10 Substitutes for Brioche Bread: Baking Bliss

Challah Bread: A sweet, rich bread with a similar texture and flavor profile to brioche.

A traditional Jewish bread, Challah bread, is known for its rich and slightly sweet flavor, as well as its soft and tender texture. It’s often made with ingredients like eggs, flour, water, yeast, and a touch of sugar. The addition of eggs gives challah its distinct golden color and contributes to its richness.

Using challah bread as a substitute for brioche can work really well, especially in recipes where you’re looking for a similar taste and texture. Here’s how you can use challah bread as a substitute for brioche:

1. French Toast: Challah bread’s soft interior and slightly sweet flavor make it a fantastic choice for making French toast. Dip slices of challah in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla, then fry them up until they’re golden brown and delicious.
2. Bread Pudding: Just like brioche, you can use challah to make a delectable bread pudding. Its tender crumb absorbs custard beautifully, creating a luscious dessert or breakfast treat.
3. Sandwiches: For sandwiches that require a slightly sweeter and richer bread, like a turkey and cranberry sandwich, challah can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
4. Burger Buns: Challah rolls can be an excellent alternative to brioche buns for burgers. They’re soft and sturdy, providing a nice contrast to the savory filling.
5. Bruschetta: Slice challah, toast it, and use it as a base for bruschetta toppings like tomato and basil. The bread’s slightly sweet taste can complement the fresh flavors.
6. Bread Crumbs: You can also turn leftover challah into breadcrumbs for coating chicken or fish, or for use in stuffings and casseroles.

Remember that while challah and brioche share similarities, they do have distinct flavors. Challah tends to be a bit less buttery and more subtly sweet. So, while using challah as a substitute, consider the overall flavor profile of your dish and how it will interact with the bread.

Croissants: While not as sweet, croissants provide a flaky, buttery texture that can be a great alternative.

Of French origin, croissants are flaky, buttery pastries. They are made from a dough called laminated dough, which is created by folding butter into the dough multiple times to create layers. This process results in the characteristic flakiness and airy texture that croissants are known for. Croissants also have a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior.

Using croissants as a substitute for brioche bread can be a great choice, especially when you’re seeking that buttery and flaky texture. Here’s how you can use croissants as a substitute for brioche bread:

1. French Toast: Croissants can make fantastic French toast. The flaky layers soak up the custard mixture well, and the buttery flavor adds a rich touch to the dish.
2. Sandwiches: Slice croissants and use them as a base for sandwiches, particularly those that benefit from a light and buttery bread. Think about fillings like ham and cheese or chicken salad.
3. Bread Pudding: Just like brioche, croissants can work wonderfully for making bread pudding. Their texture adds a unique dimension to the dessert.
4. Sliders: You can cut croissants into smaller sizes to create slider buns. The flaky layers can hold up well to various fillings.
5. Breakfast Casseroles: Incorporate croissants into breakfast casseroles for added texture and flavor. The buttery layers will make the dish even more indulgent.
6. Dessert Toppings: Crumble or dice croissants to create a crunchy topping for desserts like fruit crisps or cobblers.
7. Strata: You can use croissants in savory strata dishes (a mixture which mainly consists of bread, eggs and cheese), where they absorb all the flavors.
8. Bread Crumbs: You can process croissants into breadcrumbs to use for coating meats or adding texture to dishes like macaroni and cheese.

When substituting croissants for brioche, keep in mind that croissants have a buttery flavor but are not as sweet as brioche. Additionally, their flakiness might man you end up with a different texture to your dish.

Portuguese Sweet Bread: Offers a delightful taste and soft, fluffy texture that’s reminiscent of brioche.

It is also known as “Massa Sovada” or “Pão Doce,” is a traditional bread from Portugal. It’s characterized by its slightly sweet flavor and soft, airy texture. The bread is made with ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, milk, and sometimes a hint of citrus or vanilla. It’s often enjoyed on special occasions and holidays, and it holds cultural significance in Portuguese cuisine.

