Ciabatta Bread Recipe and Tasty Ways to Use This Italian Bread

Liputan6.com, Jakarta If you love rustic and crusty bread, you will enjoy trying this ciabatta bread recipe. It’s the kind of bread that looks simple but has a deliciously soft texture inside and a golden, crispy crust outside.

The ciabatta bread recipe comes from Italy, known for creating some of the most loved breads in the world. Ciabatta means “slipper” in Italian because of its long, flat shape. This bread is made using a wet dough, which gives it its signature open crumb and chewy texture. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

In this article, we will share our tasty Italian ciabatta bread recipe and tips to make this tasty Italian bread at home. We will also share some ideas for using your homemade ciabatta bread. We gathered the recipe and tips from various sources, Wednesday (12/11/2025).

If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade bread that feels authentic and Italian, this ciabatta bread recipe is perfect for you. It doesn’t require many ingredients, but it does require patience and gentle handling. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

- 1 ½ cups (190g) bread flour

- 2 teaspoons salt

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon instant yeast

- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 40°C)

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Make the Starter (Biga): In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of bread flour, ½ cup of warm water, and ¼ teaspoon of yeast. Stir well, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit at room temperature for 12–16 hours. The biga will look bubbly and smell slightly sour when ready.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the biga, warm water, and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until all ingredients come together into a sticky dough. Don’t add extra flour; ciabatta dough should be very wet.

3. Knead Gently: Transfer the dough to a clean surface. Use the stretch and fold method by pulling the dough from one side and folding it over itself. Repeat this for 10 minutes. If it sticks too much, use wet hands or a dough scraper.

4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, carefully turn it out onto a floured surface. Gently stretch it into a rectangle. Avoid pressing too hard; you want to keep the air bubbles inside. Cut into two long pieces.

6. Second Rise: Place each piece on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let it rest for 45 minutes.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create steam. Bake the ciabatta loaves for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

8. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. The inside should be airy and chewy, while the outside is beautifully crunchy.

Making a good ciabatta bread recipe takes a bit of practice, but these tips can help you succeed and improve your baking results.

1. Don’t Rush the Fermentation: Give the biga and dough plenty of time to rest and rise slowly. A longer fermentation creates more flavor and a light, open texture in your bread.

2. Handle the Dough Gently: When shaping, avoid pressing or kneading too hard. Soft and light handling helps preserve the air bubbles that give ciabatta its famous airy interior.

3. Use Steam When Baking: Place a tray of hot water in the oven to create steam. This keeps the crust flexible during baking and gives it a crisp, glossy finish later.

4. Bake on a Pizza Stone or Steel: A stone or steel holds heat well, allowing the bottom crust to brown beautifully and giving your ciabatta a more authentic, bakery-style texture.

5. Don’t Slice Too Soon: Wait at least 20–30 minutes before cutting into your bread. Cooling lets the crumb set properly, preventing it from becoming sticky or collapsing.

6. Store Properly: Wrap your ciabatta in a clean towel or paper bag once it cools. This helps maintain a crisp crust while keeping the inside soft and fresh for longer.

Once you’ve mastered this ciabatta bread recipe, there are many delicious ways to enjoy it. Ciabatta’s chewy texture and mild flavor make it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.

1. Make Bruschetta: Slice and toast your ciabatta, then top with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a simple Italian appetizer.

2. Make Garlic Bread: Spread butter, minced garlic, and parsley on sliced ciabatta. Toast in the oven until golden and fragrant.

3. Build Panini Sandwiches: Ciabatta’s sturdy crust makes it perfect for grilled sandwiches. Fill it with cheese, ham, or roasted vegetables and press until warm.

4. Serve with Soup: Dip warm slices into tomato or minestrone soup for a comforting meal.

5. Create a Breakfast Toast: Top slices with avocado, fried egg, or smoked salmon for a healthy start to the day.

6. Make Pizza Toasts: Add tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, then bake until the cheese melts.

7. Serve with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Keep it simple and dip fresh slices in good-quality olive oil and vinegar.

8. Make Bread Pudding: If your ciabatta becomes a little stale, turn it into a sweet dessert by soaking it in milk, eggs, and sugar before baking.

With this ciabatta bread recipe, you can bring the taste of Italy into your home kitchen. Whether you eat it fresh, toasted, or turned into a meal, ciabatta is always satisfying. Try it today and enjoy your homemade Italian bread experience!