Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Crunchy & Soft Bread at Home

Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique bread with a crispy, crackled crust and a soft, airy interior, this Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe is exactly what you need.If you’re new to baking, check out our comprehensive guide to bread making basics Also known as Tiger Bread or Tijgerbrood, this Dutch-origin bread gets its signature crunch from a special rice flour paste applied before baking.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe, including:

• The history of Dutch Crunch Bread
• Essential ingredients and equipment
• Step-by-step instructions for baking bakery-quality bread at home
• Tips for achieving the signature crispy crust
• Serving suggestions and creative variations
• Answers to the most common Dutch Crunch Bread FAQs

By the end of this article, you’ll have a foolproof Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe that you can make anytime you crave a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful loaf or roll.

---

PART 1: What is Dutch Crunch Bread?

The Origins of Dutch Crunch Bread

The Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe originated in the Netherlands, where it is known as Tijgerbrood (Tiger Bread). The bread has been a popular choice in Dutch bakeries for decades, thanks to its unique texture and delightful flavor.

While Dutch Crunch Bread is widely enjoyed in the Netherlands, it also gained popularity in Belgium, the UK, and the US, particularly in California. Dutch immigrants brought this bread-making technique to the United States, where it became a staple in San Francisco and Sacramento bakeries.

Why Is It Called Tiger Bread?

This bread is often called Tiger Bread because of its mottled, crackled crust, which resembles tiger stripes. However, in 2012, a UK supermarket renamed it Giraffe Bread after a young girl pointed out that the pattern looks more like a giraffe’s spots than a tiger’s stripes. Despite the name variations, the recipe remains the same, delivering a perfect combination of crunch and softness.

Characteristics of Dutch Crunch Bread

• Crispy, crackled crust that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite
• Soft and fluffy interior, making it ideal for sandwiches
• Mildly sweet and nutty flavor, complementing both sweet and savory fillings

This Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe will guide you through each step to achieve these characteristics with ease.

Learn more about the history of popular bread types in our article on **bread history and origins.

---

PART 2: Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Ingredients for the Bread Dough

To make this Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil

For the Crunchy Topping:

• ½ cup (75g) rice flour (do not use regular flour)
• 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (4g) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (60ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

To successfully follow this Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe, gather the following tools:

• Large mixing bowls
• Dough scraper
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Baking sheet or loaf pan
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven thermometer
• Wire cooling rack

---

PART 3: Making the Bread Dough

Step 1: Activating the Yeast

To start this Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe, you need to activate the yeast:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast is inactive, and you should start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
4. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, then mix until a rough dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
7. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
8. “Want to know more about the essential tools for baking bread? Check out our guide on **essential baking tools.”

---

PART 4: Preparing the Dutch Crunch Topping

Step 4: Making the Crunch Paste

A key step in this Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe is the rice flour paste:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together rice flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and vegetable oil, stirring until a thick, smooth paste forms.
3. Cover and let it sit for 15 minutes while the dough finishes rising.
4. “Struggling with dough texture? Here’s how to **fix dough problems.”

Step 5: Checking the Paste Consistency

The paste should be thick but spreadable. Adjust by adding rice flour if it’s too thin or water if it’s too thick.

---

PART 5: Shaping and Applying the Crunch Topping

“Interested in making a gluten-free Dutch Crunch topping? Learn how in our **gluten-free bread recipes.”

Step 6: Shaping the Dough

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6-8 portions for rolls or shape it into a loaf.
2. Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. “Not sure about the right temperature for your oven? Check out our **guide to oven temperatures for bread.”

Step 7: Applying the Crunch Topping

1. Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat the tops of the rolls/loaf with the rice flour paste.
2. Let the dough rest for 20-30 minutes.
3. “Wondering how to store your Dutch Crunch bread? Read our tips on **storing bread.”

---

PART 6: Baking the Bread

Step 8: Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9: Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes (rolls) or 35-40 minutes (loaf) until golden brown.
2. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10: Cooling

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

---

PART 7: FAQs

Q1: Why didn’t my crust crack properly?

A: The topping may have been too thin or needed more resting time before baking.

Q2: Can I make this bread gluten-free?

A: The dough contains gluten, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour.

Q3: How do I store Dutch Crunch Bread?

A: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage.

---

Conclusion

This Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe will help you create a loaf with a crunchy, golden-brown crust and a soft interior. With the right technique, you can achieve bakery-quality results at home. Try it today and enjoy the delicious flavor and texture of this amazing bread!

1. Dutch Crunch Bread History & Variations – Learn more about the origins of Tijgerbrood and its global popularity:
   The History of Dutch Crunch Bread
2. Bread Baking Techniques – Improve your bread-making skills with expert techniques:
   King Arthur Baking’s Guide to Bread Baking
3. How to Work with Yeast for Perfect Bread Every Time – A detailed guide on yeast activation and troubleshooting:
   Yeast Baking Guide by Red Star Yeast
4. Why Rice Flour is Essential for Dutch Crunch Topping – Understand the science behind the crackled crust:
   Science Behind Dutch Crunch Topping
5. Step-by-Step Dutch Crunch Bread Video Tutorial – Watch a video on making Dutch Crunch Bread for visual guidance:
   YouTube Video: How to Make Dutch Crunch Bread

These resources provide additional insights into the history, science, and techniques behind making the perfect Dutch Crunch Bread Recipe.

Banana Bread Recipe with 2 Bananas: The Ultimate Guide

Banana Bread Recipe with 2 Bananas: The Ultimate Guide

Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe: The Perfect Comfort Food

Overnight Oats Recipe No Yogurt: A Delicious, Dairy-Free Breakfast Option

Print