Brioche Siciliana Recipe

Notes on What to Expect

When you bake Brioche Siciliana, expect a wonderfully fragrant kitchen and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee or as a dessert. The texture should be soft and fluffy, making each bite a delight.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 2 hours (plus rising time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Time to Stand: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 10
• Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10-$15 (varies by location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Breakfast/Dessert

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Dough scraper or spatula
• Kitchen scale (optional, but recommended)
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Brioche Siciliana  here.

Ingredients

For the Brioche:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (120ml)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227g)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Brioche Siciliana  here.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the eggs, yeast mixture, and citrus zest if using. Mix with a whisk until combined.
4. Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the softened butter to the dough. Use a spatula or your hands to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This may take about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Step 2: First Rise

5. Let it Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Brioche

6. Punch Down: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface.
7. Divide the Dough: Cut the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then into a long rope, about 12 inches long.
8. Form the Braids: Take three ropes and braid them together, pinching the ends to secure. Place the braided dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

Step 4: Second Rise

9. Let it Rise Again: Cover the shaped brioche with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

10. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Gently brush the tops of the brioche with the mixture.

Step 6: Bake

12. Bake: Bake the brioche in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool

13. Cool: Allow the brioche to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Brioche: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before the first rise.
• Nutty Brioche: Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts for added texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Brioche Siciliana  here.

Tips and Substitutions

• Butter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can replace some butter with unsweetened applesauce.
• Egg Replacement: For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and coconut oil instead of butter.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 300
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 5g

I hope this guide has made making Brioche Siciliana seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment!