La Brioche

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: ~24 hours (includes refrigeration)

Servings: 1 large loaf

Country of Origin

France

Description

A rich, golden, and incredibly soft French bread heavily enriched with egg yolks and a massive amount of butter. It has a tender, cake-like crumb and a slightly sweet finish.

Presentation & How It's Eaten

Often served as a breakfast treat with fruit preserves, or used to make the ultimate French toast.

Ingredients

• 500g bread flour

• 6 large eggs

• 250g unsalted butter (chilled, cubed)

• 50g sugar

• 10g salt

• 10g dry yeast

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Mix: Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and eggs. Knead for 5 minutes.

2. Add Butter: Gradually add the cold butter cubes while mixing until fully incorporated.

3. Refrigerate: Let rise for 1 hour, then move to the fridge for 12+ hours.

4. Shape: Shape into small balls or a loaf. Proof for 2 hours.

5. Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes.

Optional

• Pearl Sugar: Sprinkle with pearl sugar before baking for a crunchy, sweet topping.

Cooking Tips

• Cold Butter: Always use cold butter. If the butter gets too warm, it will melt into the dough and the texture will lose its signature "pull-apart" quality.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal

• Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 160mg

• Sodium: ~350mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 36g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 8g

• Protein: 9g