Using Portuguese sweet bread as a substitute for brioche bread can bring a touch of sweetness and softness to your dishes. Here’s how you can use Portuguese sweet bread as a substitute for brioche:

1. French Toast: Portuguese sweet bread is a great choice for making French toast. Its soft texture and inherent sweetness can make your breakfast or brunch even more special.
2. Bread Pudding: Just like brioche, you can use Portuguese sweet bread to create a delicious and comforting bread pudding. Its sweetness adds a unique flavor dimension.
3. Dessert Sandwiches: Use slices of Portuguese sweet bread as a base for dessert sandwiches, pairing them with fillings like Nutella, berries, or whipped cream.
4. Bread Crumbs: Grind Portuguese sweet bread into breadcrumbs for coating meats, seafood, or vegetables. The slight sweetness can add an interesting twist to savory dishes.
5. Snacking Bread: Enjoy Portuguese sweet bread slices on their own or you can also try it with a spread of butter or jam for a simple and satisfying snack.
6. Bun for Sweet Fillings: Consider using Portuguese sweet bread as a base for sweet fillings like custard, chocolate, or fruit compote.
7. Bread Pudding Muffins: Tear or cube the bread to create bread pudding muffins with a Portuguese sweet bread twist. These can be a convenient and portable treat.
8. Casserole Topping: Crumble or cube the bread to use as a topping for casseroles, adding a touch of sweetness to the dish.

When substituting Portuguese sweet bread for brioche, remember that the sweetness of the bread can affect the overall flavor of your recipe. Consider the balance between sweetness and other flavors in your dish. Additionally, Portuguese sweet bread tends to have a softer and airier texture compared to brioche, so take this into account when adapting your recipes.

Hawaiian Sweet Bread: Known for its slightly sweet flavor and soft consistency, making it a nice choice.

Often referred to as “Hawaiian sweet rolls” or also “King’s Hawaiian rolls,” Hawaiian Sweet Bread is a type of soft, slightly sweet bread that originated in Hawaii. It’s known for its light, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, which comes from ingredients like sugar, eggs, and sometimes a touch of pineapple juice. Hawaiian sweet bread is commonly enjoyed as rolls or buns and is popular for various dishes and occasions.

Using Hawaiian sweet bread as a substitute for brioche bread can introduce a pleasant sweetness and also a softness to your recipes. Here’s how you can use Hawaiian sweet bread as a substitute for brioche:

1. Slider Buns: Use Hawaiian sweet rolls as slider buns for mini sandwiches. They provide a sweetness that pairs well with savory fillings like pulled pork, barbecue chicken, or even vegetarian options.
2. Bread Pudding: The tender texture and also the subtle sweetness of Hawaiian sweet bread make it a great candidate for bread pudding, adding a tropical twist to this classic dessert.
3. French Toast: Hawaiian sweet bread’s slightly sweet flavor can work wonderfully in French toast. The soft interior will soak up the custard mixture nicely.
4. Burger Buns: If you’re looking for a slightly sweet alternative for burger buns, Hawaiian sweet rolls can be a fantastic choice.
5. Dessert Sliders: Create dessert sliders by using Hawaiian sweet rolls as a base and adding sweet fillings like ice cream, chocolate, or caramel.
6. Bread Crumbs: You can turn Hawaiian sweet bread into breadcrumbs to use as a coating for fried foods or as a topping for casseroles.
7. Breakfast Casseroles: Incorporate Hawaiian sweet bread into breakfast casseroles to bring a touch of sweetness to your morning meal.
8. Snacking Bread: Enjoy Hawaiian sweet bread on its own as a sweet and satisfying snack.

When substituting Hawaiian sweet bread for brioche, remember that the level of sweetness can impact the overall taste of your dish. Hawaiian sweet bread is typically lighter and airier in texture compared to the richer and denser crumb of brioche.

Milk Bread: A tender and slightly sweet bread that can be a good alternative for certain dishes.

This is a type of bread that’s made with a higher proportion of milk to water compared to regular bread recipes. This higher milk content contributes to its soft, tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor. Milk bread is often enriched with ingredients like butter, sugar, and eggs, which further enhance its taste and texture.

