Brioche Bread Recipe

Brioche bread is a classic French bread known for its rich, buttery flavor, tender crumb, and slightly sweet taste. With its golden crust and soft, fluffy interior, brioche is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory applications—from decadent French toast and bread pudding to gourmet sandwiches and burgers.

Its luxurious texture comes from the generous amount of butter and eggs in the dough, making it a little more indulgent than everyday bread but absolutely worth the effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a soft, buttery loaf that feels like a special treat every time. The dough is slightly sweet, incredibly rich, and yields a bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

The aroma while it bakes is intoxicating, and nothing beats the taste of warm homemade brioche with butter.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavor
• Soft, pillowy texture ideal for French toast or sandwiches
• Impressive but achievable for home bakers
• Can be customized with fillings, toppings, or shapes
• Works for both everyday meals and special occasions

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Preparation Time	30 minutes + 2–3 hours rising
Cooking Time	25–30 minutes
Total Time	3–4 hours
Servings	8–10 slices
Course	Breakfast / Brunch / Bread
Cuisine	French
Calories	~300 calories per slice

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup whole milk, lukewarm
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk

Cooking Directions (Summary)

1. Prepare dough by mixing flour, sugar, yeast, salt, eggs, and milk.
2. Knead in butter until dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Let dough rise until doubled in size.
4. Shape dough into loaf or individual rolls.
5. Let dough rise again until puffy.
6. Brush with egg wash and bake until golden brown.
7. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps the dough come together smoothly.

Step 2: Mix Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add eggs and milk and mix on low speed until combined. Dough will be sticky.

Step 3: Knead and Incorporate Butter

Gradually add softened butter, one piece at a time, kneading until fully incorporated. Knead for 10–15 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

Step 4: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise at room temperature for 1–2 hours until doubled.

Step 5: Shape Dough

Punch down dough gently. Shape into a loaf, braid, or divide into rolls. Place into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover and let rise again for 45–60 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8: Egg Wash

Beat egg with milk. Brush over dough for a golden, shiny crust.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

Brioche is perfect:

• Toasted with butter and jam
• As French toast
• With savory fillings like ham and cheese for sandwiches
• As a base for bread pudding or desserts

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
• Patience is key: Allow dough to rise fully for a soft texture.
• Room temperature ingredients help dough incorporate smoothly.
• For shiny crust, brush generously with egg wash before baking.

Variations

Chocolate Brioche

Fold in chocolate chips or a chocolate swirl before the second rise.

Fruit & Nut Brioche

Add dried fruits, raisins, or chopped nuts to the dough.

Honey Brioche

Replace some sugar with honey for a subtle floral sweetness.

Savory Brioche

Add herbs or cheese for sandwich rolls or burger buns.

Freezing & Storage

Method	Time
Room Temperature (airtight)	2 days
Refrigerator (wrapped)	Up to 5 days
Freezer (whole or sliced, wrapped)	Up to 3 months

Tip: Thaw frozen brioche at room temperature and reheat slightly for fresh-baked taste.

Special Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but recommended)
• Mixing bowls
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Wire rack for cooling
• Pastry brush for egg wash

Conclusion

Brioche Bread is a rich, tender, and versatile bread that elevates any meal. Its soft, buttery crumb and golden crust make it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. Though it requires some patience, the results are well worth it—a bakery-quality bread that can be enjoyed fresh, toasted, or incorporated into a variety of recipes. Homemade brioche is a special treat that turns ordinary meals into something extraordinary.