The French have baguettes and Italians have their ciabatta. This Italian rustic-looking loaf of bread is made from a sticky, wet dough which gives it its unique moist texture and unique flavor.

Classic Italian Ciabatta Recipe, Plus 8 Ideas for Using Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta is a rustic Italian bread that is made from [wheat flour](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-flour-types-difference-between-unbleached-and-bleached-flour-and-how-to-use-wheat-oat-bran-pastry-and-all-purpose-flour), water, [olive oil](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide), [salt](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-12-different-kinds-of-salt-you-should-have-in-your-kitchen), and yeast. The name means “slipper” in Italian and refers to its elongated, broad, and flat shape. Ciabatta can formed into long rectangles or small squares or rolls; either way, it has a crisp and chewy crust with an airy, hole filled interior. 

The soft, chewy texture and honeycomb holes make ciabatta perfect for dunking into soups or swiping up sauce from a dinner plate. It also makes for a delicious sandwich bread filled with layers of cured meats, cheeses, and [balsamic vinegar](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-balsamic-vinegar-balsamic-vs-other-vinegars-and-how-to-use-balsamic-vinegar).

1. __Serve it with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar__. Slice ciabatta bread into thick slices or triangles and serve warm, as an appetizer alongside a small bowl of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can also use flavor the oil with chili flakes, basil, oregano, and garlic. 
2. __Serve it with soup__. Ciabatta's super power is its ability to soak up liquid without falling apart, making it perfect for dunking into [soup](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-creamy-cauliflower-soup-recipe). An Italian dish that incorporates this bread is *pappa al pomodoro*, a thick [tomato](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-tomato-varieties-learn-how-to-pick-and-cook-with-tomatoes)-based soup that is mixed with stale ciabatta cubes.
3. __Make an Italian sandwich__. Fill halved ciabatta loaves with any combination of salami, mortadella, capicola, [prosciutto](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-pancetta-bacon-and-prosciutto), turkey, ham, marinated artichokes, [red peppers](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/4-easy-ways-to-cook-with-red-bell-peppers), olive tapenade, [pesto](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-basil-pesto-easy-recipe-and-tips-for-making-perfect-pesto), and provolone cheese.
4. __Panini__. One of the most common uses for ciabatta bread is for a grilled Italian sandwich known as a *panini*. It is typically made with layered meats, cheese, and vegetables that are placed between slices of bread and pressed and cooked in a panini grill. Ciabatta bread works well for these sandwiches because it can hold multiple ingredients and be pressed without becoming soggy or falling apart.
5. __Burger Buns__: Swap out your usual burger buns with ciabatta bread. Spread [mayonnaise](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mayonnaise-learn-how-to-make-foolproof-homemade-mayonnaise) on toasted ciabatta bread slices and fill with a veggie or meat patty, lettuce, and tomatoes.
6. __Stews__: Enjoy hearty meat and vegetable stews with ciabatta bread as a side dish. The white bread slices make a perfect sponge for soaking up extra sauce. 
7. __Garlic Bread__: Brush slices with melted butter or olive oil and spread minced [garlic](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/all-about-garlic-benefits-and-uses-plus-easy-roasted-garlic-recipe) on top. Toast in the oven until the edges are golden.
8. __Croutons for salads__: For the best croutons, use stale ciabatta. Chop or tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and tossed in olive oil, oregano, and minced garlic. Bake the pieces until they become lightly browned and crispy.
1. __Use a stand mixer__. Ciabatta is easiest made in a stand mixer, since the dough is extremely sticky. With many homemade bread recipes, the inclination is to add more flour to wet or sticky dough, but it often leads to dried out bead. If you don’t have a stand mixer, try using a food processor.
2. __Lightly oil a large mixing bowl__. Transfer the ciabatta dough to a lightly oiled bowl to rise. Most yeast breads, like ciabatta, need at least two rises. The first rise happens before the dough is formed and the second rise happens once the dough has been formed into loaves or rolls.
3. __Use a bench scrapers or a metal spatula__. For easier bread making, use an oiled or floured bench scraper or a long metal spatula to let you handle this sticky dough without making a mess. They can be used to shape, cut, and transfer the dough.
4. __Have a bowl of water nearby__. When you’re shaping the dough have a small bowl of water next to you. Sticky dough won’t adhere to wet hands, so dip your fingers in the water before you begin touching the dough and form it into a rectangle shape.
5. __Spray the dough with water__. Spraying the dough lightly with water before going in the oven creates steam, which allows a chewy, golden crust to form while the bread bakes. 
6. __Brown the bread__. Many first-time bakers are worried to overbake things, and often don’t let bread brown properly before removing it from the oven. For the best ciabatta, bake until the outside is a golden. A nice crispy crust will sound slightly hollow when you tap it with your fingertips. 
7. __Let it cool__. Remove the ciabatta bread from the oven and let it cool completely before serving to give its interior crumb the best possible texture.

The French have baguettes and Italians have their ciabatta. This Italian rustic-looking loaf of bread is made from a sticky, wet dough which gives it its unique moist texture and unique flavor.

