Description
Jamie Oliver’s rustic ciabatta bread brings Italian bakery magic to home kitchens. Flour, yeast, and water combine in a simple yet extraordinary dance of traditional Mediterranean craftsmanship that welcomes you into delicious homemade bread making.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) warm water
Leavening Agent:
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) active dry yeast
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
Instructions
- Awaken the yeast by dissolving it in tepid water (105-115°F or 40-46°C) within a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to rest for approximately 5 minutes until it develops a frothy, bubbly texture.
- Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the activated yeast solution. Utilize a wooden spoon to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
- Drape a clean kitchen towel over the mixing bowl, creating a protective barrier. Position the bowl in a draft-free, warm environment for 1.5 to 2 hours, permitting the dough to expand and nearly double its original volume.
- Liberally dust a clean work surface with flour. Gently transfer the risen dough onto the prepared area, handling it with minimal manipulation to preserve its delicate structure.
- Stretch and fold the dough into a loose rectangular shape, taking care not to deflate the carefully developed air pockets. Transfer the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow the dough a second proofing period of 30 to 45 minutes, giving it opportunity to relax and rise once more.
- Activate the oven, preheating to 425°F (220°C) approximately 20 minutes before baking to ensure consistent temperature.
- Carefully slide the baking sheet into the heated oven, positioning it in the center rack for optimal heat distribution.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown exterior that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Permit the loaf to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow internal moisture to redistribute.
Notes
- Crafting this bread transforms your kitchen into an authentic Italian bakery with minimal effort.
- Warm ingredients help yeast wake up and develop deep, complex flavors faster.
- High-protein flour creates the signature chewy texture that makes ciabatta legendary.
- Steam during baking develops a crispy golden crust that crackles when touched.
- Minimal handling protects delicate air pockets, ensuring an incredibly light interior with beautiful irregular holes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg