Brioche

Brioche is a French viennoiserie made from an enriched yeast dough containing a high proportion of butter and eggs.

Brioche is a French viennoiserie made from an enriched yeast dough containing a high proportion of butter and eggs. It is known for a rich flavour, tender crumb, and golden crust, and is commonly shaped as loaves, rolls, or buns. In Canada, brioche is widely available in bakeries and grocery stores and is used in brunch, sandwich, and holiday baking.

Origin and classification

Brioche is a French bread product classified as a viennoiserie, a category of baked goods made from yeast-leavened dough enriched with ingredients such as butter and eggs.

Ingredients and dough characteristics

Traditional brioche uses flour, butter, eggs, yeast, sugar, and a liquid ingredient such as milk or water. The dough is typically soft, sticky, and rich compared with lean bread doughs.

Shaping and baking

Brioche is commonly shaped into loaf pans, rolls, buns, or braided loaves. Recipes often recommend proofing, chilling, and brushing with egg wash before baking for colour and sheen.

Use in cooking

Brioche is eaten on its own or used as a base for sweet and savoury dishes because of its soft texture and buttery taste. Its structure makes it suitable for toast, sandwiches, and bread-based desserts.