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Should I Dry Out Brioche for French Toast?

Should I Dry Out Brioche for French Toast?
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Soft, buttery, and rich, this homemade brioche is the ultimate bread for French toast—perfectly soaking up custard for a decadently crisp outside and custardy inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk, lukewarm
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and lukewarm milk.
  2. Using the dough hook, mix on low until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
  3. Increase speed to medium and knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Gradually add butter, a few pieces at a time, mixing fully before adding more. Knead for another 6–8 minutes until butter is fully incorporated and the dough is glossy and elastic.
  5. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough, then cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours) to develop flavor and structure.
  7. The next day, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Shape the chilled dough into a log and place it into the prepared pan.
  8. Cover loosely and let rise at room temperature for 1.5–2 hours until puffy and nearly doubled.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with beaten egg.
  10. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reads 190°F (88°C). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  11. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Slice and dry the brioche slightly overnight for the best French toast texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: brioche, French toast bread, homemade brioche

Find it online: https://adrianrecipes.blog/should-i-dry-out-brioche-for-french-toast/