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No-Knead Ciabatta

Experience the magic of freshly baked No-Knead Ciabatta at home. This easy recipe delivers a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior without any kneading involved.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 18 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Bread, Side
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Use good-quality flour for best results.
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon instant yeast Essential for the rising process.
  • 2 cups water

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk them together until well mixed.
  2. Pour in the water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry about mixing it too well; it’s supposed to be sticky!
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, or until the surface is bubbly and the dough has doubled in size.
  4. Lightly flour a countertop and gently turn the dough out onto it. Handle it with care, as you want to keep as many air bubbles as possible. Cut it into two pieces using a bench scraper.
  5. Shape each piece into a rough rectangle, then place them on a floured parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 1-2 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before baking, place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 450°F (232°C).
  7. Carefully transfer the ciabatta onto the hot baking surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. The crust should be hard and the inside soft and airy.
  8. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

To enjoy your No-Knead Ciabatta long after it’s made, wrap it in a kitchen towel and store it at room temperature for up to three days. You can also slice it and freeze the pieces for up to a month! Reheat thawed slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.