Tiger bread

Tiger bread is a delightfully unique variety of bread, easily recognized by its distinctive mottled crust. What sets it apart is the use of ingredients such as sesame oil or cheese, which infuse the bread with a wonderful aroma.

The secret to its characteristic cracked top lies in the rice paste that is brushed onto the dough before baking. This paste not only creates the signature pattern but also enhances the bread's flavor. Once baked, tiger bread boasts a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with its soft, fluffy interior.

Typically, you'll find tiger bread shaped as a bloomer loaf or in the form of bread rolls. The origins of this bread trace back to the Netherlands, where it's known as "tijgerbrood" or "tijgerbol." In the United States, Wegmans markets it as "Marco Polo" bread. Meanwhile, in the UK, Sainsbury's made headlines by renaming it "giraffe bread" after receiving a suggestion from a young customer.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, locals have their own name for it: Dutch Crunch bread. No matter what you call it, tiger bread remains a beloved treat with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.