Ciabatta (Italian Slipper Bread)

  • 4

Ingredients

  • 1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons water (105-115 F)
  • 1/3 cup room-temp water
  • 1 cup bread flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons warm milk (105-115 F)
  • 2/3 cup room-temp water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Preparation

Step 1

Directions:

Prep Time: 1/2 day

Total Time: 1/2 day

1 Make sponge: Stir together, warm water and yeast.

2 Let stand 5 minutes, until creamy.

3 Transfer yeast mixture to another bowl and add room-temp water and flour.

4 Stir for 4 minutes.

5 Cover bowl with plastic wrap.

6 Let stand at cool room temp at least 12 hours and up to 1 day.

7 Make bread: Stir together yeast and milk in small bowl and let stand 5 minutes, until creamy.

8 In bowl of standing electric mixer, with dough hook, blend together milk mixture, sponge, water, oil and flour at low speed until flour is moistened.

9 Beat on medium for 3 minutes.

10 Add salt and beat for 4 more minutes.

11 Scrape dough into oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap, until doubled- about 1 1/2 hours.

12 Note: Dough will be VERY sticky and full of bubbles.

13 Cut two pieces of parchment paper, approx 12 inches by 6 inches.

14 Place on baking sheet and flour well.

15 Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and cut in half.

16 Transfer each half to paper and form irregular ovals approx 9 inches long.

17 Dip fingers in flour and dimple loaves.

18 Dust tops with flour.

19 Cover with dampened kitchen towel and let rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until almost doubled.

20 At least 45 minutes before baking bread, pre-heat pizza stone on lowest oven rack position at 425°F.

21 Transfer 1 loaf, along with parchment paper, onto stone and bake for 20 minutes or until pale golden.

22 Remove to cooling racks and repeat with second loaf.

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