Home bread-making just became significantly more accessible thanks to a viral recipe from chef and social media sensation Andy Hearnden. The culinary expert, known online as Andy Cooks, has demonstrated how to create perfect ciabatta rolls using just five simple ingredients and absolutely no specialist equipment.
The Viral Ciabatta Phenomenon
In a TikTok video that has amassed over 446,400 views and received more than 22,100 likes, Hearnden shared his remarkably straightforward approach to crafting authentic Italian-style ciabatta. The chef emphasised that his method requires no stand mixer or dough hooks, making it ideal for kitchen novices and experienced bakers alike.
"These ciabatta rolls are super easy to make and require no special equipment," Hearnden assured viewers. "They're light and fluffy on the inside, and lovely and crunchy on the outside. Perfect for sandwiches."
What You'll Need for Perfect Homemade Ciabatta
The ingredient list is refreshingly minimal, consisting largely of pantry staples that most home cooks already possess. The complete list includes:
- 600g (four cups) bread flour
- 475ml warm water (32°C/90°F)
- 12g (2½ tsp) cooking salt (kosher salt)
- 40ml (¼ cup) olive oil
- 7g (2¼ tsp) dry yeast
- Sea salt for finishing
The method involves several resting periods but minimal active work, with the entire process from mixing to baking requiring primarily patience rather than complex techniques.
Step-by-Step Ciabatta Success
Begin by dissolving the yeast in warm water within a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, bread flour, and salt, stirring until just combined and the flour is thoroughly moistened. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
The unique stretching and folding technique comes next. Using a wet hand, stretch one corner of the dough and fold it over itself, repeating this process four times until the dough is completely folded over. Cover and rest for another 20 minutes, then repeat this stretching and folding sequence three additional times.
After the final fold, let the dough rest for 20 minutes while preheating your oven to 220°C (428°F). Prepare two large baking trays with baking paper.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently stretching it to an even thickness before dusting with flour. Cut into eight rectangular pieces, spacing them well on the prepared trays to allow for rising. Cover lightly and proof for 30 minutes before baking for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Overwhelmingly Positive Response
The recipe has generated enthusiastic feedback from viewers who have tried Hearnden's method. One commenter named Trine wrote: "Saw this, made it, ate it. Yammy." Another user, Pete & Gerry's Eggs, celebrated the texture: "That crunch is everything."
Additional comments included simple praise like "Looks really delicious" and Joel's grateful "Excellent, thank you," indicating widespread approval for both the method and results.
This approach demystifies what many consider a challenging bread variety, proving that with the right technique, professional-quality ciabatta can emerge from any home kitchen without investment in expensive equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
