Brioche Bread Recipe

Brioche bread is one of those delightful recipes that can elevate any meal or gathering. With its rich, buttery flavor and soft, pillowy texture, it’s no wonder this bread has a special place in the hearts of many home bakers. Whether you’re serving it alongside a cozy dinner or transforming it into the Best French Toast Casserole, this brioche recipe will not disappoint.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

There’s something inherently comforting about fresh bread, and brioche takes that comfort to a whole new level. Its airy, tender crumb is perfect for a variety of uses. Toast it for breakfast, serve it as a side with soup, or use it for an indulgent sandwich. The rich flavor and fluffy texture are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Plus, it’s relatively straightforward to make, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredient Rundown

To create this show-stopping brioche bread, you will need the following ingredients:

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup lukewarm milk (110°F or 45°C)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (3 sticks, at room temperature, cut into small pieces)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Setup & Equipment

Before you dive into making your brioche, ensure you have the right tools on hand:

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl for mixing the dough.
• Stand mixer: Ideal for kneading the dough, but you can also knead by hand.
• Loaf pans: For shaping and baking the brioche.
• Whisk: To beat the eggs and milk together.
• Plastic wrap: To cover the dough while it rises.

Method: Brioche Bread Recipe

Now, let’s get into the details of making this delicious brioche bread.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and the yeast mixture once it’s frothy. Mix on low speed until the ingredients start to combine.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once the dough has come together, knead it for about 8-10 minutes on medium speed until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, this may take a bit longer. The dough should be slightly sticky but should pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 4: Add the Butter

With the mixer on low, gradually add the room-temperature butter, a few pieces at a time. Continue mixing until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and shiny. This can take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm space until it has doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then braid them together. Place the braided dough into a greased loaf pan.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the shaped dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until it has puffed up.

Step 8: Egg Wash

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the top of the brioche with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the brioche in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the brioche from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve it warm, or use it for your favorite recipe, like Alfredo Bread Bowl Recipe.

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to this classic brioche recipe, consider the following:

• Whole wheat flour: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
• Reduce sugar: Cut back on the sugar to make it less sweet, especially if you plan to use it for savory dishes.
• Non-dairy milk: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
• Egg alternatives: For a vegan option, consider using flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer.

Little Things that Matter

When making brioche, attention to detail can make a significant difference in the final product. Here are a few tips to elevate your baking:

• Temperature: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, to help the dough come together smoothly.
• Proofing: The first rise is crucial for developing flavor. Be patient and let the dough rise until it has doubled.
• Don’t rush the baking: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
• Store properly: Brioche is best enjoyed fresh, but if storing, wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you find yourself with extra brioche, here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
• Reheat: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its fresh-baked texture.

Reader Questions

Can I make brioche dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.

What can I do with leftover brioche?

Leftover brioche is perfect for French toast, bread pudding, or even as a sandwich base. You can also make delicious Maple Pecan Bread using brioche as the base for a sweet twist.

Why is my brioche dense?

A dense brioche may be due to under-kneading or not allowing it to rise adequately. Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, and give it enough time to rise.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in this recipe. Just mix it directly with the flour without proofing it in warm milk first.

Healthy-ish Favorites

If you’re interested in exploring more healthy-ish baking recipes, check out these links for inspiration:

• Alfredo Bread Bowl Recipe
• Best French Toast Casserole
• Maple Pecan Bread

Before You Go

Baking brioche bread is a labor of love that yields delicious rewards. With its rich flavor, versatile use, and delightful texture, this brioche bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and delicious!