CIABATTA (Crispy Crust✔️ Silky Open Crumb✔️ Biga ✔️)
2 min read
8 months ago
Published on Apr 21, 2024
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Table of Contents
How to Make Classic Italian Style Ciabatta Bread at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Biga (Pre-ferment)
- In a mixing bowl, combine 175 grams of warm water, roughly a quarter teaspoon of instant yeast, and 225 grams of all-purpose flour to create the biga.
- Let the biga ferment for 6 to 24 hours until it becomes active and fragrant.
Step 2: Mix the Ciabatta Dough
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the biga, 250 grams of strong all-purpose flour, and 40 grams of warm water.
- Mix on low speed for 3 minutes to hydrate the flour.
- Add 5 grams of instant yeast, 10 grams of salt, and mix on low speed for another 3 minutes.
- Increase the speed to high and mix for 5 minutes until the dough forms a shiny, elastic mass.
Step 3: Ferment and Fold the Dough
- Let the dough ferment for 30 minutes.
- Stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes for a total of 3 times.
- After the folds, let the dough ferment for another 60 minutes.
Step 4: Shape and Proof the Ciabatta
- Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a rectangle and place them on parchment paper.
- Proof the loaves for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Ciabatta
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza steel or baking stone on the lower rack.
- Place a foil-lined roasting pan on the oven floor and preheat it.
- Transfer the proofed ciabatta onto the hot baking surface.
- Create steam by pouring boiling water into the preheated roasting pan.
- Bake the ciabatta at 480°F (248°C) for 25 minutes, removing the foil pan after 12 minutes for a crispy crust.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Ciabatta
- Once baked, transfer the ciabatta loaves to a wire rack to cool.
- Slice and enjoy the crispy crust and silky open crumb of your homemade ciabatta bread.
By following these steps, you can create delicious and authentic Italian-style ciabatta bread at home. Enjoy the process and the rewarding results of your baking efforts!