Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 Cup Warm Water (110-120°F)
- 1 tsp Dried Yeast (1/2 pkt)
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- 3 Large Organic Eggs, room temperature
- 2 - 2 1/4 Cups Unbleached Flour (I use Bob Mills)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 Stick Organic Butter, room temperature
- 1 Egg mixed with 1 Tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Sesame Seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine warm water, dried yeast, and sugar. Give it a stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Beat in the Eggs: Add room-temperature eggs, one at a time, and beat on medium speed for 1 minute.
- Mix in Flour and Salt: Turn the mixer to low and slowly add half of the flour and the sea salt. Mix until combined, approximately 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Butter: Increase the speed to medium and add softened organic butter one tablespoon at a time. Take your time with this step to ensure all the butter is fully incorporated. The mixture will be very sticky.
- Continue Mixing: Add the remaining flour and mix for another 3 minutes until the dough is shiny, smooth, and starts to 'slap' around the mixer.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Scrape the dough into a large bowl sprayed with cooking spray or lightly oiled. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to develop flavors.
- Bring to Room Temperature: The next day, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately a minute or two until it becomes pliable.
- Divide and Braid: Divide the dough into 3 sections and roll each into a long rope, about 10-12 inches long. Pinch all 3 ends together and braid, pinching the bottom as well.
- Let it Rise: Place the braided bread into a loaf pan that's either sprayed with cooking spray, lightly oiled, or lined with parchment paper. Cover the pan with a clean towel, put it in a warm place, and set aside for 2 - 2 ½ hours to rise.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Apply Egg Wash: Gently brush the egg wash (egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) over the dough, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake the Bread: Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, then lower the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Cover with loosely tented foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the crust is a rich reddish-golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the brioche bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice, and savor the delightful flavors of your homemade brioche bread!
