PREP TIME: 10 MINS
PLUS CHILLING AND
STANDING TIME
COOK TIME: 50 MINS
MAKES: 1 LOAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 500g unbleached plain flour
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 475ml lukewarm water
• 1 tsp salt
• Extra flour for dusting and shaping
• Devondale Award Winning Dairy Soft Butter Blend (for spreading)
• Raspberry jam to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix the flour, yeast, and salt together in a large bowl.
2. Pour in the lukewarm water to make a sticky dough. Use a spatula to mix until well combined.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
4. The next day, take the dough out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the weather (it should be just at room temperature before baking).
5. Line a flat oven tray with baking paper and sprinkle it generously with flour. Use floured hands to shape the sticky dough into a ciabatta shape. Flip the dough over so that the floured side is on top.
6. Place the tray in a cold oven and set the temperature to 220ºC.
7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the bread has a light golden color and sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool the bread on wire racks and serve while still warm. Spread with Devondale Dairy Soft Butter and serve with raspberry jam.

Enjoy this delicious homemade ciabatta bread with the wonderful combination of butter and jam!

Here are a few variations you can try for this basic ciabatta bread recipe:

1. Herb and Garlic Ciabatta:
   • Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or basil) to the dough during the mixing stage.
   • You can also sprinkle some additional herbs and garlic on top of the bread before baking for extra flavor.
2. Whole Wheat Ciabatta:
   • Replace half or all of the unbleached plain flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier and heartier version of ciabatta.
   • Adjust the amount of water as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
3. Cheese and Olive Ciabatta:
   • Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped black or green olives to the dough during the mixing stage.
   • The combination of cheesy and salty olives gives the bread a delightful savory twist.
4. Sundried Tomato and Basil Ciabatta:
   • Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped sundried tomatoes (rehydrated in hot water if they’re dry) and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil to the dough.
   • This variation adds a burst of tangy sweetness from the tomatoes and the fresh herbal aroma of basil.
5. Multigrain Ciabatta:
   • Incorporate a mix of different grains and seeds, such as flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and rolled oats, into the dough.
   • You can also add a handful of sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
6. Sweet Ciabatta with Cinnamon and Raisins:
   • Make a sweet version by adding 1/2 cup of raisins, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a couple of tablespoons of honey or brown sugar to the dough.
   • This variation is perfect for a breakfast or snack bread.
7. Nutty Ciabatta with Walnuts and Cranberries:
   • Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the dough.
   • The combination of crunchy walnuts and chewy cranberries will add a delightful texture and sweetness to the bread.