Tiger Bread Recipe – European Special
Tiger Bread, also known as “Dutch Crunch,” is a unique and flavorful bread characterized by its crunchy, mottled crust that resembles the stripes of a tiger. This delicious bread has a soft, fluffy interior and is often enjoyed as a sandwich loaf or simply with butter. The contrast between the crunchy top and the tender crumb makes it a favorite among bread lovers. With its stunning appearance and delightful texture, Tiger Bread is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table!
- Prep Time30 min
- Cook Time22 min
- Perform Time1 hr 50 min
- Total Time2 hr 42 min
For the Bread:
- 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) rice flour
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
Prepare the Dough:
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Topping:
Combine Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix rice flour, warm water, sugar, salt, sesame oil, and yeast. Stir until smooth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Shape the Dough:
Shape: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide it into two equal pieces and shape them into loaves.
Second Rise: Place the loaves into greased bread pans or on a baking sheet. Cover and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during the second rise.
Apply Topping and Bake:
Apply Topping: Once the loaves have risen, spread the rice flour topping evenly over the surface of each loaf.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool:
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Recipe Notes:
Rice Flour: The rice flour topping is what gives Tiger Bread its unique texture and appearance.
Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding herbs or spices to the dough for additional flavor.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
