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Savory Brioche

This homemade savory brioche is a sophisticated twist on the classic French bread, swapping traditional butter for schmaltz to create a deeper, more complex savoury profile. The resulting loaf is exceptionally tender with a rich, golden crumb that feels incredibly indulgent. Whether you shape it into individual dinner rolls or a stately single loaf, the slow fermentation process ensures a light texture and a wonderful depth of flavour that pairs beautifully with seasonal soups or salted butter.

As a vegetarian-friendly bake that focuses on high-quality fats and a long prove, this recipe is perfect for those who enjoy slow-paced weekend baking. The dough is highly versatile and can be prepared well in advance, making it a stress-free addition to a dinner party or a Sunday roast. Providing a boost of protein from the eggs and a natural sweetness from the honey, it is a wholesome alternative to shop-bought breads.

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Ingredients for Savory Brioche

  • 80ml /80 milliliters milk

  • 2 tablespoons /30 grams honey

  • 1 teaspoon /5 grams instant yeast

  • 400g /400 grams plain flour (about 375g )

  • 3 large eggs

  • 120ml /120 grams room-temperature schmaltz

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons /8 grams kosher salt

  • Oil, butter, or additional schmaltz for greasing the pan

  1. Combine the milk, honey and yeast in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a dough hook (this can also be done by hand in a large bowl if you don't have a mixer). Turn the mixer on to distribute the yeast. Add the flour and turn the mixer to medium speed. Once the flour has begun to absorb the liquid, add the eggs, one at a time. When the eggs are incorporated add the schmaltz, then the salt, and mix on high until all the ingredients are well incorporated, 3 to 5 minutes.

  2. Cover the mixing bowl with a lid or with plastic wrap and let the dough ferment and rise till it's doubled in size, about 3 hours (less if your kitchen is hot).

  3. Grease your cooking vessel (see below).

  4. Re-knead the dough by hand to redistribute the yeast and knock some of the gas out. Shape as desired: form into balls and place in a cake pan or springform mold for dinner rolls, in individual ramekins or a muffin pan, or put the whole dough ball as is in a terrine mold or loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 36 hours.

  5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator 1-1/2 to 2 hours before baking (shorter if they're in individual portions, longer if a single loaf). Preheat your oven to 177°C/180°C. When they've reached room temperature and have started to rise, bake them. Individual portions will take about 25 minutes, whole loaves will take about 45 minutes. If you're uncertain about doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer- they're done when they've reached an internal temperature of 93°C/95°C. The crust should be an appealing golden brown.

  6. This dough can also be frozen after the fermentation stage. Shape or mold it, wrap it twice in plastic, and freeze. To bake the dough, refrigerate it for 24 hours, then allow it to temper and rise at room temperature for 2 hours before baking.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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