Name: Ciabatta (Italian "Slipper" Bread)
Yield: Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients: 1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons warm water (105°‐115° F.); 1/3 cup room-temperature water; 1 cup bread flour*; 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons warm milk (105°‐115° F.); 2/3 cup room-temperature water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups bread flour*; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; *available at many supermarkets and by mail order from The Baker's Catalogue, tel. (800) 827-6836

Image may contain Food Bread Creme Cream Dessert Ice Cream and Bun

Photo by Shutterstock

The ciabatta does require a simple sponge but it takes only a few minutes to put together the day before making the bread. Though the dough for ciabatta is very wet and sticky, resist the temptation to add more flour.

For this recipe you will need a baking stone or unglazed "quarry" tiles. Baking stones are available at cookware shops and by mail order from The Baker's Catalogue, tel. (800) 827-6836. Tiles are also available at the above sources as well as at many tile stores listed in the Yellow Pages.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

21 Breads That Don't Involve a Sourdough Starter
Everyone you know has a new pet: their sourdough starter. But even if you're not quite ready for all the responsibility, you can still make bread.
113 of Our Best Bread Recipes
Savory or sweet, 3-day project or 1-hour quick loaf, whatever kind of bread you want to bake, it's here.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.

Recipe notes

21 Breads That Don't Involve a Sourdough Starter

113 of Our Best Bread Recipes