Nitrate & Nitrite Free Buttery Brioche
Rich, pillowy, and impossibly tender, this brioche is the kind of bread that makes you want to clear your whole afternoon just to bake it. The ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward — flour, butter, milk, sugar, yeast, and a flax egg — so there's nothing hidden, nothing processed, and no reason to squint at a label wondering what's actually in there. That matters more than people realize, because plenty of store-bought enriched breads and even some bakery loaves sneak in preservatives or cured-meat-adjacent additives to extend shelf life. Here, the richness comes entirely from a generous amount of real unsalted butter worked slowly into the dough, which gives the crumb that signature soft, feathery pull. The flax egg binds everything together beautifully without changing the flavor or texture in any noticeable way. A milk wash before baking delivers that deep, glossy golden crust that looks like it came straight out of a Parisian boulangerie. Slice it thick while it's still slightly warm, or let it cool completely and use it for the most indulgent French toast of your life.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
10 servings
For the flax egg
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 6 tbsp warm water (about 110°f / 43°c)
For the dough
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- ¼ cup warm whole milk (about 110°f / 43°c)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes, at room temperature
For the wash
- 2 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, stir together the ground flaxseed and 6 tbsp warm water until combined. Let sit for 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a gel-like consistency.
- 2
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, 1 tbsp of the sugar, and the yeast. Stir briefly and let stand for 5–8 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!