Why does ciabatta have bigger holes?

Answer 1

Ciabatta has bigger holes primarily due to its high hydration dough, which contains more water than traditional bread dough. This increased moisture creates steam during baking, causing the dough to expand and form larger air pockets. Additionally, the gentle handling of the dough, often with minimal kneading, helps maintain the gas bubbles formed during fermentation, resulting in the characteristic open crumb structure. The combination of these factors gives ciabatta its distinctive texture and larger holes.