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Brioche

Brioche is an enriched French bread, typically made with butter or vegetable fat, milk and eggs for a rich, soft and sweet taste that’s simply… well, magnifique.

Brioche is used in dishes right throughout the day – you could have it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert . Add a touch of French flair to your day and put a Parisian twist on any meal with St Pierre’s brioche products.

Do not miss out our 10 things to know about brioche post to become a true brioche expert.

What are the different types of brioche?

Breakfast Spread

Ideal for adding a little touch of French flair to your everyday meals, brioche comes in many shapes and sizes – including rolls, loaves, twists, and buns. Brioche can be ‘plain’, or filled with chocolate chips or vanilla custard.

Traditional brioche is usually shaped in a round loaf with a small ball on top, and is often called ‘brioche à tête’ or ‘brioche Parisienne’. The modern Brioche Loaf is shaped in a more traditional rectangular loaf shape, and is officially called ‘brioche Nanterre’. There are several type of brioche recipes and this what is beautiful with this product!

St Pierre Dinner Spread With Burgers, Hot Dogs, Hashbrowns, Toasties, French Fries & Salad

Brioche also comes in smaller and more elaborate forms. From smaller brioche rolls for individual servings and brioche bagels for a Parisian twist on an American favorite, there’s no end to the brioche variations you can add to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner table.

There are also sweet brioche specialties for when you want to imagine yourself stopping by a classic Parisian bakery (or ‘boulangerie’ in French).

With St Pierre’s range of brioche products made with authentic French recipes, you’re never far away from a taste of Paris right in your own home.

What makes brioche different?

Brioche Loaf Pancakes Toasted In The Pan

Brioche is a type of bread that is made with butter and eggs, which gives it a rich and tender crumb, a slightly sweet flavor and a distinctive golden color. The addition of milk also adds a subtle sweetness and helps to create a soft, pillowy texture.

Brioche is also typically baked into a distinctive shape, such as a round or elongated loaf, or into individual buns. Its golden crust and soft interior make it a versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for sweet or savory dishes.

Overall, brioche is a luxurious bread that is prized for its rich flavor, tender texture, and versatility in the kitchen.

Brioche Favourites

What does brioche taste like?

Distractingly Delicious Women Eating A Brioche Grilled Cheese Sandwich At Work

Brioche has a rich taste with a subtle sweetness that comes from the addition of sugar. Its texture is soft and tender with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.

The butter content in brioche gives it a luxurious flavor and a slightly golden color. The eggs also add richness and depth of flavor, while the milk makes it soft and tender.

Overall, the taste of brioche is quite distinctive and indulgent.

Brioche Recipes

Brioche Loaf Sliced In Kitchen

Does brioche have dairy?

Brioche is a type of bread that typically contains butter, eggs, milk and sugar, so it does contain dairy.

Is brioche sweet?

Yes, brioche is generally considered a sweet bread. It is made with sugar and eggs, which give it a slightly sweet flavor and a rich texture. While brioche can be used for savory dishes like sandwiches or toast, it is often enjoyed as a sweet treat on its own or as a base in sweet recipes such as French toast, bread pudding or brioche buns filled with sweet ingredients.

Brioche Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is brioche?

Brioche is a type of bread, originating in France. Brioche bread is traditionally made from an enriched dough.  Brioche is technically considered a ‘viennoiserie’, which is a type of food somewhere between a traditional bread and a pâtisserie (pastry).

How is brioche made?

At home Brioche bread is made by combining butter, eggs, milk, yeast, flour, sugar and salt into an enriched dough. The process is fairly time-consuming, involving heating the milk, slowly adding softened butter, and then leaving to rise for several hours. The dough is then kneaded into shape (whether in rolls, buns, loaves or another shape), brushed with egg wash and baked until golden.

Is brioche bread or cake?

Brioche is best described as a cross between a bread and a pastry!  Though made in much the same way as regular bread (with kneading and rising), brioche is enriched with lots of  eggs and milk,  making it richer, more like a typical pastry. Brioche has a light texture, and just a hint of sweetness, just enough to be indulgent and light enough to work with any meal of the day. It’s simply magnifique.

How do you say brioche?

Is brioche bread healthy?

Brioche bread is a little more indulgent than your standard bread,  so it may not be considered a typical health food. However, we believe ‘everything in moderation’ here at St Pierre, so we think there’s nothing wrong with a little treat of brioche every now and then! Brioche’s soft, light sweetness will add a Parisian touch to your day, no matter where you are.

What is brioche bread used for?

Brioche bread can be used in breakfast dishes like French toast, lunch and dinner including burger buns and hot dog rolls, as well as desserts like bread pudding.  St Pierre makes a range of brioche products, including traditional buns and loaves, as well as American classic favorites like brioche waffles and brioche bagels.

Brioche is a versatile bread that can be used in numerous ways (take a look at some of our suggestions below). During the 18th century famine, bread prices skyrocketed leading to the emergence of brioche as a symbol of social status. The quantity of butter in one’s brioche was indicative of their wealth.

While brioche continues to be a popular accompaniment to tea, it also serves as a versatile food in culinary arts, providing a base for both sweet and savory fillings. The beauty of it is that it can be enjoyed on its own or toasted with butter and jam for a simple breakfast or snack. Overall, brioche bread is now a staple in many cuisines around the world.

Where To Buy Brioche Bread?

St Pierre brioche is available to purchase from a variety of retailers, both in store and online. For more information on where to buy our products check out our Where To Buy section.

What To Make With Brioche Bread

Here at St Pierre, we believe there are a wealth of dishes that you can make with brioche – we love its versatility and how it can elevate an everyday dish. Below are just some of the many dishes you can make with brioche…

  1. French toast: brioche is an excellent choice for making French toast because of its rich flavors and fluffy texture. Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit and whipped cream for a decadent breakfast or brunch. Take a look at our French Toast recipes.
  2. Bread and butter pudding: use brioche bread to make a classic bread pudding. See our recipe layered with chocolate and cream.
Shakshuka Brioche Bagel Dip
  1. Sandwiches: brioche makes an excellent base for sandwiches. Try it with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce and brie for a Thanksgiving-inspired sandwich or with ham and cheese for a classic French Croque Monsieur.
  2. Burgers: substitute regular hamburger buns with brioche buns for a more decadent burger experience.
  3. Croutons: cube brioche bread and toast in the oven for delicious croutons to top your salads or soups.
  4. French onion soup: use brioche bread as the base for a delicious French onion soup. Toast the bread, top with melted gruyere cheese and serve on top of the soup.
  5. Tartines: top toasted brioche slices with avocado, smoked salmon or ricotta cheese and honey for a delicious open-faced sandwich.