Ingredients

1 box instant bread mix

1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)

Red food coloring, as desired

2 tbsp active dry yeast (for dough)

2 tbsp granulated sugar (for dough)

2 tbsp vegetable oil (for dough)

1/2 tsp salt (for dough)

2 tbsp active dry yeast (for topping)

2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)

2 tbsp vegetable oil (for topping)

1/2 tsp salt (for topping)

1 1/2 cups rice flour

Black food coloring or activated charcoal

Additional water for coloring

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant bread mix, 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add red food coloring gradually until the dough achieves a deep, dark blood red color. Mix thoroughly until evenly colored.

Step 2: Divide the red dough into 12 equal balls and place them evenly on a cookie sheet. Cover with a damp towel and let them rise until doubled in size, following the bread mix box instructions.

Step 3: While the dough rises, prepare the black topping. In a mixer, combine 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 cups rice flour.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix black food coloring or activated charcoal with enough water to create a dark, inky liquid. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients, mixing until a thick, sticky, and spreadable black topping forms. Adjust color as desired for a dramatic effect.

Step 5: Cover the black topping mixture and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to activate the yeast and improve texture.

Step 6: After the dough has risen, use clean hands to generously spread the black topping over the tops and sides of each red dough ball. Leave uncovered and let rest for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat the oven according to the bread mix box instructions. Place the topped dough balls on the center rack and bake as directed. Turn the pan halfway through baking for even browning. Watch for the black topping to crackle and become crisp.

Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven once baked and the black topping is crisp. Let cool until comfortable to handle. Serve warm with butter or as desired.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper red dough, add red food coloring gradually and mix well to avoid streaks.

If you prefer a natural alternative, use activated charcoal instead of black food coloring for the topping.

To enhance flavor, brush the finished bread with melted butter as soon as it cools slightly.

Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the black topping for a subtle smoky heat.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of rice flour for the topping?

Rice flour gives the topping its unique crumbly texture and crispness, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed, though the texture may be slightly different.

What if I don’t have instant bread mix?

You can use your favorite basic bread dough recipe as a substitute. Just adjust the water and yeast amounts accordingly and follow the same coloring and topping steps.