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Traditional Italian Ciabatta Bread

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This classic Italian Ciabatta Bread is a rustic, crusty loaf with a soft, airy interior. Made with simple ingredients and a long fermentation process, it’s perfect for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups water (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup milk (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add water, milk, and olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
  4. Flour your work surface generously and transfer the dough onto it.
  5. Gently shape the dough into a rectangular loaf without deflating it.
  6. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it rest uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  7. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place an empty metal pan on the bottom rack.
  8. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the empty pan to create steam, then place the dough in the oven.
  9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
  10. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • The dough is very wet and sticky; do not add more flour.
  • Use a bench scraper to handle the dough more easily.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/traditional-italian-ciabatta-bread/