Brioche bread is a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet bread that is often made in the shape of a small loaf or roll. It is a type of yeast bread that is made with eggs, butter, and milk, which gives it a soft, tender texture and a slightly golden color. Brioche bread is often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch food, and it is also commonly used as a base for sandwiches and other dishes.
One of the key characteristics of brioche bread is its high butter content, which gives it a rich, indulgent flavor and a soft, tender texture. The dough is made by mixing together flour, yeast, eggs, milk, and butter, and it is typically allowed to rise for several hours before being shaped into loaves or rolls and baked. Some recipes also call for the addition of sugar or other sweeteners, which give the bread a slightly sweet flavor.
Brioche bread is often served as a breakfast or brunch food, and it is often enjoyed with butter and jam or honey. It can also be used as a base for sandwiches, or it can be served with savory toppings such as cheese or ham. Many people also enjoy brioche bread as a dessert, either by itself or as a base for other sweet treats such as French toast or bread pudding.
In summary, brioche bread is a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet yeast bread that is enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch food, or as a base for sandwiches and other dishes. Its high butter content gives it a soft, tender texture and a rich, indulgent flavor.
Here is a recipe for homemade brioche bread:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
- 4 1/2 cups (600 grams) of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast starts to foam.
Add the eggs, sugar, and salt to the bowl and mix on low speed until combined.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
With the mixer running on low speed, add the softened butter, a little at a time, until it is fully incorporated into the dough.
Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces, depending on the size of the loaves or rolls you want to make. Shape the dough into loaves or rolls and place them in greased baking pans.
Cover the pans with a clean dish towel and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until it has puffed up slightly.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the tops of the loaves or rolls with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water).
Bake the brioche bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Here are a few more tips and variations for making brioche bread:
If you don’t have a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, you can also make the dough by hand. Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir together until a smooth dough forms. Then turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Some recipes call for the addition of other ingredients to give the brioche bread a different flavor or texture. For example, you can add raisins, currants, or other dried fruit to the dough before shaping it into loaves or rolls. You can also add herbs or spices, such as rosemary or cinnamon, to give the bread a more savory or sweet flavor.
Brioche bread is typically baked in a loaf pan or as small rolls, but you can also shape the dough into other shapes, such as braids or twists. To do this, divide the dough into equal pieces and roll each piece into a long, thin rope. Then twist or braid the ropes together and place them on a baking sheet.
Brioche bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days, or you can freeze it for longer storage. To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw the bread, place it in the refrigerator overnight, or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours until it reaches room temperature. Enjoy!
