Sourdough Ciabatta Bread Recipe

sourdough ciabatta bread recipe

Craving a delicious, homemade bread that’s crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside? Look no further than this sourdough ciabatta bread recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a loaf that will impress your family and friends.

Sourdough ciabatta bread recipe

Ingredients

– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
– 4 cups bread flour
– 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions Step by Step

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and lukewarm water.
2. Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl.
3. Mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
5. After the dough has rested, fold it over onto itself a few times to develop the gluten.
6. Cover the bowl again and let the dough rise at room temperature for 3-4 hours, folding every hour.
7. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently shape it into a rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Cut the dough into two equal pieces and transfer them to a floured baking sheet.
9. Let the dough rise for another 1-2 hours until puffy.
10. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or upside-down baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
11. Dust the tops of the loaves with flour and use a sharp knife to make a few slashes on the surface.
12. Transfer the loaves to the preheated baking stone or sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
13. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips

For a twist on traditional ciabatta bread, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, for a unique taste. Store any leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Serve your sourdough ciabatta bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a delicious appetizer or alongside your favorite soup or salad.

In conclusion, this sourdough ciabatta bread recipe is a great way to elevate your bread-baking skills and impress your loved ones with a homemade treat. Give it a try and enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch.