap
Let rise for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size
4️⃣ Shape the Loaves
Flour your hands and work surface lightly
Gently transfer dough and fold into a rough rectangle
Avoid deflating too much—preserve air pockets
5️⃣ Second Rise
Place shaped loaves on a floured baking sheet or parchment paper
Cover loosely and let rise 30–45 minutes
6️⃣ Bake
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C)
Optional: place a pan of water in the oven for steam (creates crisp crust)
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown
Tap bottom of bread—it should sound hollow
7️⃣ Cool Before Slicing
Let loaves cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes
This prevents the inside from being gummy
🍴 Tips for Perfect Ciabatta
Use bread flour for a chewier texture
Wet dough gives airy crumb—resist adding too much extra flour
Handle gently to preserve bubbles
Steam in the oven for a crispier crust
🥪 Serving Ideas
Classic sandwiches with ham, cheese, and arugula
Bruschetta with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil
Serve warm with butter or olive oil
Make garlic bread or paninis
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding too much flour → dense, heavy bread
Overworking the dough → loses air pockets
Skipping steam → softer crust
Cutting too early → crumb becomes gummy
🌟 Final Thoughts
This delicious ciabatta bread recipe you’ll love produces light, airy, golden loaves perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients, a little patience, and gentle handling, you can enjoy bakery-quality ciabatta from the comfort of your kitchen.