Brioche Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brioche Bread is a rich and buttery French bread known for its soft, pillowy texture and slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a luxurious base for French toast or bread pudding. With its golden crust and tender crumb, brioche is a bakery favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsalted buttereggswhole milkgranulated sugardry yeast (active or instant)salt

directions

Warm the milk slightly and combine it with sugar and yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Add the yeast mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

Gradually add the softened butter, a few pieces at a time, mixing until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and elastic.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for easier shaping and enhanced flavor.

Shape the dough into a loaf or individual rolls and place in a greased baking pan.

Cover and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top with an egg wash for a glossy finish.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Let cool before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 large loaf or 12 rolls.Preparation time: 25 minutesFirst rise time: 1-2 hoursChilling time: 4 hours or overnightSecond rise time: 1 hourBaking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 7-8 hours (including chilling)

Variations

Add chocolate chips or raisins for a sweet twist.

Infuse the dough with citrus zest or vanilla for added flavor.

Use brioche dough to make cinnamon rolls or braided bread.

Top with pearl sugar or slivered almonds for a bakery-style finish.

storage/reheating

Store brioche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes or briefly microwave individual slices.

FAQs

What makes brioche different from regular bread?

Brioche contains a higher amount of butter and eggs, giving it a richer texture and flavor.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer makes kneading the enriched dough much easier.

Why chill the dough overnight?

Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and enhances the flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free butter and milk, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

Is brioche sweet or savory?

It’s slightly sweet, but can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Why is my brioche not rising?

Make sure your yeast is active and the environment is warm enough for proofing.

Can I make mini brioche buns?

Yes, divide the dough into small balls and bake in a muffin tin.

How do I know when it’s baked through?

The loaf should sound hollow when tapped and have an internal temperature of about 190°F.

What flour is best?

All-purpose flour works best for a tender crumb.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and chilled up to 24 hours in advance.

Conclusion

Brioche Bread is a luxurious, buttery loaf that’s both versatile and satisfying. Its delicate crumb and rich taste make it a standout whether toasted with jam or used in gourmet sandwiches. Mastering this classic bread at home is rewarding and sure to impress at any meal.

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