Classic Brioche Bread Recipe: A French Bakery Favorite
Indulge in the rich and buttery world of French pastries with our classic Brioche Bread recipe. This bread boasts a golden exterior and a luxuriously soft and tender crumb that makes it perfect for both savory sandwiches and sweet morning treats. Follow our step-by-step guide below to achieve the perfect brioche loaf!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 7 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) unsalted butter
From Start to Finish: Detailed Steps for Success
- Pour your warm milk into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast and granulated sugar over the warm milk. Gently stir the mixture to combine. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, begin by adding your all-purpose flour. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed into the batter before adding the next. Slowly pour in your frothy yeast mixture and combine until a sticky dough forms.
- This is where the magic happens! Begin gradually adding the room-temperature butter cubes to your dough. Mix thoroughly after each addition, ensuring each butter cube is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the tablespoon of vanilla once all butter is combined.
- Flour a clean surface generously. Turn out your dough onto the floured surface and begin kneading. This should take about 10 minutes. Your goal is a smooth and elastic texture. Tip: If the dough sticks to your hands or the surface, sprinkle a bit more flour.
- Once kneaded, place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the first rise, knock back (deflate) the dough gently. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it according to your preference – whether it's a traditional loaf, individual rolls, or any other shape.
- Place your shaped dough into your chosen baking tin. Cover it again and allow it to rise for an additional hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush your risen brioche dough generously with the egg wash mixture to give it a beautiful golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped and boasts a beautiful golden brown hue.
And there you have it! A decadently rich and buttery Brioche Bread, perfect to impress on any occasion. Whether you enjoy it toasted with a dab of butter, as a base for your favorite sandwich, or even as French toast, this bread will surely delight you. Happy baking!