How to Make Italian Brioche for a Decadent Breakfast

Italian brioche is a deliciously rich and buttery bread that is perfect for a decadent breakfast. Its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor make it an irresistible treat, ideal for pairing with your morning coffee or enjoying as a sweet indulgence. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to make authentic Italian brioche at home.

Ingredients Needed

  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 70g granulated sugar
  • 10g salt
  • 25g fresh yeast (or 7g instant yeast)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 200g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Milk (as needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Begin by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. If using fresh yeast, dissolve it in a bit of milk (about 50ml) and let it activate for 5 minutes. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour.

Add the activated yeast (or instant yeast) to the flour mixture, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough starts to form. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk, but be careful not to make it too wet.

2. Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the structure of the brioche.

3. Incorporate the Butter

Gradually add the softened butter in pieces, kneading well after each addition. This will take some time, as the dough will become sticky. Continue to knead until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is shiny and elastic.

4. First Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shape the Brioche

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into equal portions, depending on how you want to shape your brioche. For traditional brioche, you can form small balls and place them in a greased brioche pan or muffin tin.

6. Second Rise

Cover the shaped brioche loosely with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) during this time.

7. Bake

Before baking, you can brush the tops with an egg wash made of one beaten egg and a splash of milk for a golden finish. Bake the brioche in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow.

8. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the brioche from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy Your Italian Brioche

Italian brioche is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it plain, or with a spread of jam, Nutella, or mascarpone for an even more decadent breakfast experience. You can also personalize your brioche with add-ins like chocolate chips, candied fruits, or nuts for an extra touch!

Making Italian brioche at home may take some time, but the heavenly taste and fluffy texture are well worth the effort. Impress your family and friends with this delightful breakfast treat that brings a taste of Italy to your table.