Description
An indulgent, soft, and buttery French‑style braided brioche bread, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or French toast.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1⅔ cups warm milk (100‑110 °F)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup all‑purpose flour
- 4¾ cups bread flour
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- Egg wash (1 egg + splash of water)
Instructions
- Mix the flours, salt, and softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook; start on low speed for about a minute.
- In a measuring cup, stir together the yeast, sugar, and warm milk; let sit until foamy (about 15 minutes), then add the eggs and mix well.
- Pour the yeast‑egg‑milk mixture into the mixer bowl; knead on low until dough absorbs, scraping as needed. Gradually add remaining bread flour until dough is slightly sticky but firm; knead on medium for a few minutes.
- Transfer dough to a large greased bowl; shape into a smooth ball by folding sides inward, smooth side up.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 45‑60 minutes).
- Grease a surface, divide dough in half. For each half, divide into three equal pieces and roll into 12‑15″ ropes. Braid the three ropes and tuck ends under. Place on a baking sheet (or in loaf pan).
- Cover braided loaves and let rise again until nearly doubled.
- Brush with egg wash; sprinkle with kosher salt if desired.
- Preheat oven to 375 °F and bake for about 25 minutes, until loaves are golden.
- Optionally brush tops with melted butter. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- You can refrigerate the shaped dough overnight to develop flavor—let it come to room temperature before rising and baking.
- You may bake braided loaves in loaf pans instead of on a baking sheet.
- Store baked bread in an airtight container on the counter for 3–4 days.
- Freeze brioche in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Great for serving with butter, jam, as sandwiches, or French toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 171 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 365 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg
