Easy Homemade Ciabatta Recipe

bread flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, while all-purpose flour is more accessible.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier with a high smoke point, while vegetable oil is often cheaper.

yeast

🥗Healthier: sourdough starter

💰Cheaper: instant yeast

Sourdough starter adds depth of flavor, while instant yeast is convenient.

salt

🥗Healthier: sea salt

💰Cheaper: table salt

Sea salt can enhance flavor with trace minerals, while table salt is more economical.

In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup of the water and the yeast. Make sure the water is not too hot as it will deactivate the yeast. Let it sit for five minutes, then stir.

In a large bowl mix 2 cups of flour and salt, make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and the remaining water. Mix together with a wooden spoon or Danish whisk. The dough will be sticky. Sprinkle the top with 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour.

Cover the bowl with a large, damp tea towel, place in a warm area, and let rise for 1 1/2 hours. If it is a warm day, you can let it sit outside.

Preheat the oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Move the dough from the bowl to the prepared baking sheet.

Form the dough into an oblong loaf on the baking sheet and place it on the top rack in your oven. Put 10 ice cubes in a deep baking dish and place on the bottom oven rack to create vapor. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Let cool for 30 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens