Homemade Ciabatta Bread

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Homemade Ciabatta Bread.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious bread-making journey, gather your ingredients: water, olive oil, bread flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

2. Step 2

   Add them to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Step 3

   Select the Dough cycle, which usually takes about 90 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Once the cycle is complete, you’ll notice the dough is sticky and wet—resist the urge to add extra flour, as this is perfectly normal.

5. Step 5

   Gently transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and cover it with a large bowl or some greased plastic wrap.

6. Step 6

   Let it rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to shape.

7. Step 7

   While the dough is resting, prepare two baking sheets by lightly dusting them with flour or lining them with parchment paper.

8. Step 8

   After the rest period, use a serrated knife to cut the dough into two equal pieces.

9. Step 9

   Shape each piece into an oval, aiming for about 3x14 inches in size.

10. Step 10

    Place the loaves on your prepared baking sheets and give them a light dusting of flour.

11. Step 11

    Now, cover them and let them rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 45 minutes, allowing them to puff up beautifully.

12. Step 12

    As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

13. Step 13

    When the loaves are ready, spritz them with a little water to create steam, which helps achieve that perfect crust.

14. Step 14

    Carefully place the loaves on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown.

15. Step 15

    The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible, and soon you’ll have fresh, homemade bread to enjoy!.