Using milk bread as a substitute for brioche bread can provide a similar softness and a touch of sweetness to your dishes. Here’s how you can use milk bread as a substitute for brioche:

1. French Toast: Milk bread’s soft and slightly sweet nature makes it an excellent choice for French toast. It will absorb the custard mixture well and deliver a pleasant flavor.
2. Sandwiches: Use milk bread slices for sandwiches that benefit from a tender and slightly sweet bread. Fillings like deli meats, cheeses, and veggies can pair nicely.
3. Bread Pudding: Just like brioche, you can use milk bread to create a delectable bread pudding with a delicate sweetness.
4. Dinner Rolls: Shape milk bread dough into rolls for dinner rolls that have a softer texture than traditional dinner rolls.
5. Burger Buns: Milk bread can serve as a great alternative to brioche buns for burgers, offering a pleasant contrast to savory fillings.
6. Strata: Use milk bread as a base for savory breakfast strata dishes, where its soft texture also absorb flavors beautifully.
7. Bun for Sweet Fillings: Consider using milk bread as a base for sweet fillings like Nutella, cream cheese, or preserves.
8. Snacking Bread: Enjoy milk bread slices on their own, perhaps lightly toasted and spread with butter or honey, for a simple snack.

When substituting milk bread for brioche, keep in mind that milk bread has a lighter richness compared to the buttery richness of brioche. The level of sweetness might also be slightly different. However, milk bread’s tender texture can work well in dishes where brioche’s texture is a key element.

English Muffins: These can add a unique texture to your dishes, especially breakfast options like French toast.

Small, round, and flat yeast-leavened bread is prepared to make English muffins that are typically cooked on a griddle or stovetop. They have a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior that’s filled with nooks and crannies. Why not split English muffins in half and gently toast before being topping with butter and jam. Or use them as a base for various breakfast and sandwich creations.

Using English muffins as a substitute for brioche bread can bring a unique texture and flavor to your dishes. Here’s how you can use English muffins as a substitute for brioche:

1. Breakfast Sandwiches: Split and toast English muffins, then use them to create breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, cheese, and other fillings.
2. Open-Faced Sandwiches: Top toasted English muffin halves with ingredients like avocado, smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh herbs for an open-faced sandwich option.
3. Eggs Benedict: English muffins are a classic base for Eggs Benedict. You can also top them with poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and ham or spinach for a delicious brunch treat.
4. Mini Pizzas: Use English muffins as a quick and easy base for mini pizzas. Add tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings before toasting in the oven.
5. Mini Sliders: Split English muffins into smaller pieces and use them for mini sliders with various fillings like deli meats, cheese, and condiments.
6. French Toast Muffins: Transform English muffins into a French toast-like dish by soaking them in an egg and milk mixture, then pan-frying until golden brown.
7. Bread Pudding Cups: Cube English muffins and use them as a base for individual bread pudding cups with custard and your favorite mix-ins.
8. Sweet Toppings: Toasted English muffins can also be a canvas for sweet toppings like peanut butter, honey, Nutella, or fresh fruit.

When substituting English muffins for brioche, keep in mind that English muffins have a denser and chewier texture compared to the soft crumb of brioche. Additionally, the flavor profile is distinct, with English muffins having a more neutral taste. Embrace the nooks and crannies of English muffins and think creatively about how their texture can enhance your dishes.

Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier option, whole wheat bread can provide a nutty flavor and denser texture.

This type of bread is made from whole wheat flour, which includes the entire wheat kernel. Unlike refined white flour, whole wheat flour retains the bran, germ, and endosperm, making it a healthier and more nutritious option. Whole wheat bread tends to have a nuttier flavor and a denser texture compared to white bread.

Using whole wheat bread as a substitute for brioche bread can introduce a healthier element to your dishes and add a nutty flavor. Here’s how you can use whole wheat bread as a substitute for brioche:

1. French Toast: Use whole wheat bread to make French toast. This provides a heartier and nuttier version of this classic breakfast dish.
2. Healthy Sandwiches: Substitute whole wheat bread slices for sandwiches where you’re looking for a more nutritious option. You can also pile on lean proteins, veggies, and healthy spreads.
3. Bread Pudding: While the texture will be denser, whole wheat bread can still work for bread pudding, providing a unique twist with its nutty flavor.
4. Burger Buns: Use whole wheat buns for a healthier alternative to brioche buns when making burgers.
5. Toasts and Bruschetta: Whole wheat bread can be toasted and used as a base for various toasts and bruschetta toppings, like avocado, tomato, or even hummus.
6. Stuffing: Consider using whole wheat bread for stuffing recipes, also adding a delicious and hearty earthy element to your dish.
7. Healthy Breakfast: Use whole wheat bread for a nutritious breakfast, such as topping it with nut butter, sliced bananas, or yogurt.
8. Breadcrumbs: Process whole wheat bread into breadcrumbs for coating chicken or fish or for adding texture to casseroles.

