Name: Easy Small Batch Ciabatta Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp instant yeast; 1 tsp salt; 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp honey (or sugar); 1/2 cup warm water (additional, if needed, for adjusting dough consistency); 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing); Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)

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Fresh, warm, and airy, these small batch ciabatta rolls are perfect for anyone craving a crusty bread without the need for a large loaf. They’re light, fluffy, and have the perfect amount of chew, making them ideal for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or simply enjoying on their own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Perfect for a small batch – No need to make a large loaf; this recipe yields just enough for a few people.
Simple ingredients – Made with basic pantry staples, so you can whip them up anytime.
Light and airy – With a soft interior and crispy crust, these rolls are just the right balance of texture.
Versatile – Great for sandwiches, with soup, or served as a side to your favorite meal.

Ingredients

For the Ciabatta Rolls:
all-purpose flour
instant yeast
salt
warm water
olive oil
honey (or sugar)
warm water
olive oil
Cornmeal or flour

Directions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the water and olive oil, then mix until a sticky dough forms. You can use a spoon or your hands for this part. The dough will be quite wet, but that’s what gives it that signature ciabatta texture.

Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, flour your work surface lightly. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently stretch it into a rough rectangle. Divide the dough into 4 to 6 equal portions. Using floured hands, shape each portion into a rough roll, keeping them free-form and rustic.

Second Rise

Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes to an hour, until puffed and slightly airy.

Preheat the Oven

While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam for a crisp crust.

Bake

Once the rolls have risen, bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown with a crisp crust. You can tap the bottoms of the rolls – they should sound hollow when done.

Cool and Serve

Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy while they’re still warm with butter, or use them for your favorite sandwich.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overwork the dough – Ciabatta dough is meant to be sticky, so avoid adding too much extra flour or kneading it too much.
Steam is key – The steam from the water in the oven helps create that beautiful, crispy crust.
Use room temperature water – Water that’s too hot or cold can interfere with the yeast, so aim for room temperature water.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add herbs or garlic – For extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) or garlic to the dough.
Whole wheat option – You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier roll.
Cheese – Add some grated Parmesan or mozzarella to the dough for a cheesy twist on your ciabatta rolls.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These small batch ciabatta rolls are perfect on their own, but they’re also great for making sandwiches. Try filling them with deli meats, fresh veggies, or a bit of pesto. They also pair wonderfully with soups and stews, or you can serve them alongside a salad for a light meal. A glass of red wine or a sparkling water would complement these rolls beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage – Store any leftover rolls in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a kitchen towel. They’ll stay fresh for 1-2 days.
Reheating – If the rolls get a bit stale, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore some of their crispness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping the rolls and letting them rise again.

Why is my dough so sticky?
Ciabatta dough is supposed to be sticky, as it helps create the airy, open crumb structure. If it feels too sticky to handle, try using more flour on your hands and surface when shaping the rolls.

Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls once they’ve cooled completely. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. To reheat, bake them straight from the freezer for about 10-15 minutes.

How can I make my rolls extra crispy?
To make the crust even crispier, you can place a baking stone in the oven to preheat, or lightly brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil before baking.

Conclusion

These easy small batch ciabatta rolls are a perfect way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread without making a huge batch. They’re simple to make, light and airy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy them on their own or use them to make a delicious sandwich, these rolls are sure to impress!