What Makes Brioche Bread So Irresistibly Soft and Delicious?
Buttery, rich, and soft, brioche bread is the ultimate choice for French toast—perfectly sliced, it absorbs the eggy custard and crisps up to a golden perfection in the pan. Brioche also transforms sandwiches, taking classic dishes like burgers or turkey clubs to the next level. Curious about what makes this bread so exceptional and how you can make it at home? Keep reading as we answer all your burning brioche questions and help you bake like a pro.
What is Brioche Bread?
Brioche, pronounced bree-YOH-sh, is a soft, sweet French bread that's the opposite of the crunchy baguette. Unlike baguettes, which are made with just flour, water, and salt, brioche is made from an enriched dough that includes eggs, butter, and sugar. These ingredients give the bread its dense, rich flavor and tender, soft crumb. The crumb structure of brioche is finer and more uniform, making it perfect for spreading or soaking in custard for French toast. Brioche dough is also popular for making doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and monkey bread.
What Sets Brioche Apart from Challah?
Both brioche and challah are enriched doughs, packed with eggs, but there are some key differences. Challah traditionally avoids dairy—meaning it doesn't contain milk or butter—making it suitable for non-dairy meals (pareve). Additionally, challah is typically braided, whereas brioche loaves can come in any shape.
How to Make Brioche
For a detailed recipe, check out our foolproof brioche guide, but here’s a quick rundown of the steps you’ll take to make your own delicious loaf.
- Activate the yeast in warm water.
- Mix the activated yeast with eggs, flour, and sugar. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Gradually add softened butter to the dough, kneading after each addition to incorporate it fully.
- Allow the dough to proof for one hour, or until it doubles in size. This gives the yeast time to work and relaxes the gluten.
- Refrigerate the dough for several hours, or overnight, to let the flavors develop.
- Once chilled, punch down the dough and shape it into loaves.
- Brush the loaves with egg wash and bake until golden.
Why Brioche Needs an Overnight Chill
Allowing brioche dough to rest in the refrigerator for several hours before baking is crucial. This step ensures that the butter in the dough firms up, preventing it from melting and leaking during baking. Avoid rushing the process in the freezer, as too much cold will make it difficult to punch out excess air and may slow down the final rise on the counter before baking.
How to Enjoy Brioche
Brioche is perfect for classic French toast, but you can also get creative with variations like Almond French Toast or Overnight Blueberry French Toast. Beyond breakfast, try it in desserts like bread pudding, or make an indulgent Sicilian-style ice cream sandwich with brioche and gelato. For a savory twist, use brioche for open-faced sandwiches like a Croque Madame, or grill and top slices for an amazing base for salads. Brioche also makes the best homemade croutons when toasted. Need more ideas? Check out these delicious recipes for more inspiration.
How to Store Brioche
To keep brioche fresh, store it in an airtight bag or container on the counter for up to five days. Be sure to squeeze out excess air since breads with added fat, like butter, tend to go stale more quickly than regular bread.
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