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Ciabatta Bread recipe

Ciabatta Bread Recipe: Rustic and Chewy

Rustic ciabatta with a chewy crumb and crisp crust.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Fermentation 18 hours
Total Time 18 hours 55 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Biga:
  • 1 cup bread flour
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ tsp yeast
  • Dough:
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp yeast
  • All biga
  • Optional: Olive oil
  • Suggested Pairings: Olive oil red wine

Instructions
 

  • Mix biga; rest 12-18 hours until bubbly.
  • Combine dough ingredients; stretch-and-fold every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
  • Let the dough rise 8-12 hours.
  • Shape into 2 loaves; rise 1-2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 450°F with stone; bake with steam 20-25 min.
  • Cool 30 min; serve with olive oil and wine.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for the best texture.
  • Store in a paper bag for up to 2 days, freeze for 2 months.
  • Try an olive variation.
  • Pair with soup.