Ciabatta is a rustic Italian bread that is made from <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-flour-types-difference-between-unbleached-and-bleached-flour-and-how-to-use-wheat-oat-bran-pastry-and-all-purpose-flour' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-flour-types-difference-between-unbleached-and-bleached-flour-and-how-to-use-wheat-oat-bran-pastry-and-all-purpose-flour","linkCopy":"wheat flour","category":null}'>wheat flour</a>, water, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide","linkCopy":"olive oil","category":null}'>olive oil</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-12-different-kinds-of-salt-you-should-have-in-your-kitchen' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-12-different-kinds-of-salt-you-should-have-in-your-kitchen","linkCopy":"salt","category":null}'>salt</a>, and yeast. The name means “slipper” in Italian and refers to its elongated, broad, and flat shape. Ciabatta can formed into long rectangles or small squares or rolls; either way, it has a crisp and chewy crust with an airy, hole filled interior. The soft, chewy texture and honeycomb holes make ciabatta perfect for dunking into soups or swiping up sauce from a dinner plate. It also makes for a delicious sandwich bread filled with layers of cured meats, cheeses, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-balsamic-vinegar-balsamic-vs-other-vinegars-and-how-to-use-balsamic-vinegar' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-balsamic-vinegar-balsamic-vs-other-vinegars-and-how-to-use-balsamic-vinegar","linkCopy":"balsamic vinegar","category":null}'>balsamic vinegar</a>.

What Is Ciabatta Bread?

<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Serve it with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Slice ciabatta bread into thick slices or triangles and serve warm, as an appetizer alongside a small bowl of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can also use flavor the oil with chili flakes, basil, oregano, and garlic. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Serve it with soup. Ciabatta&#39;s super power is its ability to soak up liquid without falling apart, making it perfect for dunking into <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-creamy-cauliflower-soup-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-creamy-cauliflower-soup-recipe","linkCopy":"soup","category":null}'>soup</a>. An Italian dish that incorporates this bread is pappa al pomodoro, a thick <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-tomato-varieties-learn-how-to-pick-and-cook-with-tomatoes' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-tomato-varieties-learn-how-to-pick-and-cook-with-tomatoes","linkCopy":"tomato","category":null}'>tomato</a>-based soup that is mixed with stale ciabatta cubes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Make an Italian sandwich. Fill halved ciabatta loaves with any combination of salami, mortadella, capicola, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-pancetta-bacon-and-prosciutto' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-pancetta-bacon-and-prosciutto","linkCopy":"prosciutto","category":null}'>prosciutto</a>, turkey, ham, marinated artichokes, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/4-easy-ways-to-cook-with-red-bell-peppers' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/4-easy-ways-to-cook-with-red-bell-peppers","linkCopy":"red peppers","category":null}'>red peppers</a>, olive tapenade, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-basil-pesto-easy-recipe-and-tips-for-making-perfect-pesto' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-basil-pesto-easy-recipe-and-tips-for-making-perfect-pesto","linkCopy":"pesto","category":null}'>pesto</a>, and provolone cheese. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Panini. One of the most common uses for ciabatta bread is for a grilled Italian sandwich known as a panini. It is typically made with layered meats, cheese, and vegetables that are placed between slices of bread and pressed and cooked in a panini grill. Ciabatta bread works well for these sandwiches because it can hold multiple ingredients and be pressed without becoming soggy or falling apart. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Burger Buns: Swap out your usual burger buns with ciabatta bread. Spread <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mayonnaise-learn-how-to-make-foolproof-homemade-mayonnaise' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mayonnaise-learn-how-to-make-foolproof-homemade-mayonnaise","linkCopy":"mayonnaise","category":null}'>mayonnaise</a> on toasted ciabatta bread slices and fill with a veggie or meat patty, lettuce, and tomatoes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Stews: Enjoy hearty meat and vegetable stews with ciabatta bread as a side dish. The white bread slices make a perfect sponge for soaking up extra sauce. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Garlic Bread: Brush slices with melted butter or olive oil and spread minced <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/all-about-garlic-benefits-and-uses-plus-easy-roasted-garlic-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/all-about-garlic-benefits-and-uses-plus-easy-roasted-garlic-recipe","linkCopy":"garlic","category":null}'>garlic</a> on top. Toast in the oven until the edges are golden. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Croutons for salads: For the best croutons, use stale ciabatta. Chop or tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and tossed in olive oil, oregano, and minced garlic. Bake the pieces until they become lightly browned and crispy. </li></ol>

8 Ways to Use Ciabatta Bread

<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Use a stand mixer. Ciabatta is easiest made in a stand mixer, since the dough is extremely sticky. With many homemade bread recipes, the inclination is to add more flour to wet or sticky dough, but it often leads to dried out bead. If you don’t have a stand mixer, try using a food processor. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Lightly oil a large mixing bowl. Transfer the ciabatta dough to a lightly oiled bowl to rise. Most yeast breads, like ciabatta, need at least two rises. The first rise happens before the dough is formed and the second rise happens once the dough has been formed into loaves or rolls. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Use a bench scrapers or a metal spatula. For easier bread making, use an oiled or floured bench scraper or a long metal spatula to let you handle this sticky dough without making a mess. They can be used to shape, cut, and transfer the dough. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Have a bowl of water nearby. When you’re shaping the dough have a small bowl of water next to you. Sticky dough won’t adhere to wet hands, so dip your fingers in the water before you begin touching the dough and form it into a rectangle shape. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Spray the dough with water. Spraying the dough lightly with water before going in the oven creates steam, which allows a chewy, golden crust to form while the bread bakes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Brown the bread. Many first-time bakers are worried to overbake things, and often don’t let bread brown properly before removing it from the oven. For the best ciabatta, bake until the outside is a golden. A nice crispy crust will sound slightly hollow when you tap it with your fingertips. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Let it cool. Remove the ciabatta bread from the oven and let it cool completely before serving to give its interior crumb the best possible texture. </li></ol>

7 Tips for Making Ciabatta at Home

Homemade Ciabatta Bread Recipe

The French have baguettes and Italians have their ciabatta. This Italian rustic-looking loaf of bread is made from a sticky, wet dough which gives it its unique moist texture and unique flavor.

The French have baguettes and Italians have their ciabatta. This Italian rustic-looking loaf of bread is made from a sticky, wet dough which gives it its unique moist texture and unique flavor.