When substituting whole wheat bread for brioche, keep in mind that the texture and flavor differences will be altered significantly. Whole wheat bread’s denser texture and nuttier taste may not replicate the richness and softness of brioche. However, the substitution can work well when you’re looking for a healthier twist or when the nutty flavor complements your dish.

Babka: This Eastern European bread, often filled with chocolate or cinnamon, can offer a rich and slightly sweet taste.

This is a sweet, yeast-leavened bread that originated in Eastern Europe, particularly in Jewish communities. Known for its rich, buttery, and slightly sweet flavor, it also as a distinctive twisted or braided appearance. Babka dough is often enriched with ingredients like eggs, butter, and sometimes milk. It’s traditionally filled with sweet fillings such as chocolate, cinnamon, or fruit.

Using babka as a substitute for brioche bread can add a unique and indulgent twist to your dishes. Here’s how you can use babka as a substitute for brioche:

1. French Toast: Babka can make delicious French toast with its sweet and flavorful crumb. The filling, whether it’s chocolate or cinnamon, will infuse your French toast with wonderful taste.
2. Bread Pudding: Just like brioche, you can use babka to create a rich and decadent bread pudding. Also, the sweet filling will elevate the dessert to another level.
3. Dessert Sandwiches: Use slices of babka to create dessert sandwiches with fillings like whipped cream, berries, or even ice cream – oh my I like the sound of that!
4. Breakfast Casseroles: Incorporate chunks of babka into breakfast casseroles for a sweet and satisfying morning dish.
5. Strata: Use babka in strata dishes, where it will also add a sweet and indulgent flavor to the savory casserole.
6. Bun for Sweet Fillings: Split babka and use it as a base for sweet fillings like cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit compote.
7. Dessert Toppings: Crumble or grate babka to create crunchy toppings for desserts like yogurt parfaits or fruit crisps.
8. Bread Crumbs: While less common, you could try using babka breadcrumbs for adding a unique flavor to your breadcrumb coatings.

Remember that babka’s sweet filling and rich flavor can significantly impact the taste of your dishes. This makes it a particularly suitable substitute for desserts and sweet breakfast items. When substituting babka for brioche, embrace its distinctive qualities and get creative with recipes that can highlight its flavors.

Sourdough Bread: While tangy in flavor, sourdough can be a versatile substitute, especially for savory dishes.

This type of bread is made using a natural fermentation process. It’s characterized by its distinct tangy flavor, chewy texture, and also its crispy crust. The fermentation is achieved through the use of a sourdough starter, which is a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria from the environment. Use this starter to leaven the bread dough over an extended period, as it results in the unique taste and texture of sourdough bread.

Using sourdough bread as a substitute for brioche can offer a different but equally delicious flavor and texture profile. Here’s how you can use sourdough bread as a substitute for brioche:

1. Avocado Toast: Sourdough’s chewy texture and tangy flavor can be a great base for avocado toast. Top toasted sourdough slices with mashed avocado, olive oil, and seasonings.
2. Sandwiches: Use sourdough slices for sandwiches where you want a hearty and tangy bread. Fillings like roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or deli meats can work well.
3. Bruschetta: Use toasted sourdough as a fantastic base for bruschetta toppings, whether they’re tomato-based or feature other flavorful ingredients.
4. Panini: Sourdough’s crustiness and chewiness make it a perfect choice for panini sandwiches. Press and grill your favorite fillings between sourdough slices.
5. Bread Crumbs: Turn sourdough into breadcrumbs for coatings, toppings, or adding texture to dishes.
6. Dips and Spreads: Serve slices of toasted sourdough with dips like hummus, olive tapenade, or spinach-artichoke dip.
7. Soups and Stews: Pair sourdough with hearty soups and stews for dipping and sopping up the flavorful broth.
8. Strata: Use sourdough in strata dishes, where its robust flavor can complement savory fillings and cheeses.

Keep in mind that sourdough’s tangy taste might not be as sweet as brioche, so consider how this will interact with the overall flavor of your recipe. Additionally, sourdough’s texture is chewy and crusty compared to brioche’s soft crumb, so think about how this texture difference will contribute to your dishes. Embrace the unique qualities of sourdough and experiment with recipes that allow its flavor and texture to shine.