21 Delightful Recipes to Make with Leftover Brioche Bread
Are you wondering what to do with that leftover brioche sitting in your kitchen? Look no further! We’ve got 21 amazing recipes that will turn your stale bread into mouthwatering dishes. Brioche bread is known for its light sweetness, buttery texture, and tender crumb, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory recipes. Whether you have a whole loaf or just a few slices, these ideas will help you make the most of your leftovers. Let’s dive in!
What Makes Brioche Bread Special?
Brioche bread is all about indulgence. Made with plenty of butter and eggs, this rich dough offers a delightful color and flavor. The high hydration of the dough makes it easier to prepare in a stand mixer with a dough hook. You can bake brioche in a loaf pan, as individual buns, rolls, or even use it as a cake base. Its versatility knows no bounds!
Sweet Recipes with Brioche Bread
Brioche French Toast
Leftover brioche bread is a perfect choice for making French toast. The sweetness and tenderness of the bread allow it to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a creamy and custardy interior. Fry the soaked bread in butter until it turns golden and crispy on the outside while staying moist inside.
French Toast Casserole
To make your life easier, transform leftover brioche into an overnight French toast casserole. Tear up the bread and spread it in a casserole dish. Pour a custard mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla over the bread and let it soak overnight in the fridge. In the morning, sprinkle some sugar and cinnamon on top and bake until it turns golden.
Fried Brioche Sticks
Slice the brioche into thick pieces, then cut each slice into strips. Fry them in oil just like you would fry donuts. Once they’re done, coat them in cinnamon sugar for a delightful treat.
Bostock
This traditional French recipe is perfect for day-old brioche. Soak the brioche in syrup, then top it with sweet almond paste. Bake it until it becomes fluffy inside and has a lightly golden and crispy crust on top.
Brioche Grilled Sandwiches
Brioche bread makes a fantastic choice for sandwiches. Stuff it with your favorite fillings and enjoy the delicious combination. If your brioche is still fresh, you can leave the sandwiches untoasted. However, if it’s a bit stale, grilling them will enhance the flavor.
Leftover Turkey Brioche Sandwich
Use brioche bread, leftover turkey slices, and cranberry miso mayo to create a mouthwatering leftover turkey sandwich.
Brioche Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Upgrade your grilled cheese sandwich by using brioche bread. The sugars in the dough will caramelize while grilling, creating a delicious crust with a hint of sweetness. Generously butter one side of two slices of brioche bread, place them in a skillet on medium heat, add cheese, and toast until golden brown. Flip it over and cook until the cheese melts.
Croque Monsieur
Take your grilled cheese to the next level with a Croque Monsieur. Fill it with cheese and ham, and spread creamy béchamel sauce on the outside. While traditionally made with a soft white French bread called Pain de mie, brioche bread works just as well.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Similar to Croque Monsieur, the Monte Cristo sandwich uses a milk and egg wash for dipping the bread. Indulge in the delicious combination of ham, cheese, and brioche bread.
Grilled Brioche Toast with Toppings
Grilled toasts are a versatile option. You can go sweet with options like grilled nectarine French toast or savory with creamy ricotta and honey or sliced avocado and cherry tomatoes. Toast the bread in the oven or on a skillet until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and butter puddings are a popular choice for using up stale brioche. The bread’s sponge-like texture absorbs the warm milk custards, resulting in a delightful dessert. Here are a few creative ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread Pudding: A rich and decadent dessert with a custard-like texture and chunks of melted chocolate.
- Lemon Curd Brioche Pudding with Blueberries: Lighten up your bread pudding with tangy and fresh lemon curd for a perfect summer dessert.
- Mini Brioche Bread Puddings: Make individual puddings in cute ramekins for a delightful twist.
Savory Recipes with Brioche Bread
Panzanella Salad
Toasted brioche bread, fresh vegetables, and herbs come together to create a delightful Panzanella salad. This refreshing dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Garlic Bread
When it comes to making garlic bread, homemade brioche bread or a baked brioche loaf from the grocery store is an excellent choice for a flavorful base. The richness of the bread pairs perfectly with the garlic and butter.
Roasted Chicken with Bread
Roasting a chicken on chunks of stale brioche bread creates a delicious bed for the bird. As the chicken roasts, the brioche bread soaks up all the flavorful drippings, resulting in a delicious bread gravy.
French Onion Soup
While French onion soup is traditionally topped with baguette slices, you can substitute them with buttery brioche for a delightful twist. The rich flavor of the bread pairs wonderfully with the savory broth.
Strata
Strata is a savory bread and butter pudding that utilizes leftover brioche bread. Try a delicious combination like butternut squash and mushroom brioche bread and butter pudding. It features a savory custard, gruyere cheese, roasted butternut squash, mushrooms, and more.
Croutons
Transform your brioche into crispy, salty croutons for soups and salads. Chop the bread into cubes, season with salt, pepper, dried herbs, and garlic powder, and drizzle with melted butter or olive oil. Toast them in the oven or air fryer until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Bread Crumbs
Dry out stale brioche pieces in a low-temperature oven until they become crispy. Let them cool completely, then blend them into rough or fine crumbs using a food processor. These homemade bread crumbs add a touch of luxury to your dishes.
Pot Pie Topping
Instead of traditional puff pastry, tear leftover brioche into chunks and spread it over your favorite pot pie filling. Top it with cheese and bake until golden for a unique twist on a classic dish.
Bread Sauce
Create a classic British accompaniment by blending brioche bread into a creamy bread sauce. This versatile sauce pairs perfectly with Christmas dinner or any hearty meal.
Brioche Crackers
For a quick and easy snack, thinly slice brioche bread and toast it in a low oven until crispy. Serve these delicious crackers with cheese and dips for a delightful treat.
With these 21 recipes, you’ll never have to worry about what to do with leftover brioche bread again. Be it sweet or savory, breakfast or dinner, there’s a recipe that will awaken your taste buds and turn your stale bread into a culinary masterpiece. So, give these ideas a try and let us know your favorite way to use leftover brioche! And remember, for all your dining needs, visit BDK Restaurant.