Rustic Homemade Ciabatta Rolls

These rustic ciabatta-style bread rolls have a light, airy crumb, crispy crust, and that authentic flavor you’d expect from a traditional wood-fired oven. Made with a high-hydration dough and simple folding technique, they require no mixer and minimal effort – yet deliver bakery-quality results every time.

Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside soups and stews.

Rustic Homemade Ciabatta Rolls

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: BreadCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

255

kcal

Resting Time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

55

minutes

Easy homemade ciabatta rolls with a rustic crust and soft, airy interior. No mixer required – simple folds create bakery-style bread just like from a wood-fired oven.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 1200 g 8 cup All-purpose flour

• 1000 g 4 cup Lukewarm water

• 14 g 3 1/2 tbsp Dry yeast

• 20 g 1 tbsp Salt

• 30 g 2 tbsp Sugar

• 60 g 4 tbsp Olive oil

How to make Ciabatta Rolls

• Prepare the Dough
• In a large baking dish or glass pan, add the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix briefly.
• Add the lukewarm water, mix well, and spread the dough evenly in the pan.
• Cover with cling film and let rest for 30 minutes.
• Folding Process
• Uncover the dough and drizzle the olive oil over the surface.
• Gently fold the dough from the outside toward the center, then spread it again evenly.
• Cover and rest for 15 minutes.
• Repeat the folding process (pulling from the edges toward the center), spread again, cover, and rest for 15 minutes.
• Wet your hands slightly and repeat one more gentle fold.
• Cover and rest for another 15 minutes.
• Shape the Rolls
• Generously flour your work surface and invert the pan to release the dough.
• With wet hands, gently adjust the shape using your fingers.
• Dust the top with flour and cut into portions.
• Lightly shape and transfer the pieces to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake
• Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C / 400°F (top & bottom heat) for 25 minutes, until golden and crisp.

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Rustic Ciabatta Rolls – Bakery Results at Home

Why This Ciabatta Recipe Works

Ciabatta bread is known for its high hydration dough, which creates large air pockets and a soft interior. Instead of kneading, this recipe uses simple folding intervals, allowing gluten to develop naturally without effort or equipment.

The olive oil adds flavor and helps produce a golden, crispy crust, while the resting periods give the dough time to relax and rise properly.

Wood-Fired Style at Home

Although baked in a conventional oven, these rolls mimic the texture and aroma of traditional wood-fired bread. Baking at high heat ensures rapid oven spring, locking in moisture while creating a crackly exterior.

Serving Ideas

These rustic ciabatta rolls are incredibly versatile:

• Slice and fill with meats, cheese, or roasted vegetables
• Serve warm with olive oil and herbs
• Pair with soups, stews, or salads
• Toast lightly for bruschetta or breakfast

Storage Tips

• Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months
• Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to refresh the crust

This homemade rustic ciabatta proves that artisan bread doesn’t need special tools – just time, patience, and the right technique.