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Braided Brioche Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews

This Braided Brioche Bread recipe yields soft, buttery, and slightly sweet loaves perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. With a tender crumb and a shiny, golden crust from the egg wash, these braided loaves are visually stunning and deliciously rich. The recipe involves mixing, kneading with a stand mixer, rising twice, braiding the dough strands, and baking to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 2/3 cups warm milk (100-110°F)
  • 2 large eggs

Dough

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

Topping

  • Egg wash (1 egg mixed with a splash of water)
  • Extra kosher salt for sprinkling
  • Melted butter (optional, for brushing after baking)

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour and butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 4 cups of the bread flour, kosher salt, and the softened unsalted butter. Start the mixer on low speed and mix for about one minute until combined.
  2. Activate the yeast: In a large measuring cup, stir together active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm milk (100-110°F) until mixed. Let it sit for 15 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is active.
  3. Add eggs and mix: Add the two large eggs to the yeast mixture and whisk well to combine.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the yeast and egg mixture into the stand mixer bowl with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until the flour absorbs the wet ingredients, scraping down the sides occasionally with a silicone spatula.
  5. Incorporate remaining flour and knead: Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup bread flour or as needed to reach a slightly sticky but firm consistency. Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for a couple of minutes. Test the dough by pressing with a finger; it should be firm yet slightly tacky.
  6. First rise: Transfer the soft dough to a large greased bowl. Punch down the dough and pull the sides inward to form a smooth ball, placing it smooth side up. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  7. Divide the dough: Lightly oil a clean surface, turn the dough out, and slice it in half.
  8. Braid the dough: Divide each half into three equal portions. Roll each piece into 12-15 inch long ropes. Place the three ropes together and braid them, tucking the ends underneath. Transfer the braided loaf to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with baking spray. Repeat with the other half.
  9. Second rise: Cover the braided loaves with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again until almost doubled in size.
  10. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of each loaf with the egg wash (1 beaten egg with a splash of water). Sprinkle a little kosher salt on top.
  11. Bake: Bake the braided brioche loaves in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Cool and finish: Optionally brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking for a soft, shiny crust. Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Use bread flour for better gluten development and structure, resulting in a chewier bread.
  • Softened unsalted butter helps incorporate richness without melting into the dough prematurely.
  • Do not over-flour; the dough should be slightly sticky to retain moisture.
  • The two rises are essential for light, fluffy brioche texture.
  • The braided shape is traditional and adds a beautiful aesthetic to the loaf.
  • Egg wash ensures a shiny, golden crust and adds flavor.
  • Optionally brushing with melted butter after baking adds extra richness and softness to the crust.

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

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