What’s So Special About Brioche?

Brioche . . . Just saying the word conjures up visions of sitting in a sophisticated Parisian café, leisurely drinking fragrant coffee and nibbling on its light, buttery goodness.

Pronounced, Bree-osh, this soft, lightly sweet treat is where bread meets pastry and is transformed into something extra-special—a versatile loaf that can elevate every meal of the day.

Like regular bread, brioche contains flour, yeast, water and salt. But it is also enriched with eggs (sometimes extra yolks), milk and butter. These higher-fat ingredients give it its richness. Sometimes a bit of sugar and a dash of vanilla are added. An egg wash is usually brushed on the outside, creating a golden crust. The result is a soft, flakey texture, and a rich, mouth-watering flavour.

Brioche originated in France, in the Middle Ages in the Normandy region, which, fortuitously was and is also known for its quality butter, a key brioche ingredient. Today, after school, French children often like to have a few squares of milk chocolate wrapped in a brioche roll with a glass of milk. For breakfast, the French will have Brioche slices with jelly or hazelnut spread with a café au lait to start the day. Or they’ll have it as an afternoon snack in a café catching up with friends.

But you definitely don’t need to be sitting in a Parisian café or wearing a beret to savour this slightly indulgent, very versatile bread. Brioche is often used in sweet dishes because of its rich texture and buttery flavour, but it does just as well in savoury dishes, where its butteriness can elevate the dish. In fact, it works so well in both sweet and savory dishes, it is a go-to for many cooks and food aficionados, especially for entertaining.

At the same time, it is a staple that works for all meal occasions— breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack time, desserts… you name it. The possibilities are endless.

BRIOCHE FOR DINNER

Of course, slices of brioche or brioche buns can make a homey, comforting side dish to just about any dinner, including down-home soups and stews as well as fancier fare. For fresh-baked convenience, pop ACE® Bake Your Own® Brioche Cluster into the oven. The indulgence of traditional buttery flavour and natural egg wash has been amped up with the addition of natural vanilla extract, creating a warm, rich and memorable taste. It pairs perfectly with your favourite savoury dish (or can be enjoyed as a sweet after-dinner treat.)

For a casual yet gourmet dinner, indulge in Chicken Shawarma Burger on ACE® Brioche Gourmet Buns. This recipe offers everything you love about a Mediterranean shawarma, in the form of a burger: tender and flavourful chicken fillet, a delicious garlic yogurt sauce, tangy pickled onions, served on an indulgent ACE® Brioche Gourmet Bun.

BRIOCHE FOR LUNCH

That lunchtime and lunchbox staple—the sandwich—can always use some inspiration and new ideas.
For a sweet and savoury grilled cheese, try topping your brioche slices with creamy brie and crisp green apple slices.

For a mouth-watering meal, try slices of ACE® Brioche (or Brioche Bagels) topped with salty prosciutto, cream cheese, fresh and sweet figs with a nutty walnut finish. These Fig, Cream Cheese and Prosciutto Picnic Sandwiches are super portable too. You’ll be looking forward to lunch all morning!

BRIOCHE APPIES

For a little twist on your favourite appetizers, brioche can fill in when recipes call for pastry or bread.

This indulgent appetizer idea—Mini Crab & Gruyère Melts on ACE® Bake Your Own® Brioche Cluster Buns—is perfect for holiday hosting, date night or an evening games night with friends. The combination of crab, melty gruyere cheese, apple, lime and mayo creates a hearty, tangy, mini meal-on-a-bun.

Or, get the best of both worlds—sweet and savoury—when you top our ACE® Brioche cluster with hot honey, bacon and brie. They’re simple to make, and perfect for a winter pick-me-up. Watch the how-to video here.

BRIOCHE FOR BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH

The light sweetness of brioche means it was made for breakfast and brunch—as any good Parisian will tell you!

For a leisurely weekend with the family, try brioche in your favourite French Toast recipe. Or, for something special to really warm you up this winter, make a batch of Pumpkin Spice French Toast with Warm Chocolate Ganache. It’s surprising easy to make: Watch the how-to video here.

Sure to be another family favourite, Pull Apart Cinnamon Sticky Buns are easy to make. Use ACE® Bake Your Own® Brioche Cluster and simply bake, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with chopped pecans—and watch them disappear.

Having guests over for brunch? We know charcuterie boards are perfect appetizers for your dinner parties, but what about serving up a decadent Brunch on a Board for your next weekend of hosting? One of the stars of the show is Vanilla & Pearl Sugar Brioche Rolls, with a buttery texture heightened by pearl sugar that is infused into the dough. Sweet! The board ingredients also include butter croissants, cheddar and chive biscuits, sausage, bacon, cream cheese, fruits and marmalade for an impressive—and filling—spread.

BRIOCHE FOR DESSERT

Can you say decadent? With brioche as a buttery, rich slightly sweet base, the joy of dessert climbs to a whole new level. For a dish that is as beautiful as it is tasty, serve up Chocolate Lover’s Dessert Charcuterie Board. This sweet twist on a traditional meat and cheese board features a variety of ACE Bakery® favourites, including brioche, alongside decadent chocolates, jams, fruits and more. It’s perfect for a dinner party or for a romantic night in.

What—want more chocolate? Vanilla Drizzled Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding is an easy-to-create dessert that combines chocolate, vanilla, bourbon and ACE® Brioche Sliced Loaf for a delectable dessert idea for pretty much any occasion.

For something a bit lighter (but still indulgent), whip up some Brioche and Vanilla Bean Cream Eclairs. They bring a twist to a French classic and feature delicious full-flavoured ACE® Vanilla & Pearl Sugar Brioche Rolls.

And now . . . back to chocolate! Kids of all ages will love Chocolate Hazelnut S’mores with ACE Bakery® Brioche Cluster. It’s a perfect after-school or after-dinner treat.

Want more meal ideas and inspiration? Check out of Recipe Box.