I had no plans to share Saturday’s baking adventures as I truly thought the’d be sub-par on first attempt but my first ciabatta rolls were most definitely blog-worthy. On Friday I started preparing Kevin (the sourdough starter) for an outing but on Friday night, when I read Celia’s recipe, I realised I’d have to get up at 5am to have them ready by lunch time.
That wasn’t going to happen so I switched plans and made her yeasted ciabatta instead. Let me tell you, this was one of the easiest bread recipes I’ve ever made with the best result first go.
I was cursing Celia a little having to plunge my hands into the fridge-cold water to knead but I forgave her. I’ve never made a yeasted dough that didn’t call for warm water so this was a little something different. Yes you will need to get your hands dirty too. It’s actually really satisfying squelching all the ingredients together.
On the left is my dough after squelching and on the right after a quick knead in the bowl 15 minutes later.
I was a bit impatient with my dough rising (I think it took maybe 2.5 hours) so I put the oven on for 10 minutes then turned it off and put the dough in there to rise. I’m not sure if it’s advised but it seems to work for me.
This is a seriously soft dough to work with. I really thought I was going to turn out disastrous bread when I was ‘shaping’ the rolls but I needn’t have worried.
I halved Celia’s recipe, mostly because I didn’t have enough flour, but still made 4 portions so they’d serve as individual ciabattas for our lunch. Sorry there are no pretty pictures. As I said, I really didn’t think they’d be blog-worthy first go.
If you love ciabattas you MUST try making these. It’s literally about 10 minutes hands-on work and that’s if you’re slow. I won’t re-post the recipe as I stuck to Celia’s but I used all baker’s flour (so reduced the water by 5% as instructed) and halved the recipe as I said. Apart from that, I stuck to every step.
Thanks so much Celia! Here is the recipe if you’re keen. You know you want to! As soon as I get some more flour I’m making the sourdough version.
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Soooooooo good! I made these today and we used them as hamburger buns with a turkey patty, lettuce, beetroot, cheese and cranberry sauce. Best burger ever!
Had it with a side of sweet potato chips cooked in coconut oil.
Dinner was a hit! :o)
I ended up doing a half batch too. So glad I took your advice and still made the four portions. They’re perfect burger size.
Another awesome recipe from your blog. That’s a hat-trick! (I’ll head over and thank Celia too :o) )
So glad you liked them Matt! I’ve been making a batch every week since I started. A half recipe in 4 portions is perfect isn’t it? You could even do them in little rolls I guess but I like the big ones!
These look great – perfect sandwich rolls!
They’re just the right size aren’t they!?
Ciabatta is one of my favorite breads but one I haven’t tried making at home yet – now you’ve inspired me!
You’ll love it!
Can’t wait to try this – I can’t believe how fast it comes together! That sandwich looks absolutely divine!
You’d be a pro Jess. They’re so easy and delicious!
love ciabattas for sandwiches! and if you say it takes this little time… it could be bearable even for me!
Stephanie go for it. They’re really easy!
Looks Fab Claire! I totally hear you on the cold hands though, made a batch of lamb koftas and hand kneaded the mince. It took hours for the sensation in my fingers to return.
Lisa that makes me shiver just thinking about it.
Claire, this looks like a fabulous lunch!
It was Chris!
I love the look of your rolls. Congrats on a great result. Celia is an amazing baker and I’d happily take her advice (even if it meant cold hands) any day xx
Isn’t she Charlie? I really owe all my baking skills to her!
Claire, I adore you, you’re too funny! And please take a ticket and join the queue, everyone curses me at some point.. ;-)
You turned out gorgeous ciabattas first time, what a star you are! I still can’t believe Will got his mouth around that huge roll! xxx
Aww shucks what a compliment from the master! I’ll let you in on a secret… we toasted them so it was a bit flatter.
I’ve tried Celia’s ciabatta and it was delicious. You did a great job Claire! :D
Thanks Lorraine!
That looks so simple that maybe even I could do it!
You definitely could Sophie!
They look awesome Claire.
Thanks Jo! I was a little bit proud!
These look great! Like legit ciabatta! Yum.
Thanks Sarah!
Bread is pretty forgiving, hey? Once I’ve finished my gluten detox I’m going to give sourdough ciabatta a crack, I love yeasted ciabatta but I love anything sourdough more!
I’ll let you know how I go with the sourdough version Kirsty!
Yum. I love ciabatta and this looks nice and easy.
So easy Erin!