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Homemade Ciabatta Bread

Homemade Ciabatta Bread

Homemade Ciabatta Bread is a rustic Italian bread that’s flavorful with a crusty exterior and chewy interior.
Prep Time 13 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 45 minutes
Total Time 14 hours 10 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 rolls
Calories 233 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • silicone spatula
  • bench scraper
  • Stand Mixer
  • baking sheet
  • Oven

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 spooned & leveled, plus more as needed
  • 1.5 teaspoons table salt
  • olive oil as needed for coating hands and spatula

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Day 1: Make the biga/preferment by whisking together the bread flour and yeast, then adding water and mixing until combined. Cover and let rest at room temperature for 8–24 hours.
  • Day 2: Make the dough by mixing yeast and warm water, then add biga, flour, and salt. Mix until combined and the dough is uniform.
  • Rest the dough for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Perform the first stretch-and-fold, lifting and folding the dough for a total of 8 folds over the bowl. Rest again for 30 minutes.
  • Repeat the stretch-and-fold process three more times, letting it rest for 30 minutes between each.
  • Shape the rolls or bread by transferring it to a floured surface and cutting it into pieces or loaves.
  • Proof before baking by covering the shaped dough with a towel and letting it rest for 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare to bake the bread on a preheated baking sheet with ice cubes underneath to create steam.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Check for doneness by tapping on the bread and looking for a hollow sound.
  • Let the rolls cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Store leftover bread at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

The biga can sit for up to 24 hours, and the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours after stretching. Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 233kcalCarbohydrates: 43.7gProtein: 7.4gFat: 2.8gSodium: 437.5mgSugar: 0.2g
Keyword Baking, Ciabatta, Homemade Bread, Italian Bread, Rustic Bread, Yeast Bread
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