How to Make Fresh Homemade Ciabatta Bread ( in your pizza oven )

September 12, 2024

There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread—especially when it’s made in your very own wood-fired oven. If you’re a fan of the rustic charm and flavor that only a Neapolitan-style oven can bring, then this recipe is for you. Chicago Brick Oven, known for its authentic wood-fired cooking experience, offers the perfect environment for creating artisan breads like ciabatta with a beautifully crisp crust and soft, airy crumb.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting aroma of freshly baked bread with the help of a wood-fired oven, a true marvel in artisanal cooking. Chicago Brick Oven, renowned for its commitment to delivering an authentic wood-fired cooking experience, paves the way for crafting Neapolitan-style breads that boast a rustic charm and unparalleled flavor profile. The ciabatta recipe presented here is a testament to the magic that unfolds within these ovens, yielding loaves with a perfectly crunchy crust and a tender, airy crumb.

By embracing the tradition of wood-fired cooking with a Chicago Brick Oven, bread enthusiasts can elevate their baking endeavors to new heights. The crackling fire and radiant heat of the oven infuse each loaf with a unique smoky essence, transforming a simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the art of breadmaking, the allure of creating ciabatta in a wood-fired oven is an experience like no other, promising delectable results that will captivate your senses and delight your taste buds.

Whether you're a seasoned home baker or just beginning, follow this guide to craft your own loaf of fresh homemade ciabatta, combining tradition with the unbeatable power of your Chicago Brick Oven.

For the seasoned home baker or novice looking to elevate their bread-making skills, embarking on the journey of crafting a fresh homemade ciabatta bread is a rewarding endeavor. When armed with the unparalleled baking capabilities of a Chicago Brick Oven, the traditional art of ciabatta-making can be seamlessly infused with modern efficiency and precision.

To start your ciabatta-making adventure, gather high-quality ingredients such as flour, water, yeast, and salt, ensuring they are at the optimal temperature to activate the yeast and develop the gluten properly. With the controlled environment and even heat distribution of your Chicago Brick Oven, the dough's fermentation process can be carefully monitored and optimized for the perfect rise and texture.

As you place your ciabatta in the Chicago Brick Oven, you'll witness the magic of transformation as the dough puffs up and forms a crust with a beautiful golden hue. The high temperatures and radiant heat of the pizza oven will impart that coveted crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and airy interior, characteristic of authentic ciabatta loaves.

By following this guide and harnessing the power of your Chicago Brick Oven, you can delight in the satisfaction of creating a flavorful and artisanal ciabatta bread that rivals those found in the finest bakeries.

This is what you will need...

Ingredients:

Starter:

3/4 cup warm water

1 teaspoon active dry yeast (keep the rest of the package for use in the dough)

1 cup bread flour

Pinch of granulated sugar

Dough:

1 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast (the remainder of the package is used for the starter)

1 cup of warm water

1 teaspoon of salt

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 teaspoon of honey

2 1/2 cups of bread flour

For the starter:

To create a successful starter, the process begins by pouring warm water into a spacious, non-metallic bowl, carefully sprinkling yeast on top, and gently stirring until completely dissolved. Following this, the addition of flour and sugar is necessary, and the mixture should be beaten until it has a smooth consistency. It is essential to then cover the bowl with plastic wrap, allowing the concoction to stand and ferment in a warm environment for a duration of 6-12 hours.

This method is instrumental in activating the yeast and allowing the fermentation process to occur, which is crucial for developing the flavors and texture of the starter. The patience and precision required in following these steps play a vital role in ensuring a successful and robust foundation for various baked goods, such as bread and pastries. By allowing the starter to rest and ferment in a warm space, the natural fermentation process can work its magic, yielding a well-developed and flavorful base for future baking endeavors.

For the dough:

When combining yeast with warm water in a small bowl and adding it to the starter along with salt, oil, and honey, a delightful bread-making journey begins. The process involves beating the mixture until smooth, then adding flour all at once and mixing until thoroughly incorporated. The resulting dough should have a consistency that is between a batter and regular bread dough, making it challenging to stir but too wet to knead. After letting the mixture rest for five minutes, the dough is beaten and folded with a heavy wooden spoon, covered with plastic wrap, and left to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 1/2-2 hours or until nearly tripled in bulk.

To shape the loaves, a heavily floured baking sheet is prepared, and extra flour is kept handy for dusting hands. Carefully turning out a piece of soft and sticky dough onto the floured baking sheet without deflating the air bubble is key. Running fingers along the sides helps plump the loaf and form a distinct slipper shape. For a square “cushion” loaf, the dough is lifted in the center, allowing the ends to fold under. After repeating the process with the second loaf on the same sheet and letting them rise uncovered for 30 minutes, the oven is preheated to 400°F about 15 minutes before the completion of the rising time.

It's time to Bake!

Baking the bread for 30-35 minutes, or up to 40 minutes for a crisper crust, creates a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen. Once baked, the loaves are removed from the pan and allowed to cool on wire racks. While this bread is best enjoyed on the day it’s made, storing it in a waxed paper bag helps maintain the crust's crispness. Following these steps with care and patience results in a homemade loaf that is not only delicious but also deeply satisfying for those who appreciate the art of bread-making.

Chicago Brick Oven - Hybrid Ovens

At Chicago Brick Oven, a diverse selection of top-quality ovens is available, catering to both residential and commercial needs. Whether you require a compact oven for your backyard or a larger one for your business, we have the perfect size to suit your requirements. Our ovens come in a range of sizes, ensuring there is an ideal fit for every space and purpose.

In addition to various sizes, we also offer a wide array of fuel options to choose from. Whether you prefer the traditional taste of wood-fired cooking or the convenience of gas, we have you covered. Our commitment to providing versatile options ensures that every customer can find the perfect oven that meets their specific preferences and needs. With Chicago Brick Oven, you can trust that you are investing in a durable, high-performance oven that will elevate your cooking experience, whether at home or in a commercial setting.

Our Hybrid-Dual Fuel Ovens (Wood & Gas) stand out as the most sophisticated ovens available in the market today. These ovens are factory pre-set for either Natural Gas or Liquid Propane, giving users the flexibility to choose the power source that best suits their needs. By offering the convenience of selecting between these two options, our ovens ensure that users can enjoy the traditional low dome Neapolitan style cooking experience without any limitations.

The versatility of our Hybrid - Dual Fuel Ovens makes them a top choice for those who value convenience and precision in their cooking equipment. Whether you prefer the efficiency of Natural Gas or the flexibility of Liquid Propane, our ovens are designed to cater to your specific preferences. With advanced features and a sleek design, these ovens combine functionality and style, setting a new standard for home cooking appliances.

Experience the ultimate cooking experience with our Hybrid - Dual Fuel Ovens and elevate your culinary skills to new heights.

The dual burner technology these ovens use is a very unique concept that we proudly talk about.

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Custom Projects

If you are working on a larger project and require additional components such as flue pipe extensions, cosmetic stack extensions, extra insulation, or similar items, please complete our Custom Quote Form, and we will assist you promptly. Alternatively, you can call our office, and one of our specialists will attend to your needs.

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