Easy Halloween Brimstone Bread Recipe

Introduction

Easy Halloween Brimstone Bread is a spooky and fun treat perfect for your seasonal celebrations. Its striking red dough with a dramatic black crackled crust makes it as visually exciting as it is tasty. This recipe is simple to follow, using instant bread mix and creative toppings to wow your guests.

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
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups rice flour
• Black food coloring or activated charcoal, as preferred
• Additional water for coloring

Instructions

1. 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 according to the bread mix instructions. Add enough red food coloring to achieve a deep blood red color and mix until evenly colored.
2. Step 2: Divide the red dough into 12 equal balls and arrange them evenly on a cookie sheet. Cover with a damp towel and let rise until doubled in size, following the bread mix timing.
3. Step 3: While the dough rises, prepare the black topping by mixing 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 cups rice flour in a mixer. In a separate bowl, combine black food coloring or activated charcoal with enough water to create a dark, inky liquid, then gradually mix this into the dry ingredients until a thick, sticky spreadable topping forms.
4. Step 4: Cover the black topping mixture and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to activate the yeast and improve texture.
5. Step 5: After the dough balls have risen, generously smear the black topping over the tops and sides of each ball. Leave them uncovered and let rest for 15 minutes to help the topping adhere.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven according to the bread mix instructions. Transfer the topped dough balls to the center rack and bake as directed, turning the pan halfway through for even browning. The black topping will crackle and crisp during baking.
7. Step 7: Remove the baked bread from the oven and allow to cool until comfortable to handle. Serve warm with butter or as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense crust, add extra black food coloring to the topping mixture.
• Activated charcoal is a natural alternative to black food coloring and adds a unique flavor dimension.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the topping for a subtle smoky note.
• Use gluten-free bread mix and substitute rice flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage

Store leftover brimstone bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore the crispness of the topping. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly for up to one month and thaw at room temperature when ready to use.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for rice flour if needed, though rice flour helps create the unique crisp texture of the topping.

Does the black topping affect the flavor of the bread?

The topping adds a subtle savory crunch without overpowering the bread’s flavor. Using activated charcoal provides a mild earthy taste, while black food coloring is neutral.

Easy Halloween Brimstone Bread Recipe

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This Easy Halloween Brimstone Bread recipe creates spooky, show-stopping bread rolls with a striking blood-red dough base topped with a crackling black yeast topping. Perfect for Halloween parties, these visually dramatic breads combine fun colors and satisfying textures. The recipe uses instant bread mix for a quick prep, enhanced by the vibrant red food coloring in the dough and a dark, crisp black rice flour topping that crackles beautifully when baked.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bread rolls 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 1 box instant bread mix
• 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
• Red food coloring, as desired
• 2 tbsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups rice flour
• Black food coloring or activated charcoal, as preferred
• Additional water for coloring

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough and Add Red Coloring: 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 according to the bread mix instructions. Add enough red food coloring to achieve a deep, dark blood red color, mixing thoroughly until evenly colored.
2. Shape Dough Balls and Let Rise: Divide the red-colored dough into 12 equal balls and arrange them evenly on a cookie sheet. Cover with a damp towel and let rise as specified on the bread mix box or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Black Topping: While the dough rises, mix 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 cups rice flour in a mixer. In a separate bowl, combine black food coloring or activated charcoal with enough water to create a dark colored fluid. Gradually add this colored water to the dry mixture, stirring until a thick, sticky, spreadable black topping forms. Adjust color intensity as desired.
4. Let Black Topping Sit: Cover the black topping mixture and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to activate the yeast slightly, improving texture and adhesion.
5. Top Dough Balls and Rest: Once the dough balls have risen, generously spread the black topping over the tops and sides of each ball, not worrying about coverage as more topping adds to the effect. Leave uncovered and let rest for another 15 minutes to let the topping adhere well.
6. Bake the Brimstone Bread: Place the topped dough balls on the center rack of a preheated oven and bake according to the instant bread mix box instructions. Optionally, turn the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning. The black topping will crackle and crisp, forming the signature brimstone crust.
7. Cool and Serve: After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let cool until comfortable to handle. Serve warm with butter or enjoy as desired.

Notes

• Adjust red and black food coloring amounts to achieve the desired intensity of color and dramatic effect.
• Activated charcoal can be used instead of black food coloring for a natural black topping color.
• Turning the pan halfway during baking helps the topping brown evenly.
• Use a damp towel to cover dough during rising to prevent drying out.
• Serve the bread warm to enjoy the crisp topping and soft, colorful interior.

Keywords: Halloween bread, red and black bread, spooky bread, yeast bread, themed bread, easy Halloween recipe