Ciabatta is a classic Italian bread that has long been admired for its crispy crust and airy, open crumb. However, this Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta takes the original recipe to the next level, with a Mediterranean twist that includes earthy olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a fragrant blend of fresh herbs. Whether you’re using it as a base for gourmet sandwiches, bruschetta, or just to accompany a hearty meal, this recipe will elevate your bread-baking skills and add some delicious Mediterranean soul to your kitchen. This bread is simple to make, yet packed with bold flavors.
What is Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta?
Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta is a homemade artisan bread that features a unique combination of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, all baked into the dough. Unlike regular bread, ciabatta is known for its rustic appearance and airy texture, with large holes in the crumb. This variation adds a savory depth of flavor thanks to the addition of Mediterranean ingredients such as rosemary, thyme, and olive oil. It’s the perfect accompaniment to fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or gourmet sandwiches.
Origin of Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta
The ciabatta bread itself hails from Italy, specifically from the Lombardy region. Its name, which means “slipper” in Italian, refers to its flat, somewhat irregular shape. Traditionally, ciabatta is made with a simple dough that includes flour, water, yeast, and salt. However, as with many classic recipes, variations have evolved to incorporate local ingredients and preferences. The Mediterranean flavors in this version, including olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, give this ciabatta a new, vibrant twist. These additions bring out a rich, savory taste that pairs beautifully with the bread’s naturally crispy crust and airy crumb.
Ingredients for Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta (Makes 2 medium loaves)
To create this flavorful rustic ciabatta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups bread flour
- ½ cup semolina flour (optional, for texture)
- 1 ½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Add-ins for Flavor:
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) or roasted cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup pitted black or green olives (roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano
- 1 small onion, caramelized (optional, for sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir the mixture gently, and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This step is crucial to ensure the yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.
2. Mix the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, add the olive oil, salt, bread flour, and semolina flour (if using) to the mixture. Stir the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or spatula until a wet, shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry about the dough being too smooth at this point—this ciabatta is meant to be rustic!
Next, fold in the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, herbs, and optional caramelized onion for added sweetness. If you’re using tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes, now is the time to add them to deepen the flavor profile.
3. First Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours. The dough should double in size, indicating that it’s ready for the next step.
4. Stretch and Fold
On a well-floured surface, gently turn the dough out. Instead of kneading, perform the stretch-and-fold technique. This means gently stretching the dough from the edges and folding it over itself 2–3 times. This method helps to build the dough’s structure without overworking it. Keep in mind that ciabatta dough is meant to be loose and rustic, so don’t worry about perfection here.
5. Second Rise
After the stretch-and-fold, divide the dough into two portions. Shape each portion into a rough loaf, about 14 inches long and 3 inches wide. Place the loaves on a parchment-lined tray, cover with a damp towel, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise will help the dough achieve its light, airy texture.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). When the dough has finished its second rise, place the loaves into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and crisp on the outside. The bread should have a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom, indicating that it’s fully baked. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Variations of Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta
This Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Cheese & Herb Ciabatta: Add 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or goat cheese into the dough for a cheesy twist. You can also mix in herbs like basil or oregano to complement the cheese.
- Spicy Ciabatta: For those who love heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick. You could also add a few slices of fresh chili peppers to the dough.
- Garlic Ciabatta: For a bold, garlicky flavor, fold in some roasted garlic or sautéed garlic into the dough during the mixing step. This is perfect if you’re using the ciabatta as a base for bruschetta.
- Olives & Feta Ciabatta: Replace the olives with a combination of green olives and crumbled feta cheese. This variation will add a tangy, salty punch that pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes.
- Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Instead of just adding olive oil to the dough, infuse the olive oil with rosemary, thyme, or garlic before mixing it into the dough. This adds even more flavor to the bread.
FAQs About The Recipe
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking it. - Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
While bread flour is ideal for ciabatta because it has a higher protein content, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. The texture may not be as chewy, but it will still be delicious. - How can I store the ciabatta?
Ciabatta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in a bread box or loosely wrapped in paper for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To revive frozen ciabatta, heat it in the oven for a few minutes. - Can I add other vegetables to the dough?
Yes! Roasted red peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms would be great additions to the dough, especially if you want to add a bit more texture and flavor. - What can I pair this ciabatta with?
This ciabatta is perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or as a base for gourmet sandwiches. Try it with grilled vegetables, creamy cheeses, or even charcuterie for an impressive Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta recipe is an easy-to-make, delicious addition to any bread lover’s repertoire. The tangy sun-dried tomatoes, savory olives, and fragrant herbs come together to create a Mediterranean-inspired loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, bruschetta, or as an accompaniment to your favorite meals. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or to impress guests, this bread is sure to become a favorite. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a beautifully rustic, flavorful ciabatta loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
Make sure to try different variations of this bread to match your personal preferences, and don’t forget to pair it with some tasty Mediterranean dips or spreads for an even more indulgent experience. Happy baking!
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Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta Recipe: A Mediterranean-Inspired Artisan Bread
- Total Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rustic Olive, Tomato & Herb Ciabatta is a homemade artisan bread that features a unique combination of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, all baked into the dough. Unlike regular bread, ciabatta is known for its rustic appearance and airy texture, with large holes in the crumb. This variation adds a savory depth of flavor thanks to the addition of Mediterranean ingredients such as rosemary, thyme, and olive oil. It’s the perfect accompaniment to fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or gourmet sandwiches.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups bread flour
- ½ cup semolina flour (optional, for texture)
- 1 ½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Add-ins:
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) or roasted cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup pitted black or green olives (roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano
- 1 small onion, caramelized (optional for sweetness)
Instructions
1. Activate Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix Dough
- Add olive oil, salt, bread flour, and semolina. Stir until a wet, shaggy dough forms.
- Fold in tomato paste, herbs, olives, tomatoes, and caramelized onion if using.
3. First Rise
- Cover bowl with a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5–2 hours until doubled.
4. Stretch & Fold
- On a well-floured surface, gently stretch and fold the dough over itself 2–3 times.
- Avoid kneading—this dough is meant to stay loose and rustic.
5. Second Rise
- Shape into 2 rough loaves (about 14×3 inches). Place on parchment-lined tray.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
6. Bake
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool on wire rack before slicing.
Notes
This ciabatta is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of olive oil or alongside a cheese board. Leftovers make excellent sandwich bread the next day
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hr rising)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 70g)
- Calories: ~190
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~280mg
- Fat: ~4g
- Saturated Fat: ~0.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~34g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~6g
- Cholesterol: None
Keywords: Mediterranean Ciabatta, Olive Tomato Herb Bread, Rustic Ciabatta Bread
