Copycat Trader Joe’s Brioche Recipe

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We all know that Trader Joe’s has a knack for bringing gourmet flavors into our kitchens without needing haute cuisine expertise. Their brioche, a staple in the bread aisle, has won over the hearts (and stomachs!) of many. However, making Trader Joe’s brioche from scratch can elevate this experience to a whole new level of personal satisfaction and flavor customization.

How to make Trader Joe’s Brioche

Trader Joe’s Brioche is a type of bread sold at Trader Joe’s grocery stores. Brioche is a French bread known for its rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft, buttery texture. It’s made with ingredients like eggs, butter, and a bit of sugar, which give it that signature light, fluffy, and tender crumb.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500g (approx. 4 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 50g (approx. 1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 7g (1 packet) instant yeast
• 140ml (approx. 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp) whole milk, warm
• 5 large eggs, room temperature
• 250g (approx. 1 cup plus 1 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast, giving them a quick stir.
2. Add the warm milk and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together, about 5 minutes. The dough will be quite sticky at this stage.
3. Increase the speed to medium and add the softened butter in three additions, waiting until each is somewhat incorporated before adding the next. Beat for about 10 minutes on medium speed or until the dough becomes soft, shiny, and elastic. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Transfer the dough to a large, greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

Shape and Second Rise:

1. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface.
2. Divide the dough into three equal pieces if you’re making a braided loaf or leave it whole for a simpler shape. Shape as desired and place in a greased loaf pan.
3. Cover lightly with greased plastic wrap and let rise again until puffy and almost doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Preheat and Egg Wash:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Gently brush the risen dough with the egg wash (one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of milk or water). This will give the brioche a shiny, golden finish.

Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
2. If the brioche starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.

Cool:

1. Remove the brioche from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success:

• Temperature: To ensure even mixing, make sure your ingredients, especially the eggs and milk, are at room temperature.
• Butter: The butter should be soft but not melted. Incorporate it gently to maintain the dough’s structure.
• Patience: Brioche dough is notoriously sticky and soft. Avoid adding more flour than the recipe calls for, as it will affect the texture.
• Proofing: Ensure your dough is proofed in a warm, draft-free area. This helps achieve the best rise.

What to serve with

Serving Trader Joe’s brioche opens a world of culinary possibilities. With its rich, tender crumb and buttery glory, brioche pairs beautifully with a wide range of accompaniments, from the simplest of spreads to elaborate dishes.

Classic Breakfast Pairings:

• French Toast: Brioche makes the ultimate French toast. Soak thick slices in a mixture of egg, milk, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon, then fry to golden perfection. Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a luxurious breakfast treat.
• Avocado Toast: Elevate your avocado toast by using brioche. Top slices with smashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon, salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, some poached eggs or radish slices for extra texture and flavor.
• Eggs Benedict: Substitute traditional English muffins with buttery brioche as a base for eggs Benedict. The rich hollandaise sauce and runny poached eggs perfectly complement the brioche’s richness.

Sweet Treats:

• Bread Pudding: Transform your brioche into a delectable bread pudding. Cube the brioche and soak it in a custard made from eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla. Bake until golden and serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Nutella and Banana Sandwiches: Spread Nutella on slices of brioche and add slices of banana. If you’re feeling indulgent, you can even press this in a panini press or skillet to make a warm, gooey treat.

Savory Snacks and Appetizers:

• Bruschetta: Toast slices of brioche and top them with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for a quick and sophisticated appetizer.
• Mini Lobster Rolls: Swap out traditional rolls for small pieces of brioche, lightly toasted and filled with a creamy lobster salad. These are perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.

Elegant Entrees:

• Grilled Cheese: For an upscale grilled cheese, fill two slices of brioche with a combination of gourmet cheeses, such as Gruyère or Brie. Add caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.
• Pan-Seared Foie Gras: For a truly lavish affair, serve pan-seared foie gras atop toasted brioche slices. The richness of the foie gras paired with the buttery brioche is a match made in culinary heaven.

Accompaniments and Toppings:

• Jams and Jellies: Homemade or high-quality store-bought jams, particularly berry or fig, complement the brioche wonderfully.
• Honey and Spreads: A drizzle of honey, almond butter, or mascarpone cheese can turn a simple slice of brioche into an exquisite treat.

Beverage Pairings:

• Coffee or Tea: A freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea is perfect for balancing the richness of the brioche, making for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Champagne or Sweet Wine: For special occasions, serve brioche-based dishes with a glass of Champagne or a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes for an elegant pairing.

Ingredients Substitutes

While Trader Joe’s Brioche is a store-bought item, there may come a time when you want to recreate a similar brioche at home, either because you don’t have access to a Trader Joe’s or you simply enjoy homemade bread.

Flour:

Standard brioche recipes usually call for all-purpose flour or bread flour for a higher protein content, which results in a chewier texture.

Substitute: If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for baking bread. If xanthan gum is not included in the blend, you might need to add it.

Yeast:

Active dry yeast or instant yeast is typically used to give brioche its characteristic rise.

Substitute: If you’re out of yeast, you can make a sourdough brioche using a sourdough starter. Just be aware that this will give a slightly different flavor and will take longer to rise.

Milk:

Whole milk is commonly used in brioche to enrich the dough.

Substitute: For dairy-free options, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can work well. These alternatives won’t give you the same richness but will still provide moisture.

Butter:

Brioche is known for its high butter content which gives it its tender crumb and rich flavor.

Substitute: Vegan butter or margarine can be used in equal amounts to make a dairy-free brioche. Coconut oil (solid state) is another alternative, although it imparts a coconut flavor.

Eggs:

Eggs enrich the dough and provide structure and color.

Substitute: For an egg-free alternative, try using a commercial egg replacer, silken tofu, or a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water constitutes one egg).

Sugar:

Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with the browning of the crust.

Substitute: If you want to avoid refined sugars, you can use honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners can affect the hydration of the dough, so adjustments may be needed.

Salt:

Salt is critical for flavor and yeast regulation within the dough.

Substitute: While there isn’t a direct substitute for salt flavor, those on low-sodium diets could reduce the amount and compensate with herbs or spices, considering the possible impact on the overall taste.

Final Thoughts

Creating your homemade Trader Joe’s brioche is a satisfying baking project that yields delicious rewards. Savor it fresh from the oven, use it to elevate your sandwiches and French toast, or simply enjoy it with a dollop of jam. Happy baking!

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Sourdough Bread Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Creamer Recipe