Easy Ciabatta Bread - Homemade Crusty Bread Recipe (2024)

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4.7 from 116 reviews

By:Pamela Reed

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Ciabatta bread recipe! This homemade bread is crusty and filled with holes! It’s easy to make in the bread machine. Serve it for sandwich, soup or a dinner side dish!

Do you love bread? Of course you do! Who doesn’t love bread? In this bread machine recipe I’m going to show you how to make a delicious loaf of Ciabatta bread!

Easy Ciabatta Bread - Homemade Crusty Bread Recipe (1)

What is Ciabatta bread?

Ciabatta bread is a Italian white bread, kinda like a French baguette, but more elongated and broad.It’s usually chewy in texture and filled with crumbly air holes. It’s perfect for dipping in soup, eating for a sandwich or just eating sliced with a little bit of butter!

Ciabatta bread machine recipe

This bread recipe is really easy to make because it’s made with a bread machine! Load the ingredients into the pan of your bread machine, in whatever order your machine recommends. Select the dough cycle and start it!

Easy Ciabatta Bread - Homemade Crusty Bread Recipe (2)

After the machine is done, flour a counter surface and place dough on it. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes, letting it rise. After that, divide the dough into 2 pieces, forming each into a bread loaf shape.

Easy Ciabatta Bread - Homemade Crusty Bread Recipe (3)

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and lightly dust a nonstick baking sheet. Place the dough on on a baking sheet.

Now here’s the secret….

How to make bread crispy!

Right before you put it into the oven, spritz the bread loaves with water. Just use a cheapo water bottle to spritz the bread. Please don’t skip this step as it’s really the secret key to crispy bread! Now bake for 25-30 minutes or until slightly browned.

Easy Ciabatta Bread - Homemade Crusty Bread Recipe (4)

How to freeze ciabatta bread

Even though this bread is hard NOT to eat immediately, if you want to freeze it you totally can. Often I might make a few loaves to freeze because our family loves bread!To freeze, wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and then put in a freezer bag in the freezer.You can defrost the bread at 325 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until fully thawed.

What goes good with ciabatta bread?

Anything! Hahaha. No seriously, this bread is so good. Sometimes I just enjoy it with a little dab of butter or raspberry jam for a snack!

If you want to use it for a meal, why not try some of these recipes that go along perfectly with it? Try my Cauliflower Soup, Slow Cooker Chicken, Stuffed Shells, or my favorite Meatloaf recipe. You can also make delicious homemade sloppy joe sandwiches with it!

Enjoy this Ciabatta Bread Machine Recipe!

Other Delicious Bread Recipes:

  • 2 Hour Crockpot Bread
  • Homemade Pretzel Rolls
  • Cinnamon Swirl Bread
  • Whole Wheat Slow Cooker Bread
  • Fluffy Bread Machine Rolls
  • Bread Machine White Bread Recipe
  • Homemade Bread Machine Pizza Dough
  • Easy Garlic Knots
  • Bread Machine Italian Bread
  • Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
  • Moist Jalapeno Cornbread
  • Flaky Biscuits

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Easy Ciabatta Bread - Homemade Crusty Bread Recipe (5)

Easy Ciabatta Bread - Homemade Crusty Bread Recipe (6)

4.65 from 116 reviews

Easy Ciabatta Bread

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Ciabatta bread recipe! This homemade bread is crusty and filled with holes! It’s easy to make in the bread machine. Serve it for sandwich, soup or a dinner side dish!

By: Pamela Reed

serves 12

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 1/4 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons dried rosemary

Instructions

  • Place all the ingredients into the pan of your bread machine, in the order your dough machine requires. Select the Dough cycle and start it.

  • Add a generous amount of flour to a counter surface and place dough on it. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 20 minutes.

  • Divide the dough into 2 pieces, forming a bread loaf shape with each. Place dough onto a nonstick baking sheet. Dust lightly with flour on top.

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. With a water bottle, spritz the bread loaves with water. Please don’t skip this step – this makes the bread crispy! Bake bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until slightly brown.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Bread Machine Recipe, Ciabatta Bread

Did you make this?I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on Instagram at @BrooklynFarmGirl and don’t forget to leave a comment & rating below.

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  1. Kristen says

    Are you supposed to use the leavened(30min) or unleavened dough cycle 90mins)?

    Reply

    • Kristen says

      I got that backwards, unleavened -30, leavened-90

      Reply

    • Patrick M says

      The answer is in your question. Leavened bread is bread with yeast

      Reply

  2. Arthur Marshall says

    Can I have the ingredient measurements in Gramms please?

    Reply

    • Pamela says

      Hey Arthur, I’m sorry I don’t offer that but you can easily grab the amounts and plug them into a calculator if you google. Enjoy the bread!

