Brioche is one of the richest, softest, and most delicious bread to make and enjoy. One recipe can be made into many different shapes. I’ve already shared with you a few of these, such as the classic brioche a tete, brioche buns, brioche loaf bread. Today, I want to share this classic brioche bread recipe. It makes the best brioche bread, and I think you are going to love it.
Step-by-step: Homemade brioche bread
Wet ingredients – In the measuring cup or bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, and eggs with a whisk. Dry ingredients – Add flour and salt to the stand mixer. Combine with a spatula. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes on medium speed scraping the sides of the bowl.Pro tip – The dough will be soft and sticky – that’s ok.
Butter – Next, gradually add the soft room-temperature butter, one cube at a time. Once all the butter is in, knead again for 10 minutes more until smooth, elastic, and soft. Rise—Transfer the dough to an oil-boiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap and leave it to rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes or until doubled in volume. Chill – Then, punch the dough down and shape it into a ball. Cover again and let rise in the fridge for 6 hours up to 12 hours.
Shape – Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, Divide it into 5 equal pieces (equal portions). Shape each portion into a tight ball, tucking the seams under. Then, roll each ball into a sausage. Place these sausages into a sprayed loaf pan. Proof – Cover loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place. This can take about 90 minutes up to 2 hours (because we started with chilled dough).Pro tip – You can also leave the dough to proof in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Thaw an hour before baking.
Oven – Once you see your dough is almost halfway up the sides. Preheat the oven to 350°F/ 177°C/ Gas Mark 4 for at least 20 minutes. Egg wash – Brush the loaf with beaten egg (use only egg yolk/water mixture for a darker color).
Bake – Place the loaf pan on the center rack in the hot oven. Bake the loaf for about 50 to 55 minutes, until golden brown on the top. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then invert on a cooling rack and cool completely.Pro tip – The bread is done when you tap the bottom of your loaf and you will hear a hollow sound. This bread when baked should read 180F – 190F on an instant-read thermometer. Cool – Always let the bread rest for at least an hour before you cut it. I know it’s hard but it will keep the bread moist. Enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
Creative ways to serve brioche
French Toast: Brioche’s rich buttery texture makes it an excellent choice for French toast. Slice the brioche into thick slices, dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and favorite spices (such as cinnamon and vanilla), then cook them on a grill or pan until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Brioche Burger Buns: Elevate your burger game by using sliced brioche rolls as burger buns. Alternatively, you can use this dough to shape the balls into hamburger buns. The soft and slightly sweet bread pairs wonderfully with savory fillings. Toast the buns lightly, assemble your favorite burger ingredients, and enjoy the indulgent combination of flavors and textures. Bread Pudding: Brioche’s tender crumb is perfect for making a delicious bread pudding. Tear the brioche into bite-sized pieces and soak them in a mixture of eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and your desired flavors (such as vanilla, cinnamon, or chocolate). Bake until golden and set. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Brioche Bread Pockets: Cut a slice of brioche and remove the crust. Gently flatten the bread with a rolling pin, place your desired filling (such as ham and cheese or Nutella and sliced bananas) in the center, and fold the bread over to create a pocket. Seal the edges by pressing them together, then toast or grill the pocket until golden and crispy. Brioche Croque Monsieur/Madame: Create a classic French sandwich by making a Croque Monsieur (ham and cheese) or Croque Madame (ham, cheese, and a fried egg) with brioche bread. Layer the fillings between slices of brioche, then grill or bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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