Easy and Budget-Friendly Ciabatta Bread

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 …
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