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Braided Brioche Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

This Braided Brioche Bread recipe yields beautifully soft, rich, and slightly sweet loaves perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, braided for an elegant presentation, and baked to a golden finish, making it an impressive yet approachable homemade bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ⅔ cup warm milk (heated to 100-110°F)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 ¾ cups bread flour
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 Tablespoon kosher salt

For Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • Splash of water
  • Kosher salt, for sprinkling

Optional

  • Melted butter, for brushing after baking

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour and butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the all-purpose flour, 4 cups of bread flour, kosher salt, and softened butter. Start the mixer on low speed and let it run for about a minute until the butter is incorporated into the flour mixture.
  2. Activate yeast: In a large measuring cup, stir together the active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm milk (heated to 100-110°F) until combined. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is active. Add the eggs and mix well.
  3. Finish the dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the stand mixer bowl with the flour and butter mixture. Start the mixer again on low speed until the flour absorbs the liquid. Use a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the remaining bread flour a little at a time until the dough attains a slightly sticky but firm consistency. Then, increase the speed to medium and knead for a couple of minutes more to develop the gluten.
  4. Transfer dough: Lightly grease a large bowl. Transfer the dough onto a clean surface, form it into a smooth ball by punching down the center and folding the sides inward, then place it smooth side up in the greased bowl.
  5. Let dough rest (First Rise): Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot and let the dough double in size, which will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  6. Divide the dough: Oil a clean surface lightly. Turn the dough out onto this surface and cut it in half.
  7. Braid the dough: Divide each half into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12-15 inches long. Lay the three ropes side by side and braid them together, tucking the ends underneath to secure. Place each braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or coated with baking spray.
  8. Let dough rise again (Second Rise): Cover the braided loaves with a dish towel and let them rise until almost doubled in size, which takes about 30-45 minutes.
  9. Prep dough for baking: Whisk together one egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the surface of each braided loaf. Sprinkle a little kosher salt on top if desired.
  10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for approximately 25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
  11. Cool: Remove the loaves from the oven and optionally brush the tops with melted butter for extra richness and shine. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is warmed to between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • The dough should be slightly sticky but firm; adjust flour quantity accordingly during mixing.
  • Allowing the dough to rise twice contributes to the bread’s fluffy texture and flavor development.
  • The egg wash gives the brioche a beautiful golden crust and can be salted for an added flavor contrast.
  • Use bread flour for better gluten development and structure.
  • Brush with melted butter after baking for a soft, shiny crust.
  • Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: braided brioche, brioche bread recipe, homemade brioche, bread baking, enriched bread, braided bread

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