      Reply

  3. Jason says

    I made this today, so good! I added a handful of dried cranberries, crushed pecans and a teaspoon or so of flax seeds.
    It turned out perfectly airy and delicious!
    Any idea what the nutritional values are?
    Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply

  4. Sue Smyth says

    I now make this bread 3 times a week. Love it.

    Reply

  5. EdgedInBue says

    I did not get the holey crumb and my yeast is on target.

    Reply

  6. J. says

    Turned out perfect, thanks!

    Reply

  7. Kristen says

    Is the dough supposed to be crazy sticky?

    Reply

  8. Lynda says

    I found this recipe. I tried it. I loved it. Something that doesn’t have to wait 12 hours before baking.

    Reply

  9. Tonie T. says

    Wow. Finally I have found the perfect loaf! Thank you so much for this recipe. It’s so light and airy on the inside, yet perfectly crunchy on the outside. Even I can be a baker! I followed it exactly!

    Reply

    • Joe says

      I’ve used this recipe numerous times. My family loves this bread. It’s now a staple to the tune of 2 loaves per week. I just make one large instead of two smaller loaves. Like the cinnamon swirl bread, too.

      Reply

  10. Jam says

    I can’t seem to find a food safe water spritzer… what are my options?? Can I just flick some water over the loaves? Put a pan of just-boiled water underneath them in the oven?

    Reply

    • Pamela says

      Hey Jam, absolutely – you don’t need anything fancy, just flick some water with your hands. 🙂 Enjoy the bread!

      Reply

  11. Pablo S says

    Very easy to make. Came out crusty and delicious

    Reply

  12. Jamey Jeffries says

    making the bread for supper having soup

    Reply

  13. Eva says

    can i make this without bread machine? using stand mixer for kneading? How long to proof?

    Reply

  14. Mary says

    My bread did not come out crispy. It also did not have the holes and pockets in the bread but instead very dense. It was still very good. Just really looking for a bread to come out with a crunch on the outside and air holes inside. Maybe I will try it again. Not sure what I did wrong.

    Reply

    • kenneth says

      Sounds like your yeast might have been bad. As for crust, when was last time you calibrated temperature on oven? Might not have been hot enough if dough was properly wet.

      Reply

  15. ANNE DALEY says

    This bread looks so good. I have a 3 pound bread machine so I can double this recipe with no problem. My question is – Would I double everything even the yeast?

    Reply

  16. Colleen says

    Can you make this without a bread machine??

    Reply

  17. Lynda says

    Have you ever made ciabatta buns using this recipe?

    Reply

  18. Chuck says

    What a great recipe. Made it yesterday and also ate it yesterday.
    So easy to make and eat.

    Reply

    • Pamela says

      Thanks for stopping by Chuck, happy to hear you liked the recipe!

      Reply

  19. Tami Casey says

    Receive is right on. I left out the rosemary as I made rolls for hamburgers.

    Reply

  20. Gina says

    New at using bread machine. For this recipe should I set it at 2 or 1 1/2 pound loaf? T

    Reply

    • Diana says

      You are using machine on “dough” cycle so does not apply

      Reply

      • Doe* says

        What if I want it to cook in the bread machine. I don’t have an oven.

        Reply

  21. wayne says

    Tried this , worked out well . Will make it again, very good!!

    Reply

  22. Raik Liind says

    Tried it with white flour and was somewhat disappointed. Tried it again with a 50-50 mix of white and wholemeal flour. Love it. Have made it 6+ times since.

    Reply

    • Pamela says

      Hi Raik, make sure you’re trying it with bread flour for best results! Thanks for commenting! 🙂

      Reply

  23. Sarah says

    I’m wondering if 2 tablespoons of rosemary is a typo because I followed the recipe as instructed and the dough and bread was a gray color because of all the rosemary. The bread itself was a great consistency but the rosemary was too overpowering.

    Reply

    • Pamela says

      Hey Sarah, it’s not a typo, 2 tablespoons is correct. If the taste is too overwhelming for you then you can try with 1 tablespoon. Regarding the gray color, dried rosemary should not turn your bread gray. I suspect it’s a flour or salt issue causing the color, not rosemary. This link might help you: https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/46594/what-makes-bread-gray Hope this helps!

      Reply

  24. Gerald Kallan says

    (1) I used the “Quick Dough” cycle on my Zoji and it uses “Pre-heat”; does that affect the recipe? (2) I used a Convection Steam oven that starts with a cold oven and didn’t get a “holey” yet delicious bread; though I pulled it out at 205°, should I have stayed with your thermal oven? Need your thoughts. Easy recipe and fun to make.

    Reply

  25. barbara says

    best bread machine recipe for crusty bread that I’ve found!

    Reply

  26. Sara says

    Great recipe-and super easy!

    Reply

  27. Valerie says

    Another amazing recipe!! Tastes just like bread made in a restaurant. Pairing it with our braised meat in red wine tonight. Thank you!

