Brioche Cheese Bread
A rich, cheesy brioche bread with a tender crumb and a hint of Swiss flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large warm bowl.
- Add sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, 3 eggs, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture.
- Beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl; turn to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for 5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If Swiss cheese isn't available, Gruyère or even cheddar can be good substitutes. Make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise, and knead the dough well to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This brioche cheese bread is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a light salad or soup, such as a classic tomato bisque. It can also be used as a base for a savory sandwich or served alongside a charcuterie board. For a delightful breakfast, enjoy it toasted with a spread of drippy icing or jam.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the brioche cheese bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brioche Cheese Bread contains roughly 2250 calories, with 23g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 221g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1867mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the refrigeration step a day ahead. Once it's risen, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. You can then shape and bake it the next day for fresh bread without the extra effort.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise properly?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to expired yeast or a drafty environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly in warm water. If it's still not rising, try placing the dough in a warmer area, like an oven with just the light on, to encourage rising.
Is it possible to add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! You can incorporate ingredients like diced ham, sautéed onions, or even sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content of any additional ingredients to maintain the right dough consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).