Ciabatta bread, with its rustic Italian origins, is beloved for its chewy crust and airy, soft interior. This unique texture makes it an excellent choice for sandwiches, offering a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender bite within. Today, we’ll guide you through a simple yet delicious recipe to make a Ciabatta Bread Sandwich that’s packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
What is Ciabatta Bread?
Ciabatta (pronounced cha-BAH-ta) is an Italian white bread made from wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. Unlike many other breads, it has a wetter dough, which gives it a more open crumb and a light, porous texture. This makes it ideal for sandwiches as it holds fillings well without becoming soggy.
1 fresh ciabatta bread loaf (cut horizontally)
4 slices of deli turkey or chicken breast (you can substitute with ham or roast beef)
2 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese
Fresh lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce works great)
2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or aioli
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for drizzling)
Fresh basil leaves (optional for extra flavor)
How To Make Ciabatta Bread Sandwich
- Start by slicing the ciabatta loaf horizontally into two halves. For extra flavor, lightly toast the bread on a grill pan or toaster oven until golden brown. This adds crunch and enhances the bread's aroma.
- Spread mayonnaise or aioli evenly on one half of the bread. If you enjoy a slight tang, spread Dijon mustard on the other half.
- Begin with the fresh lettuce leaves to create a moisture barrier, keeping the bread from getting soggy. Then layer the turkey slices, followed by the cheese slices. Add the tomato and onion slices on top.
- Sprinkle a little salt and freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes and onions to enhance their flavor. For a fresh herbal note, tuck in a few basil leaves.
- Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the fillings to add richness. Place the top half of the ciabatta bread over the fillings and gently press down. Cut the sandwich into manageable portions.
