Baking bread at home can feel daunting, but with this recipe for easy small batch ciabatta rolls, you can enjoy fresh, airy bread without all the fuss. With just 10 minutes of hands-on preparation and no kneading required, these rolls come out light, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe will have you enjoying homemade bread in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This small batch ciabatta roll recipe is simple yet rewarding. It’s ideal for those times when you want fresh bread without making a huge batch. The dough is incredibly easy to handle, and the result is a delicious, airy roll with a perfect crispy crust. The best part? There’s no kneading required!

• Small Batch: Makes 4-5 rolls, perfect for smaller families or gatherings.

• Minimal Effort: No kneading required, just a few stretch and fold steps.

• Incredible Texture: Light and fluffy on the inside with a crackly, crispy crust.

• Quick Prep Time: Only 10 minutes of active work, with most of the time spent waiting for the dough to rise.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon instant yeast

• 240 grams water, at room temperature (approximately 1 cup)

• 300 grams all-purpose flour (approximately 2.5 cups)

• 1 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough (1 Hour Rise Time)

In a small cup, dissolve the instant yeast in lukewarm water and stir. Let it sit for 2 minutes until it starts to bubble and develop a yeasty aroma. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and whisk until fully combined. The mixture should be sticky and wet. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.

2. Stretch and Fold the Dough (1.5 Hour Rise Time)

Wet your hands to make handling the dough easier. Gently stretch and fold the dough by pulling one edge toward the center, then repeat with the other three edges. Cover the bowl again and let it rest for 30 minutes. Repeat this stretching and folding process two more times with 30-minute resting periods in between.

3. Shape the Dough (40 Minutes Rise Time)

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Gently shape it into a rectangle, being careful not to deflate the air bubbles. Roll the dough into a log and press the edges to seal. Cut the log into 4–5 equal pieces and place them on a well-floured surface, leaving at least two inches between each piece. Let them rest for 40 minutes.

4. Bake the Ciabatta Rolls

Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C). Place a baking pan with water at the bottom of the oven to create steam. This helps achieve a crispy crust. Transfer each roll onto a parchment-lined baking tray, dust with flour, and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom. Allow the rolls to cool for 20 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–5 rolls

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Rise time: 3 hours (with intervals)

• Bake time: 20 minutes

• Cooling time: 20 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 4 hours

Variations

• Herb-infused Ciabatta: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist.

• Cheese-filled Ciabatta: Mix in some shredded cheese or grated Parmesan for a cheesy delight.

• Olive Ciabatta: Add chopped olives to the dough for a Mediterranean flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover ciabatta rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls for up to 3 months. Reheat the rolls in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make more rolls. Just ensure you have a larger mixing bowl and baking tray.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, active dry yeast will work, but you’ll need to dissolve it in warm water (about 110°F) with a pinch of sugar before using.

How do I store leftover ciabatta rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I add cheese or herbs to the dough?

Yes! You can mix in shredded cheese, rosemary, thyme, or any other herbs you enjoy during the initial dough preparation.

What’s the best way to reheat ciabatta rolls?

Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crunchy crust.

Can I make these ciabatta rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it after the initial rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Why does the dough need steam in the oven?

Steam helps form a crispy, crackly crust, which is a signature characteristic of ciabatta bread.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped rolls before the final rise. Just let them thaw and complete the rise before baking.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser texture.

Why is my ciabatta dough too sticky?

The dough for ciabatta is meant to be very sticky due to its high hydration. If you find it too sticky to handle, sprinkle a bit of flour on your hands or work surface.

Conclusion

These easy small batch ciabatta rolls prove that homemade bread doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy soft, airy rolls with a delicious crispy crust. Whether you’re serving them alongside a meal or enjoying them with butter, these rolls will quickly become a family favorite. Try them out, and discover how easy it can be to make fresh bread at home!