Teresa's Recipes
Ciabatta Bread with Olive Oil Dipping
Indulge in the rustic charm of homemade ciabatta bread, renowned for its airy, open crumb and crispy crust. This recipe pairs it perfectly with a rich, high-quality olive oil for an irresistible dipping experience. Originating from the Italian countryside, ciabatta's name means 'slipper' in Italian, a nod to its unique shape. Enjoy this delightful bread as an appetizer, side dish, or simply as a snack with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bread flour
- 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 1/2 cups (around 110°F/43°C) Warm water
- 1/2 cup (for dipping, plus more for drizzling) Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (such as rosemary or thyme, finely chopped) Fresh herbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (for added flavor in the dipping oil) Balsamic vinegar (optional)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Appetizer/Bread
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including rising time)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 0g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, active dry yeast, and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dust a floured surface with flour, then turn the dough out onto the surface and gently shape it into a large rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake the ciabatta for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- While the bread is baking, prepare your dipping oil by combining olive oil, fresh herbs, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Once baked, allow the ciabatta to cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve warm with the prepared olive oil dipping mixture.
Tips
- For a more intense flavor, add minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture.
- If you have time, consider letting the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.