Brioche is a classic French bread that beautifully blurs the line between bread and pastry. Rich in butter and eggs, brioche has a golden crust and a soft, pillowy crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of jam, this luxurious bread brings a touch of elegance to any table.
Originating in France as early as the 15th century, this bread has long been a symbol of indulgence. The dough is enriched with eggs, milk, and a generous amount of butter, creating a slightly sweet flavor and a soft, tender texture. It can be shaped in many ways—braided loaves, buns, or the traditional fluted round topped with a dough knob known as brioche à tête.
Versatile and beloved, brioche is equally at home in both savory and sweet dishes. It makes an exceptional base for French toast and bread pudding, and it’s the bun of choice for gourmet burgers and sandwiches. Its soft texture also pairs beautifully with rich fillings like foie gras or pulled pork, making it a favorite in both traditional and modern cuisine.
Making brioche at home requires patience, as the dough needs time to rise and develop its rich flavor, but the results are well worth the effort. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of care, you can enjoy this iconic French bread fresh from your own oven.
Whether you’re serving it at brunch, using it in a decadent dessert, or simply enjoying it with a pat of butter, brioche brings a taste of French tradition and a bit of luxury to every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk warm
- 4 eggs large,
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon of water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and eggs.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add the softened butter and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 1 hour or until it reaches the rim of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the top of the brioche with the beaten egg yolk mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the brioche is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the brioche from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition
Umm, I tried making this and it didn’t rise at all. I don’t know what I did wrong. Maybe I used old yeast? Not sure I’m convinced. Hmph.
Maybe check the yeast’s expiration date next time? Old yeast can really mess with the rise. Don’t give up, try again!
I had the same issue once! My bread didn’t rise either. But I used too cold milk…Maybe it’s just a tricky recipe?
This brioche recipe is a total game changer! I followed the instructions exactly and it turned out perfect. So soft and buttery! Highly recommend.
I tried it too! It was so yummy, but mine didn’t rise as much. Any tips?
This brioche turned out amazing! So fluffy and buttery. My family loved it.
That’s awesome to hear! Brioche is one of my favorites too. Did you use any special toppings?
Fluffy? Really? I tried this recipe and it turned out flat. What did you do differently?
Wow, Brioche! I always thought it was just a fancy name for bread. 🌟
Just baked this and it smell so nice! It taste great! Also, my dog liked the crumbs. 🐶
I don’t understand how it can turn golden brown in just 30 minutes? Isn’t it too quick?
Can I use whole wheat flour? Or will that ruin it?
You can use whole wheat flour, but it might change the texture a bit. It could be denser. Just don’t use too much of it!
I love this recipe! It’s not as hard as I thought it’d be. Thanks for sharing!
Delicious! My family loved it. I’m not the best baker, but this was pretty easy to make! Definitely gonna make it again.
Nice to know! But is it really easy? I’ve tried baking bread before, and it was a total flop. 😩
I’m glad to hear your family loved it! Brioche can be daunting, but it sounds like you nailed it! 🥳
Nope, not for me. Didn’t like the texture. Prefer my bread more dense.
I get it, brioche is super soft! But maybe try it toasted? It changes everything!
I kind of messed up the yeast part. Didn’t rise much. Any tips?
Isn’t brioche supposed to have more sugar in it? This seemed plain to me.
Brioche? I always thought that was a fancy term for bread. This was good but a bit too sweet for my taste. I might cut the sugar next time.
Easier than making cake. I did it with my daughter and we had fun!