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Braided Brioche Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

This Braided Brioche Bread recipe yields soft, buttery, and slightly sweet loaves with a beautiful golden crust. Featuring a classic braid and enriched with eggs and butter, this brioche is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a comforting treat. The dough requires two rises for optimal fluffiness and is baked to perfection in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ⅔ cup warm milk (100-110°F)
  • 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients & Butter

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 ¾ cups bread flour
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 Tablespoon kosher salt

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 splash water
  • Additional kosher salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour and butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, four cups of bread flour, kosher salt, and softened unsalted butter. Attach the dough hook and start the mixer on low speed. Let it run for about a minute to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture.
  2. Activate yeast: In a large measuring cup, combine active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm milk heated between 100-110°F. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is active. Then add the eggs and mix well.
  3. Finish the dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the stand mixer bowl. Start the mixer on low speed until the flour absorbs the liquid. Scrape down the sides occasionally with a silicone spatula. Add the remaining bread flour, as needed, to achieve a slightly sticky but firm dough. Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for a couple more minutes. Use your finger to test the dough’s consistency.
  4. Transfer dough: Grease a large bowl and transfer the dough into it. Form it into a smooth ball by punching down in the center and pulling the sides inward. Place the dough ball smooth side up.
  5. Let dough rest (First rise): Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot in your kitchen. Let the dough double in size, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  6. Divide the dough: Lightly oil a clean surface. Turn the risen dough onto it and slice it into two equal halves.
  7. Braid the dough: Divide each half into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 12-15 inches long. Align the three ropes and braid them together, tucking the ends underneath. Place each braided loaf on a baking sheet prepared with baking spray or lined with parchment paper.
  8. Let dough rise again (Second rise): Cover the braided dough with a clean dish towel and let it rise until nearly doubled in size again.
  9. Prep dough for baking: Whisk together one egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of each loaf generously with the egg wash and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.
  10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the brioche loaves on the middle rack for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Optionally brush the tops with a little melted butter immediately after baking for extra richness.
  11. Cool: Transfer the baked brioche loaves to a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing to preserve texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use warm milk between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Make sure the butter is softened to easily incorporate into the flour mixture.
  • Adjust bread flour quantity as needed to get a slightly sticky but firm dough consistency.
  • Allowing two full rises is key for the fluffy, light texture of brioche bread.
  • Baking spray or parchment paper will prevent sticking during baking.
  • Egg wash enhances color and gives the crust a shiny, golden finish.
  • You can brush melted butter on the loaves after baking for a richer crust.
  • Store brioche wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Braided Brioche Bread, Soft Brioche, Homemade Brioche, French Bread, Breakfast Bread

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/braided-brioche-bread-recipe/