Ciabatta Bread recip

Cozy Grandma’s Ciabatta Bread recip 🍞
🧺 Ingredients (2 loaves)
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose or bread flour
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp sugar or honey
2 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
1 ¾ cups (420 ml) warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Mix the dough
   In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
   Add warm water and olive oil, then mix until you get a very sticky, shaggy dough (ciabatta dough should be wet—don’t add too much flour).
2. First rise
   Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap.
   Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled and bubbly.
3. Stretch & fold (for airy texture)
   With wet hands, gently stretch one side of the dough and fold it over itself.
   Turn the bowl and repeat 3–4 times.
   Let it rest 20–30 minutes, then repeat once more.
4. Shape the loaves
   Generously flour your work surface.
   Gently turn out the dough (don’t deflate it).
   Divide into 2 rectangles and lightly shape into rustic loaves.
5. Second rise
   Place loaves on parchment paper, cover loosely, and let rest 30–45 minutes.
6. Bake
   Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
   Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack (for steam → crispy crust).
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
7. Cool
   Let cool on a rack before slicing (this keeps the inside fluffy).
   ✨ Grandma Tips
   The wetter the dough, the more holes (air pockets) you’ll get.
   Don’t over-handle—ciabatta should look rustic, not perfect.
   Tap the bottom after baking—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready!