Brioche au Fromage Recipe
Introduction
Delight your taste buds with this exquisite Brioche au Fromage recipe, a delectable cheese-infused bread that is both easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight treat. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of France, brioche is a highly enriched bread known for its tender crumb and rich flavor. The addition of Swiss cheese in this recipe elevates it to new heights, making it a luxurious yet accessible dish. This recipe is perfect for utilizing your bread machine, ensuring convenience and consistent results every time.
Ingredients and Their Roles
Understanding the ingredients and their roles is crucial for mastering any recipe. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is important:
- Water (1/2 cup): Hydrates the dough, allowing the yeast to activate and the flour to form gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
- Egg (1): Provides structure, richness, and helps in the leavening process. Eggs also contribute to the bread’s golden-brown crust.
- Swiss Cheese (2/3 cup): Adds a savory depth of flavor and a delightful cheesy texture to the bread. It melts into the dough, creating pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Butter (1/3 cup): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the bread. The fat content helps to soften the dough, making it more pliable and enhancing its flavor.
- Sugar (1 1/2 tbsp): Feeds the yeast, promoting fermentation and giving the bread a slight sweetness that balances the savory cheese.
- Salt (1 1/2 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the bread and controls the yeast activity, ensuring a proper rise.
- Bread Flour (3 1/2 cups): Provides the necessary gluten for the bread’s structure. Bread flour is higher in protein than all-purpose flour, which is crucial for yeast breads.
Nutritional Information
This brioche is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a rich source of energy and nutrients. Here is the detailed nutritional breakdown per serving (based on the entire loaf divided by the average serving size):
- Calories: 2658.2 kcal
- Fat: 95.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 56.8 g
- Cholesterol: 432.2 mg
- Sodium: 4314.2 mg
- Carbohydrates: 366 g
- Fiber: 14 g
- Sugar: 21.2 g
- Protein: 78.8 g
Cooking Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 1 2lb loaf
Follow these simple steps to create your brioche au fromage:
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Add Ingredients to Bread Machine:
- Start by adding the water and milk to the bread machine pan.
- Crack the egg into the pan.
- Add the Swiss cheese and butter.
- Sprinkle the sugar and salt over the top.
- Finally, add the bread flour.
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Cook on Sweet Cycle:
- Select the sweet cycle on your bread machine. This cycle is typically used for breads that contain higher sugar and fat content.
- Set the machine to a light or medium crust, according to your preference.
- Start the machine and let it do the work. The sweet cycle will knead the dough, allow it to rise, and bake it to perfection.
Tips for Perfect Brioche au Fromage
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the water, milk, and butter are at room temperature before adding them to the bread machine. This helps in activating the yeast properly.
- Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is recommended, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Cheddar, or a mix of your favorites for different flavor profiles.
- Bread Machine Settings: Every bread machine is slightly different. If your machine doesn’t have a sweet cycle, use the basic or white bread cycle but keep an eye on the baking process towards the end.
Serving Suggestions
Brioche au Fromage is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Breakfast Delight: Serve slices of warm brioche with a pat of butter or a dollop of fruit preserves for a delightful breakfast.
- Gourmet Sandwiches: Use slices of this cheesy brioche to make gourmet sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with deli meats, fresh greens, and a smear of Dijon mustard.
- Snack Time: Toast slices of brioche and serve with a side of marinara sauce for a quick and satisfying snack.
- Elegant Appetizers: Cut the brioche into small cubes and serve with a cheese fondue or as part of a charcuterie board for an elegant appetizer.
Additional Notes
This recipe yields a brioche that is rich and flavorful, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The high fat and sugar content make it a bit indulgent, but it’s perfect for special occasions or as a treat to brighten up your day. The sodium content is relatively high due to the cheese and added salt, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation if you’re watching your salt intake.
Conclusion
Brioche au Fromage is a fantastic addition to any bread lover’s repertoire. It combines the rich, buttery texture of traditional brioche with the savory depth of Swiss cheese, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to using a bread machine, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Enjoy the process of making this delightful bread and savor every cheesy, buttery bite!
