As the sun begins to rise and the gentle light pours into my kitchen, there’s a special comfort in the thought of homemade breakfast. The sound of dough kneading and the anticipation of warm, fluffy brioche fill the air with a sense of possibility. These Breakfast Brioche Buns are not just a meal; they are an experience, perfectly designed to elevate any gathering or quiet morning. With a tender crumb and a golden top, each bun hugs a perfectly cooked egg, waiting to be adorned with your favorite toppings—be it savory bacon, crumbled feta, or aromatic zaatar.
I discovered this recipe during a cozy brunch with friends, and the joy of sharing these delightful buns with loved ones was unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekend routine or impress guests with minimal effort, these customizable buns promise a deliciously satisfying start to your day. Let’s dive into making these little pieces of heaven that will transform your breakfast moments!
Why are Breakfast Brioche Buns irresistible?
Soft, Fluffy Texture: Each bite of these buns melts in your mouth, thanks to the rich brioche dough.
Customizable: Personalize your breakfast by topping them with your favorites like bacon or feta.
Brunch Showstopper: Perfect for gatherings, these buns are sure to impress your guests.
Ease of Preparation: Simple instructions make it easy, even for novice bakers.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake it fresh when needed for a warm meal any time.
Indulge in this delicious homemade offering that elevates your breakfast experience!
Breakfast Brioche Buns Ingredients
• Discover the essentials for delightful Breakfast Brioche Buns that will elevate your mornings!
For the Dough
- Warm Milk (¾ cup + 1 tablespoon) – Activates yeasts for a perfect rise; ensure the temperature is between 105-115°F.
- Active Dry Yeast (1 packet, 7g) – A vital leavening agent that helps the dough rise beautifully.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon + ¼ cup) – Adds sweetness, feeding the yeast during the dough’s fermentation process.
- Bread Flour (3 cups) – Provides structure for a soft, chewy texture; steer clear of all-purpose for best results.
- Salt (¾ teaspoon) – Enhances flavor and controls fermentation, ensuring your buns taste delightful.
- Egg Yolks (2) – Contributes richness and moisture to the brioche dough, making it luxuriously soft.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, softened) – Enriches the dough, lending a silky feel that melts in your mouth.
For the Fillings
- Eggs (8) – The star of the show inside each bun; feel free to adjust based on your taste or use alternatives if needed.
- Toppings (optional) – Bacon, feta cheese, or zaatar are just a few delicious options to personalize your buns!
How to Make Breakfast Brioche Buns
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Prepare Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Allow the mixture to foam for about 5 minutes, creating a fragrant starter that brings life to the dough.
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Mix Ingredients: In a stand mixer, blend the bread flour, both sugars, salt, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture together. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and ready for rising.
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Add Butter: Gradually mix in the softened butter while kneading for another 15 minutes. The dough should feel silky and non-sticky; remember, the magic is in the kneading!
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First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
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Shape Buns: Once risen, turn out the dough on a floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Press down gently to form indents, then place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Allow them to rise for another 45 minutes.
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Blind Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Create small wells in the center of each bun using ramekins, and bake them for 5-7 minutes. Remove the ramekins and continue baking for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the buns begin to set.
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Add Eggs: Carefully crack an egg into the center of each bun, season with salt and pepper, then bake for 10-17 minutes depending on how runny or firm you desire the yolk.
Optional: Serve these buns with fresh herbs sprinkled on top for added flavor and fragrance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Breakfast Brioche Buns Variations
Feel free to explore and make these buns your own with your favorite toppings!
- Sausage Swap: Replace bacon with crumbled sausage for a heartier bite that packs a savory punch.
- Spinach & Feta: For a nutritious twist, add fresh spinach and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean flair.
- Herb Infusion: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of zaatar to elevate flavors beautifully.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella on top of the eggs for an ultra cheesy experience.
- Veggie Supreme: Go vegetarian by adding sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a vibrant filling.
- Spicy Touch: For a kick, consider adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Sweet & Savory: Try brushing the tops with honey before baking for a delightful sweet contrast to savory toppings.
- Smoked Salmon: Achieve a brunch-worthy twist by topping the eggs with smoked salmon and fresh dill.
