Brioche Bread

Brioche bread is the epitome of soft, pillowy goodness, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful treat any time of day. Its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb make it a favorite among bread lovers. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can craft this elegant bread in your own kitchen, creating a warm, inviting aroma that will fill your home.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 290
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg

Why Make This Brioche Bread

Making brioche bread is not just about enjoying a delicious baked good; it’s a process that connects you to the art of bread-making. The tender crumb and buttery flavor of brioche elevate any meal, making it special. Whether you use it for French toast, sandwiches, or even just enjoying a slice with butter, this homemade brioche will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.

How to Make Brioche Bread

Crafting brioche bread involves a few steps, but each part is simple and rewarding. Follow this guide to create your own airy and fluffy brioche bread from scratch, and relish the delightful aroma and taste of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In a large bowl, mix warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and eggs to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

• Step 3: Kneading

  Knead in softened butter until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

• Step 4: Rising

  Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

• Step 5: Shaping

  Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf or individual rolls, depending on your preference.

• Step 6: Second Rise

  Place the dough in a greased loaf pan or baking sheet and allow it to rise again for 30-60 minutes.

• Step 7: Prepping to Bake

  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash for a shiny finish.

• Step 8: Baking

  Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

• Step 9: Cooling

  Let the brioche cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Brioche Bread

Brioche bread can be served in a wide variety of ways. Enjoy slices toasted with butter and jam for breakfast, or use it to make decadent French toast. It also makes incredible sandwiches, especially with ham and cheese or for a classic PB&J. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for an excellent afternoon snack.

How to Store Brioche Bread

To store your brioche bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight bag, where it can be kept for up to 3 months. Just pop a slice in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Brioche Bread

• Make sure your milk is warm but not hot; too much heat can kill the yeast.
• Kneading is key! Ensure you develop enough gluten for a soft texture.
• If your kitchen is cold, consider turning on your oven for a few minutes and then turning it off; place the dough inside to rise in a warm environment.
• Experiment with adding chocolate chips or raisins for a sweet twist.

Delicious Variations

• Orange Brioche: Add a teaspoon or two of orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
• Herbed Brioche: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory version, perfect for sandwiches.
• Chocolate Brioche: Fold in chocolate chunks for a delightful and indulgent variation that’s sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
  Yes, using bread flour will give your brioche a slightly chewier texture, which can be delicious!

• Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
  Yes, the two rises help develop flavor and the lovely, airy texture of brioche.

• Can I make brioche dough in advance?
  Yes, you can make the dough, shape it, then refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

• What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
  Check the freshness of your yeast; it may be inactive. Also, ensure the environment is warm enough for rising.

• Can I add fillings to the brioche?
  Absolutely! Feel free to add nut pastes, fruit preserves, or chocolate chips into the dough before the final rise for added flavor.

Conclusion

This brioche bread recipe is a delightful journey into baking that yields a soft, buttery bread perfect for so many occasions. Its rich flavor and lovely texture will surely make it a staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and experience the warmth and comfort of homemade brioche bread. Happy baking!

Brioche Bread

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 150 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Brioche bread is the epitome of soft, pillowy goodness, perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat any time of day.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and eggs to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead in softened butter until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
5. Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf or individual rolls, depending on your preference.
6. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan or baking sheet and allow it to rise again for 30-60 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash for a shiny finish.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Let the brioche cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to store. It stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 120 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 90mg