Homemade Brioche
Discover the joy of baking soft, airy, and buttery Homemade Brioche. This rich bread offers a tender crumb and a beautiful golden crust, perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or special occasions. Easy to follow and beginner-friendly, this recipe guides you step-by-step to create a versatile bread that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory toppings.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf or 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Basic Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Warm the milk to about 100°F (38°C), then sprinkle the active dry yeast over it with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the eggs and the yeast mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually incorporate the softened butter and knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 10-15 minutes, until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a warm towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Brioche: Gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Transfer to a floured surface and shape into your desired form—loaf, rolls, or braided. Place into a greased pan or baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rise again for 45 minutes to an hour until noticeably puffed. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush the top with an egg wash made from one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water. Bake for 25-35 minutes until deep golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and better dough consistency.
- Allow the dough to rise fully to ensure a light and airy crumb.
- Knead thoroughly to develop gluten for ideal texture.
- Use softened butter to aid incorporation; cold butter can hinder texture.
- Apply egg wash just before baking for a glossy, golden crust without weighing down the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 60g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: brioche, homemade bread, breakfast bread, buttery bread, French bread, soft bread, yeast bread, brunch bread