The Best Yogurt Brioche Bread

If you’re looking for a brioche recipe that is soft, fluffy, and as light as a cloud, then you need to try this one. It’s easy to make and requires minimal kneading, and the result is a delightful, airy, and delicious brioche that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This brioche is also infused with rum for added flavor, but feel free to replace it with orange blossom water or vanilla, depending on your preferences.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Brioche is one of those treats that are difficult to resist, especially when it’s freshly baked in your own kitchen. There’s something magical about the smell of homemade bread filling the air, and this yogurt brioche does not disappoint. It’s extra-soft and fluffy, with a lovely light texture that will make you want to eat it warm right out of the oven.

I love making brioche at home, as it gives me the satisfaction of creating something so delicious with my own hands. Plus, it’s so much more enjoyable when it’s fresh out of the oven, with that irresistible aroma wafting through the house.

This yogurt brioche is especially soft, with a tender crumb that just melts in your mouth. The addition of yogurt gives it an extra level of richness, while still maintaining that cloud-like texture. If you’ve never tried yogurt in your brioche before, this recipe will definitely change the way you think about making bread.

Tips for Making the Perfect Brioche

To ensure that your brioche turns out as soft and fluffy as possible, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

1. Measure your ingredients carefully: Accurate measurements are important for getting the right consistency in your dough. Too much flour or liquid can alter the texture, so be sure to follow the recipe closely.
2. Use the right tools: A stand mixer with a dough hook is ideal for kneading the dough. If you don’t have one, you can knead by hand, but be prepared for a bit of a workout!
3. Allow the dough to rise properly: The dough needs time to rise to get that airy texture. Be sure to let it rest in a warm spot for the required time. This will allow the yeast to do its magic and create that fluffy interior.
4. Follow the baking temperature: Brioche requires a moderate baking temperature to bake evenly. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature before baking, and keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking.
5. Let it cool before slicing: As tempting as it may be to cut into the brioche right away, it’s important to let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help it set and maintain its soft texture.

Now, let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough:

• 500g of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 10g of salt
• 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 4 eggs (room temperature)
• 100g of plain yogurt
• 100ml of milk
• 100g of butter (softened)
• 1 tablespoon of rum (or orange blossom water or vanilla for an alternative flavor)

For the Glaze:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon of milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by placing the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast into the bowl of your stand mixer. Give it a quick mix to combine. Then, add the eggs, yogurt, and milk to the dry ingredients. Using the dough hook attachment, begin mixing on low speed. After a minute, increase the speed and continue mixing for about 5 minutes. The dough should come together into a sticky but smooth ball.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Once the dough has come together, add the softened butter in small pieces, a little at a time. Continue to knead the dough for another 5 minutes. The butter will make the dough more elastic and silky. Be sure that all the butter is incorporated before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: First Rise

Once the dough has been kneaded to the right consistency, place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. The warmth of the kitchen will help the dough rise, but if your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in an oven that is turned off but with the light on for a little added warmth.

Step 4: Shape the Brioche

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, divide the dough into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and arrange them in a greased loaf pan, stacking the balls neatly. If you prefer a round brioche, you can also shape it into one large ball and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the loaf pan. This is your second rise and is essential for achieving the fluffy, light texture.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). A hot oven is essential for a good rise and even cooking.

Step 7: Glaze the Brioche

Once the dough has finished rising, prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Gently brush this mixture over the top of the dough. This will give your brioche a beautiful golden color when baked.

Step 8: Bake the Brioche

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by gently tapping on the top of the brioche – if it sounds hollow, it’s done. You should also see a lovely golden color on the top. If the brioche is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Step 9: Let the Brioche Cool

Once your brioche is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Although it’s tempting to slice into it right away, allow it to cool down to preserve its soft, airy texture.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas for variations:

1. Add Chocolate Chips: For a more indulgent treat, you can fold chocolate chips into the dough before the second rise. The chocolate will melt and create gooey pockets of sweetness in every bite.
2. Citrus Zest: Add some zest from an orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the rich flavor of the brioche.
3. Nuts and Dried Fruit: For an extra texture, fold in chopped nuts (like hazelnuts or almonds) or dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.) into the dough.
4. Filling: If you want a stuffed brioche, you can roll out the dough and spread a layer of Nutella, fruit preserves, or almond paste before rolling it back up and shaping it into a loaf.
5. Saffron or Cardamom: If you want to add a bit of spice, saffron or cardamom can be a great addition, giving your brioche an exotic flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Brioche

1. Light and Fluffy: This brioche is incredibly soft, light, and fluffy – the kind of bread that melts in your mouth.
2. Versatile: You can enjoy it for breakfast with butter and jam, as a snack with coffee, or even as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
3. Customizable: You can easily add your favorite fillings or flavors to make it your own.
4. Perfect for Sharing: Brioche is perfect for gatherings and can be served at family breakfasts or holiday brunches.

Storing and Freezing Brioche

If you have leftovers (although I doubt it!), brioche can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, you can also freeze it. Slice the brioche before freezing so that you can take out just the amount you need. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or toast it lightly to enjoy.

Conclusion

This yogurt brioche is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves soft, buttery bread. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or filling it with your favorite flavors, this brioche will surely become a staple in your home. So, give it a try and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of homemade brioche!