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Easy Tiger Bread – Crispy, Soft, and Fun to Make

A visually stunning Dutch bread with a soft, fluffy interior and signature cracked crust. Perfect for sandwiches, breakfast, or as a show-stopping loaf for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Bread, Snack
Cuisine: Dutch, European
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F / 43°C
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
Tiger Paste (Crust Topping)
  • 3 tbsp rice flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp water
  • ¼ tsp salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Baking sheet or loaf pan
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and softened butter. Mix until sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead dough 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
  5. Prepare tiger paste by mixing rice flour, sugar, salt, water, and oil into a smooth paste.
  6. Punch down dough, shape into a loaf or oval, and place on baking sheet or loaf pan.
  7. Spread tiger paste evenly over the top of the loaf.
  8. Let loaf rise another 20–30 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake loaf 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

The rice flour paste is essential for the signature cracked pattern. Loaf keeps for 2–3 days in an airtight container or can be frozen.