Ingredients:

(Makes 2 loaves)

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (110–115°F/43–46°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Loaves

1. Generously flour your work surface and hands. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface—it will be very sticky, which is normal.
2. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Gently shape each piece into a rectangle without deflating the dough too much. Avoid kneading.
3. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle a little flour over the tops to prevent sticking. Cover loosely with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

1. While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place an empty baking dish on the lower rack to create steam for baking.

Step 5: Bake

1. Right before placing the bread in the oven, add a cup of water to the empty baking dish to create steam.
2. Bake the ciabatta for 20–25 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve as a side dish, sandwich bread, or toast.

Pro Tips

• High Hydration Dough: Ciabatta dough is meant to be very sticky, which gives the bread its signature airy texture. Use flour liberally when shaping.
• Steam for Crust: The steam during baking helps create the ciabatta’s characteristic crispy crust.
• Storage: Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry staples.
• Minimal Effort: No kneading required, just mix, rest, and bake.
• Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving with soup.

Enjoy this Easy and Budget-Friendly Ciabatta Breadfresh from the oven, and bring a touch of artisan baking to your kitchen! Let me know if you’d like more simple bread recipes or variations.

Enjoy!