Bread has played an important role in the culinary world for as long as there’s been documentation of people existing. That may sound dramatic, but it’s true! Even ancient civilizations had their own variations of simplistic bread recipes that were a staple of their limited diet. As people and food have evolved, so has bread, but it hasn’t become any less important. Different cultures have held onto their own variations of bread to serve with meals. The French baguette and the Italian ciabatta are two of the most popular types of bread. Not only are they delicious, their recipes are very simplistic and have stayed the same over time.
Ciabatta
The Ciabatta that we know today was actually invented not that long ago. In the region of Veneto, Italy in 1982, an Italian baker named Arnaldo Cavallari was trying to find a way to make something that held similarity to the French baguette while pairing better with traditional Italian meals. Ciabatta is made using wheat flour, water, salt, yeast, and olive oil. It uses a very wet dough recipe to create the elongated, flattened loaf of bread. Ciabatta gained popularity by being cut into slices and used for grilled sandwiches, known today as paninis. After the bread was invented in 1982, the recipe was sold to various restaurants. By 1999, it was in 11 different countries around the globe, and has been growing in popularity ever since.
Baguette
Baguettes were around long before ciabatta bread. This French bread is made using wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. Baguettes are long, skinny loaves of bread that have existed since the 18th century! The recipe has evolved a little over that time, but the shape and consistency has remained almost the same. Baguettes are served with a variety of French meals and enjoyed by people all around the globe. There are striking similarities between the baguette and ciabatta, but the biggest difference is in the level of moisture in the dough. The wet dough used in ciabatta creates alveolar holes in the bread during the baking process, which changes the texture of the bread.
Try Authentic Sandwiches at Bricco Salumeria
If you’d like to try a traditional Italian ciabatta for yourself in Boston’s North End, visit Bricco Salumeria today! We have a menu full of authentic and delicious dishes that use only the freshest ingredients and best cooking methods so our guests will love it every single time. Click here to make a reservation or place an order for carry out. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a fancy dinner, we’ve got it all! Bricco Salumeria has become known as one of the best restaurants in Boston’s North End, and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
FAQs
"It reminds people of the older breads," Arnaldo Cavallari told The Guardian, describing his loaf as the "taste of an old-fashioned bread." The texture of ciabatta is chewy yet light and fluffy, with all its extra open-crumb air holes. By contrast, a French baguette, while airy, has small holes and a crisp crust.
What is the closest bread to ciabatta bread? ›
There are striking similarities between the baguette and ciabatta, but the biggest difference is in the level of moisture in the dough. The wet dough used in ciabatta creates alveolar holes in the bread during the baking process, which changes the texture of the bread.
Is ciabatta the same as Italian bread? ›
Ciabatta bread is a popular type of Italian bread, and therefore, is less nutritious than sourdough bread due to the leavening agent used.
Is ciabatta healthier than white bread? ›
Although ciabatta has the same fundamental elements as other bread, it is more nutritious than white bread because it uses whole grains. However, as per experts, multigrain bread is a healthier option.
What is the Italian version of a baguette? ›
Filone. Another Tuscan bread on the list, the filone is similar to the famous French baguette in shape. Its name comes from the word filo which means line – referring to the shape of the bread. Made with flour, olive oil, yeast, water, and salt, filone has a hard crispy crust and a light airy crumb inside.
What is the difference between Italian bread and baguette? ›
French bread tends to be longer and narrower. Italian bread loaves tend to be shorter and plumper. French bread tends to be hard and crusty on the outside, with a light and soft crumb. Italian bread can also have a hard crust, but the crumb tends to be denser.
Is baguette healthier than bread? ›
Are baguettes healthier than bread? Baguettes are similar in nutritional value to traditional white bread. Both baguettes and white bread are high in calories and carbohydrates while remaining low in fat content. Baguettes tend to contain more protein and sodium than white bread.
Which is better ciabatta or focaccia? ›
Serving: Focaccia is incredibly versatile and can be served as an antipasto, appetizer, table bread or snack. In contrast, ciabatta serves as a delicious sandwich bread.
Which bread is anti-inflammatory? ›
Refined grains, such as the grains found in white bread and white pasta, are known to increase inflammation across the whole body. Sourdough bread and rye bread are both good options for an anti-inflammatory diet. The best sourdough and rye bread varieties to reduce gut inflammation are those made from whole grains.
Can type 2 diabetics eat ciabatta bread? ›
The whole wheat, calcium, and fiber found in ciabatta bread can aid in proper digestion, prevent type 2 diabetes, and promote bone health (although not all ciabatta is made from whole wheat).
