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Ciabatta

Ciabatta is an Italian white bread known for its elongated, flat shape, crisp crust, and airy interior with large holes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ciabatta is an Italian white bread characterized by an elongated, flat shape, a crisp crust, and an airy interior with large holes. It was created in 1982 by baker Arnaldo Cavallari in Adria, Veneto. The name means “slipper” in Italian, referencing the loaf’s shape. Ciabatta is widely available in Canadian bakeries, grocery stores, and sandwich shops, and is commonly used in Italian-inspired and casual lunch foods.

Origin

Ciabatta was created in 1982 in Adria, Veneto, by Arnaldo Cavallari. It was later associated with the broader Italian bread tradition and became popular beyond its place of origin.

Characteristics

Ciabatta is usually baked as a long, flat loaf with a floury or crisp crust and a chewy, airy interior. Its open crumb, produced by a high-hydration dough, is one of its most recognizable features.

Etymology

The word ciabatta means “slipper” in Italian, referring to the loaf’s shape. This name is used for the bread as well as for the shoe meaning in Italian.

Culinary use

Ciabatta is widely used for sandwiches, panini, and bruschetta-style preparations. It is also eaten on its own, often toasted or served with olive oil.

Key facts

  • Ciabatta is a relatively recent Italian bread, first made in 1982.
  • It was developed in Adria, Veneto, by baker Arnaldo Cavallari.
  • The dough has high hydration, producing an open, holey crumb.
  • The name ciabatta means “slipper” in Italian.
  • It is commonly used for sandwiches and toasted preparations.
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Canadian context

Ciabatta is widely available in Canadian bakeries, grocery stores, and sandwich shops, and is commonly used in Italian-inspired and casual lunch foods.

Frequently asked questions

What is ciabatta?
Ciabatta is an Italian white bread with a flat, elongated shape, a crisp crust, and a porous, airy interior.
Who created ciabatta?
Ciabatta was created by Arnaldo Cavallari in 1982.
Where did ciabatta come from?
It originated in Adria, in the Veneto region of Italy.
What does ciabatta mean?
Ciabatta means “slipper” in Italian, referring to the bread’s shape.
How is ciabatta typically used?
It is commonly used for sandwiches, panini, and bruschetta, and is also eaten toasted or with olive oil.

References

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ciabatta
    Supports: Definition as a flat oblong bread with a moist interior and crispy crust.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciabatta
    Supports: Origin, creation date, creator, shape, and etymology.
  3. Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/ciabatta
    Supports: Meaning as a type of Italian bread in a long flat shape and name origin from Italian 'slipper'.
  4. BBC Food — https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/ciabatta
    Supports: Description of appearance, texture, and common culinary uses.