Tessa’s Recipe Rundown
Taste: An ever so slightly sweet blank slate for any type of sandwich or even a smear of something deliciously spreadable. Texture: Obviously this is the best part. Unbelievably crunchy yet light, so you don’t feel like you’re going to scrape your gums just taking a bite. Perfection! Ease: Super simple, if not a little strange. The only inconvenient bit is that you’ll need rice flour. I’ve included some extra pictures and tips above, as long as you follow the recipe as written these should turn out beautifully. Appearance: Intriguingly mouthwatering. I love how you can just see the crunch. Pros: Just like the bread at Ike’s and in San Francisco, made right at home! Cons: None! Would I make this again? 1000% yes.This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Dutch Crunch Bread is popular in the Bay area and I first had it recently at the sandwich chain Ike’s and fell completely in LOVE. It is, of course, unbelievably crunchy but in a way that’s light and crackling so as not to scrape your gums or make it difficult to actually eat. It is also called Tiger bread, or tigerbrood or tigerbol in Netherlands and giraffe bread in the U.K. This is due to the spots and strips the are created by covering normal bread dough with a unique topping of yeast, oil, and gluten-free rice flour.
This topping is what creates that crunchy exterior, so it’s super important to follow the ingredients and directions as they are written. The rice flour’s starchy and fine consistency paired with its complete lack of gluten is what causes the topping to develop into a crackled crunchy layer. Rice flour can be found at most American grocery stores in the baking aisle, often near the other gluten-free flours and products. I do not know of anything that can be substituted for the rice flour that provides the same effect, so if you want to make this recipe you may need to make a grocery store run!
The texture of the topping is quite unique, so I made sure to include some photos so you know what it should look like. The mixture is kind of like a thick batter that inflates as you let it rest.
Then you simply spread it generously over the risen bread dough and watch it do its crazy thing in the oven!
Dutch Crunch Bread Rolls
Ingredients
For the rolls::
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups (13.5 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
For the topping::
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup (5 ounces) rice flour*
Instructions
For the rolls:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer combine yeast, water, milk, sugar, and oil. Gradually add in the flour and stir until moistened. Add in the salt. Fit the mixer with the dough hook attachment and mix on medium speed until the dough comes together in a smooth elastic ball, about 5 minutes. If the dough is unbearably sticky, add in more flour 1 tablespoon at a time. The dough can also be kneaded by hand.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and divide into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a tight ball and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise while you prepare the topping.
- Make ahead: At this point the dough can be made ahead of time by covering tightly and refrigerating for up to 24 hours. Remove and let come to room temperature. If two fingers pressed into the dough leave indentations it’s ready.
For the topping:
- In a large bowl combine all the ingredients and let rest, covered, for 15 minutes, or until frothy.
- Make ahead: Store the topping in a covered but ventilated container in the fridge for up to a week. Let come to room temperature before using.
- Spread a generous layer of the topping all over the rolls, maintaining a thick coating. You should use almost all of the topping. Let rise uncovered for another 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Bake the rolls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Recipe Notes
Can I double the recipe and make loaves of bread?
Hi, have you ever tried adding anything on top of the crunch? Like corse salt or “anything bagel” seasoning? Just wondering if this works… Thanks
These were lovely. One of the nicest tasty breads I’ve made considering the fact that the recipe calls for oil and not butter. I used 3/4 homemade rice flour and still had a little over a tablespoon left ( I was cautious next time I’m covering entire bread with it). Thanks for sharing Tessa, and yes will be baking them again.
My topping was also too runny. Are the measurements right? I used organic brown rice flour.
Will a double recipe of tiger bread make 2 LOAVES of bread, and should I use AP flour or Bread flour ?? Please help, this will be for Christmas !!!! Thank You So Much and have a beautiful Holiday Season !!!!!
Can I use brown rice flour instead?
Norma: Rica, deliciosa y fácil.
Tessa: Wonderful bread. Thanks for the recipe.
Interesting recipe! I’m waiting for them to finish rising and looking forward to trying them. However, the topping turned out much runnier than your pictures indicate and I even added a bit more rice flour. I’m curious to see how they bake up; next time I might add even more flour.
Hi, tijgerbrood is not normally made this way. But it looks intriguing to make it like you described it. Gonna try it out and check out the difference.
I plan on making these tonight for hamburgers. I was wondering if it would be OK to sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top before baking them…. or would doing that ruin the crackle top process?
And thank you for posting such an interesting recipe to try!
I haven’t had dutch crunch in 12 years and it’s my favorite. Not a popular bread and I don’t know why!!! Trying!!!!
These are fantastic!! I used 2 cups of my sourdough starter-reduced amount of milk and yeast and the dough is beautiful. I’ll be making these often 🙂
Yum!!