    Reply

Older Comments

Easy Ciabatta Bread - Homemade Crusty Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is ciabatta crust hard? ›

About This Ciabatta Recipe

But don't worry, it's still a quick ciabatta bread recipe. One of the complaints I hear most often about store bought ciabatta bread is that the crust is too thick and hard. It can be hard on the gums and tough to bite into, especially with lots of sandwich fillings in it.

What makes ciabatta bread different? ›

Ciabatta is baked with a much higher hydration level, making the holes within the dough much bigger than a baguette. Ciabatta is also baked with a much stronger flour, which has a more delicate and sweet taste. Baguettes also tend to be baked more golden brown.

How do you make hard ciabatta bread soft? ›

In the oven: Preheat oven to 200° or Warm setting. Wrap the bread in a damp (not soaking) towel, place on a baking sheet, and pop it in the oven for 5-10 minutes. In the microwave: Wrap the bread in a damp (not soaking) towel, place it on a microwave-safe dish, and microwave on high for 10 seconds.

Can you leave ciabatta dough overnight? ›

Transfer the dough to the fridge, and leave it overnight. The dough is resilient - so if you make the dough in the morning and do not bake it until the next evening, it will be just fine.

What makes homemade bread crust hard? ›

Baking quick breads at too high temperatures can cause a hard outside crust. Most quick breads bake in a moderate oven (350°F to 375°F). Double check your recipe to see the temperature they recommend. Oven thermostats can vary over time, requiring adjustments by the baker or calibration by a professional.

What bread is most similar to ciabatta? ›

Ciriola. These small rolls are similar to ciabatta in the sense that they're crusty on the outside and tender on the inside.

Which is healthier ciabatta or sourdough? ›

Sourdough bread is healthier than traditional ciabatta bread. Ciabatta bread is a popular type of Italian bread, and therefore, is less nutritious than sourdough bread due to the leavening agent used. However, if you are searching for a healthier ciabatta bread, you can choose one made with sourdough or whole grains.

What flour is ciabatta made from? ›

Flour – For this recipe, we use all-purpose flour. It has the perfect amount of protein to produce a ciabatta with a perfect rise and airy texture. Substituting bread flour will result in a denser, chewier, and less airy loaf of bread. Yeast – We use instant yeast, which is easily mixed into dry ingredients.

Why is my ciabatta not crispy? ›

If your crust is becoming soft too quickly and not staying crispy you simply need to bake the bread longer. The best way to do this is to lower the temperature of your oven slightly and bake a few more minutes to achieve the same color you would have at the higher temperature.

What is the secret to softer bread? ›

Bread Making Tips For Softer Bread
  1. Do Not Over-Knead Your Dough. ...
  2. Ensure Dough is Well Hydrated. ...
  3. Lubricate With Oil. ...
  4. Add Sugar. ...
  5. Add Eggs. ...
  6. Reduce Baking Time. ...
  7. Create Steam in Oven. ...
  8. Add Milk.
Mar 27, 2023

Why is my ciabatta gummy? ›

Try less water with your flour. Uneven heat in your oven can be the culprit – if you loaf is nicely golden on the outside but gummy or moist in the inside, it's baking too quickly on the outside. Trying reducing the temperature you're baking at and bake for a bit longer.

Can you overproof ciabatta dough? ›

If you let the first rise go too long, the dough will over-ferment and become a sticky, unsalvageable mess.

Should ciabatta dough be wet? ›

Traditional Ciabatta: An Overview

Ciabatta dough is wet and sticky with hydration levels often 80% or higher.

Is ciabatta good for you? ›

If you consume ciabatta in moderation and with the right foods, it can offer various health benefits. Ciabatta contains multiple essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins such as carbohydrates, proteins, iron, sodium, and vitamins B1 and B3. Hence, its consumption helps improve overall health.

Is A ciabatta bread hard or soft? ›

Italian ciabatta is a beloved bread that is renowned for its unique flavor and texture. It is a slipper-shaped bread with a crispy crust and a soft, airy crumb. Although it has become a staple in bakeries and restaurants around the world, few people know about its fascinating history.

Why is ciabatta so hard? ›

Ciabatta is high in hydration, which means it contains high amount of water. This makes handling the ciabatta dough little tough. To make making ciabatta bread easy, you can use a strong bread flour, which has high gluten levels and absorbs good amount of water.

What are the texture characteristics of ciabatta bread? ›

A ciabatta is an Italian yeast-leavened artisan and hearth-type bread made with a lean formula. It is characterized by having a crisp crust and a large, irregular and open crumb grain (cell structure).

What is a characteristic of ciabatta dough? ›

Traditional ciabatta is characterized by a slipper shape as well as an extremely porous and chewy texture. Originating from the Lake Como region of northern Italy, ciabatta means “slipper” in Italian. Ciabatta dough is wet and sticky with hydration levels often 80% or higher.

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