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