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Easy No-Knead Ciabatta Bread Recipe

A same-day no-knead ciabatta made in a stand mixer. Makes ciabatta loaves, paninis or cheese and tomato bread.
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Easy ciabatta panini & cheese & tomato bread recipe
Prep Time:1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes

Ingredients

Easy stand mixer ciabatta recipe:

  • 380 g Gideon Milling white bread flour
  • 120 g Gideon Milling – whole-wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1 Tbsp caster sugar
  • 500 ml luke warm water

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add all the dry ingredients. Mix briefly to combine.
  • While the machine is on low, slowly add the lukewarm water. Once it is incorporated turn the speed up to high and beat for 7 – 8 minutes. Make sure you watch this as you will need to turn the speed down to medium-low once the dough thickens up (approx 5 – 6 mins in). The mixer could become unstable at high speed and the motor could overheat.
  • After the dough has been beaten, scrape any excess off that is stuck to the paddle and drop it back into the bowl and cover with cling film and a tea towel. Place in a warm spot until it has more than doubled in size (about 50 mins – 90 mins depending on room temperature).
  • Towards the end of your proving time, preheat the oven to 230C / 446F and if you are making the cheesy bread, you could preheat a cast-iron skillet (optional).

Tip the dough out onto a well-floured surface. It will have a very light and fluffy texture that is similar to a marshmallow. Dust the surface of the dough with flour using a small sieve to evenly distribute it. Shape your dough as follows:

  • Cut in half and stretch the 2 pieces into a rectangular shape to make 2 medium ciabatta loaves.
  • Divide the dough into 8 even pieces to make paninis and shape it accordingly.
  • Cut in half and stretch the 2 pieces into a round shape to make 2 medium round cheese & tomato bread (or free form into any shape you prefer. This can be made on a large oven tray lined with non-stick paper).
  • To make 1 cheese bread and 4 panini divide into 60/40 bread using 60% to make the bread and the rest to be divided to make the 4 panini and shape accordingly (this will depend on the size of bread you would like to get).
  • If you are making cheese & tomato bread in a skillet – drizzle olive oil lightly over the bottom and press the dough into the pan until flattened out. Or simply place it on a lined baking sheet drizzled with olive oil. Drizzle olive oil over the bread and then top first with the mature hard cheese (Parmesan) followed by the grated softer cheese. Finally, place the roasted and cooled tomatoes over the surface. * see baking instructions below
  • Bake the bread for 20 – 25 minutes. 20 minutes for the panini and 25 minutes for the larger bread. The crust should be golden brown and a little crispy.

Notes

A wet, sticky dough beaten in a stand mixer for 7 to 8 minutes produces a light, airy ciabatta with a golden crust. No kneading or overnight proving needed.
This recipe makes 2 medium ciabatta loaves, 8 paninis, 2 round cheese and tomato breads, or a combination. I typically make 4 paninis and 1 cheese and tomato bread from one batch.
Watch the stand mixer once the dough thickens. Turn the speed down to medium-low around the 5 to 6 minute mark to prevent the motor overheating.
The dough should be very wet and sticky. Do not add extra flour. Dust with flour using a fine sieve when you tip it out for shaping.
Storage: Ciabatta is best eaten on the day it is baked. Store leftovers in a paper bag at room temperature for up to one day. Avoid plastic bags as they soften the crust.
Reheating: Refresh day-old ciabatta in a hot oven at 200°C (400°F) for 5 to 8 minutes. It also toasts well sliced in a griddle pan.
Freezing: Wrap cooled bread tightly in cling film and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Defrost at room temperature and refresh in a hot oven before serving.
Servings: 2 ciabattas
Author: Sam Linsell