Ciabatta has a reputation for being difficult to make, but it can actually be easy when you follow the steps here. Any effort is worth it when you break off a piece and top slices with a little extra virgin olive oil, fresh ripened tomatoes, and the tiniest sprinkle of sea salt. It'll make you feel like you're in italy. Ciabatta dough is soft and sticky when made, so you will find it easier to use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Handling the soft dough is messy but not impossible if you dont have a stand mixer, but always keep a bowl of flour handy to dust your hands.