Tiger bread is trending – here’s how to make it!

Hailing from the Netherlands, tiger bread, also known as tijgerbrood or Dutch crunch bread, stands apart from its traditional counterparts with its striking crust that resembles the majestic patterns of a tiger’s coat.

Tiger bread has been having a moment amongst foodies on TikTok, so let’s look at what makes it so special and how to make your own.

It’s all about texture with tiger bread

What makes tiger bread truly extraordinary is the combination of its crust and soft, pillowy interior.

The crust, with its characteristic crackling texture, is created by a special paste applied before baking. This paste is often made with rice flour, vegetable oil, sugar, and yeast, and creates a captivating contrast of flavour and texture that elevate the entire bread. The result? A perfect harmony of crispy, golden crust and tender, fluffy bread that’s simply irresistible.

Tiger bread is versatile like most other breads but its golden, crispy crust and pillowy interior elevate . Whether it’s served alongside a warming winter soup or topped with your favourite sarmie fillings, this tiger has earned its stripes and has become a firm favourite of ours!

Tiger bread recipe

Now that we’ve got you in the mood for the pillowy bread with a perfect crust, here’s a straightforward recipe to create your own tiger bread at home.

Tip: If you’ve already got a go-to  bread recipe that uses yeast, you can always use the dough from that recipe and brush the top over with the special tiger bread paste.

Ingredients:

• 500g bread flour.
• 10g salt.
• 10g sugar.
• 7g instant yeast.
• 300ml warm water.
• 2 tablespoons rice flour.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water while stirring until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
5. In a small bowl, mix the rice flour with vegetable oil to create a paste.
6. Gently punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the top of the loaf with the rice flour paste, ensuring an even coating.
8. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes across the surface of the bread, creating a distinctive tiger stripe pattern.
9. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
10. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.

ALSO SEE: Gardenscape focaccia bread

By Savanna Douglas for Woman & Home

Feature Image: Getty