Name: Brioche Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/4 cup water (warmed to 90°F); 1 tablespoon dry active yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar (from total sugar); 1/4 cup sugar (remaining); 2/3 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter (room temperature); 2 teaspoons salt; 4 large eggs; 6 cups flour (spooned and leveled); 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water

If you’ve ever dreamt of biting into a loaf that feels like a fluffy cloud kissed with buttery goodness, this Brioche Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic French bread is renowned for its tender crumb, rich flavor, and golden crust that can elevate any meal or snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through each step with warmth and enthusiasm, ensuring you create a show-stopping homemade brioche that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

Brioche Bread Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with thick, creamy dough that has a slightly rough texture. On top of the dough is a single raw egg yolk, bright yellow and glossy, resting near the center with the egg white partially mixed into the dough. The bowl has a handle and a spout, adding detail to its shape. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, straightforward ingredients come together beautifully in this Brioche Bread Recipe. Each plays a special role: the yeast brings life, eggs add richness, and butter provides that signature tenderness and flavor that makes brioche so irresistible.

1/4 cup water (warmed to 90°F): Activates the yeast for a perfect rise.
1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for fermentation.
1 tablespoon dry active yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise.
2/3 cup milk: Adds moisture and a subtle creaminess to the crumb.
1/4 cup butter (room temperature): Infuses the dough with luxurious richness and tenderness.
2 teaspoons salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
4 large eggs: Provide structure and richness, creating that fluffy interior.
6 cups flour (spooned and leveled): Forms the dough’s backbone for perfect texture.
1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water: For the egg wash that gives the crust a beautiful golden shine.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Brioche Bread Recipe

Step 1: Get the Yeast Ready

Start by awakening your yeast with warm water, a spoonful of sugar, and your dry active yeast. This simple mix bubbles to life within minutes, ensuring your dough will rise beautifully with a light, airy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Mixture

Gently heat your milk along with the remaining sugar, butter, and salt to 90°F. This warmth is just enough to soften the butter while infusing the milk with subtle sweetness, creating a tender base for your dough.

Step 3: Ready Your Loaf Pans

Prep two 9×5-inch loaf pans by spraying them lightly with baking spray and lining with parchment paper. This helps your brioche come out effortlessly once baked.

Step 4: Combine Initial Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl fitted with the whisk attachment, add two cups of flour. Pour in your yeast mixture followed by the warmed milk blend, mixing just until combined. This starts developing the dough’s wonderful foundation.

Step 5: Add the Eggs Gradually

One at a time, incorporate each egg into the mixture. This careful method allows the dough to absorb the eggs fully, lending to that rich, tender crumb brioche is famous for.

Step 6: Knead in the Flour

Switch to your dough hook and add the remaining flour slowly, about a third of a cup at a time. Knead at medium speed for about 5 minutes until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl like magic.

Step 7: First Rise

Transfer your dough to a clean surface briefly, then place it back into a clean, sprayed bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let it rise for 90 minutes to two hours until it doubles in size. Patience here means joyous results!

Step 8: Shape the Loaves

Divide the dough into six equal portions. Flatten each into a rectangle, fold the corners, and roll them from bottom to top for a neat, beautiful shape. Set three rolls in each prepared loaf pan to fill and rise again.

Step 9: Final Proof and Egg Wash

Let your shaped loaves rise for 30 minutes until nearly filling the pans. If you want that stunning, glossy finish, brush the tops with an egg and water wash just before baking.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Pop the loaves into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until your brioche is golden brown, with a crust that invites you to dive in. Allow cooling for at least 10 minutes before slicing to enjoy that perfect texture.

How to Serve Brioche Bread Recipe

The image shows a loaf of soft, light brown bread with a smooth, slightly shiny crust, placed on a wooden board with another loaf in the background. The loaf is torn open in the front, revealing fluffy, white, and airy inside with a bit of bread crumb on the board. In the blurred background, there is a white plate with a dollop of butter and a small glass jar filled with red jam placed on a white marbled surface. The scene is warm and inviting, with natural sunlight highlighting the moist texture of the bread photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brioche’s richness pairs wonderfully with simple garnishes. Try a brush of melted butter right out of the oven or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. Fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, can also add an intriguing aroma and slight earthiness.

Side Dishes

This bread’s versatility means it shines alongside both savory and sweet dishes. Serve it with creamy soups, decadent cheese boards, or alongside eggs for a perfect brunch. For a sweet twist, it’s a dream with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Brioche Bread Recipe into an elegant French toast, stuffed French toast bake, or even use it for rich sandwich creations. Its sturdy yet tender crumb holds fillings beautifully, making it a canvas for endless culinary creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your brioche wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and fresh, ready to enjoy without losing its signature texture.

Freezing

Bake the loaves fully, then cool completely before slicing and freezing individually or whole. When properly wrapped in foil and placed in freezer bags, your brioche will stay delicious for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To revive frozen or stored brioche, gently toast slices or warm the whole loaf in an oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil. This restores that fresh-baked softness and buttery aroma perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of dry active yeast?

Yes! Instant yeast can be used but add it directly to the flour without proofing, and you might see a slightly faster rise. Adjust your timing accordingly as the dough might be ready sooner.

Why is my brioche dough so sticky?

Brioche dough is naturally soft and slightly sticky due to the high butter and egg content. Resist adding too much flour during kneading; technology think of it more as a tender hug than a dry loaf.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and have a slightly puffy look. Gently press it with a finger — if the indentation remains, it’s perfectly proofed and ready for the next step.

Can I make brioche bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! It just takes a bit more elbow grease. Use a large bowl and a strong wooden spoon or your hands for mixing and kneading, and be patient during the kneading process.

What’s the best way to slice brioche for serving?

Use a serrated bread knife and let the loaf cool completely before slicing. This prevents squishing the soft bread and gives you clean, beautiful slices every time.

Final Thoughts

This Brioche Bread Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with golden, buttery loaves perfect for any occasion. With a little time and care, you’ll be sharing this delightful treat with friends and family, creating memories as rich and warm as the bread itself. So, grab your ingredients and bake your way to happiness with this classic recipe — you won’t regret it!