Make Ahead Options
These Breakfast Brioche Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy mornings! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and then refrigerating it after the first rise. Just cover it well to prevent drying, and when you’re ready to bake, shape the buns and let them rise for 45 minutes before blind baking. If you prefer, you can also pre-cook the eggs and refrigerate them for up to 3 days; just pop them in the center of the buns before final baking. Simply follow these finishing instructions for deliciously warm and fluffy Breakfast Brioche Buns that taste just made!
How to Store and Freeze Breakfast Brioche Buns
Room Temperature: These buns are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their softness.
Fridge: If you have leftover buns, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap securely to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the buns wrapped individually in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Enjoy your Breakfast Brioche Buns just as you made them!
What to Serve with Breakfast Brioche Buns with Eggs?
Warm, fluffy bites of brioche filled with eggs deserve delightful companions that amplify your breakfast experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the buns.
- Crispy Bacon: Salty, savory bacon offers a satisfying contrast to the soft sweetness of the brioche, turning them into a comforting breakfast duo.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layering creamy yogurt with granola and berries adds creaminess and a touch of tang, creating a wholesome balance.
- Avocado Toast: The creamy texture and healthy fats from ripe avocado harmonize beautifully with egg-filled brioche for a filling meal.
- Herbed Cream Cheese Spread: A light, flavorful spread brings out the buttery notes of the brioche, adding a luxurious touch for dipping.
- Iced Coffee: Enjoy a chilled glass of iced coffee, a delightful pairing that keeps your senses refreshed and energized.
- Chai Tea: Warm, spiced chai complements the sweet softness of the brioche, adding aromatic notes that elevate your morning.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of maple syrup over the egg and bun combination adds a delightful sweetness, making each mouthful more indulgent.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the brioche.
- Mimosas: Celebrate your breakfast with bubbly mimosas; the citrusy flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the brioche buns.
Expert Tips for Breakfast Brioche Buns
- Kneading Time: Ensure you knead the dough for the full 10 minutes to develop the gluten, resulting in a soft texture perfect for your Breakfast Brioche Buns.
- Temperature Matters: Always check the milk temperature; if it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the buns from rising.
- Tackiness is Key: Avoid adding extra flour; the dough should be slightly tacky, which is crucial for achieving the right consistency during baking.
- Blind Baking: Don’t skip the blind bake step; it helps set the buns’ structure and avoids unwanted sogginess from the egg.
- Windowpane Test: Test if the dough is ready by stretching a small piece; it should form a thin, translucent sheet without tearing for the best rise.
Breakfast Brioche Buns Recipe FAQs
What type of milk should I use for the brioche buns?
I recommend using whole milk or 2% milk for the best results, as these provide the necessary fat content to create a rich and tender brioche dough. Make sure it’s warmed to about 105-115°F before combining with the yeast to activate it effectively.
How can I store leftover Breakfast Brioche Buns?
Absolutely! Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Just remember to wrap them securely to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the brioche buns?
Yes, these buns freeze beautifully! Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my dough seems too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, refrain from adding extra flour. Instead, grease your hands with a little oil or wet them slightly. This will help you handle the dough without making it dry and losing that delightful soft texture.
What if my buns don’t rise?
If your buns don’t rise as expected, it might be due to the yeast being inactive. Ensure your warm milk is at the right temperature when activating the yeast. Also, check the expiration date on your yeast packet. If the dough doesn’t double in size, try giving it a little more time in a warm environment.
Can I use substitutes for the eggs in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer egg substitutes for dietary reasons, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes as a binding agent) for each egg. This way, you can still enjoy delicious and customizable Breakfast Brioche Buns!
Savory Breakfast Brioche Buns with Custom Egg Toppings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Allow the mixture to foam for about 5 minutes.
- In a stand mixer, blend the bread flour, both sugars, salt, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture together. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Gradually mix in the softened butter while kneading for another 15 minutes, until silky and non-sticky.
- Transfer the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, turn out the dough onto a floured surface. Divide into 8 pieces, shape into balls, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Allow to rise for another 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Create wells in the center of each bun and bake for 5-7 minutes. Remove ramekins and bake for another 1-2 minutes, until set.
- Carefully crack an egg into each bun's center, season with salt and pepper, and bake for another 10-17 minutes.