Bacon brioche subs are the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, buttery taste of brioche bread with the savory, smoky flavor of bacon.

These sandwiches are perfect for any meal, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a delicious dinner.

This guide will walk you through the process of making bacon brioche subs from scratch, including making your own brioche bread, cooking the bacon to perfection, and assembling the subs with a variety of tasty fillings and toppings.

Ingredients:

For the Brioche Bread:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces

For the Bacon Filling:

• 12 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Assembling the Subs:

• Lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Sliced avocado
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Pickles
• Cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)

Instructions:

Prepare the Brioche Dough:

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.

Mix the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and eggs.

Mix until the dough starts to come together. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and mix on medium speed. Gradually add the softened butter, a few pieces at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Knead the Dough:

Continue to knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. The dough will be quite soft and slightly sticky, but it should pull away from the sides of the bowl.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape and Bake the Brioche:

Shape the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal portions.

Shape each portion into a small loaf or sub roll and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Second Rise:

Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have doubled in size again.

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the Brioche:

Brush the tops of the rolls with a little beaten egg for a shiny finish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let the rolls cool on a wire rack.

Prepare the Bacon:

Cook the Bacon:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the bacon slices on the rack in a single layer.

Sprinkle the bacon with brown sugar (if using), black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as the sugar can cause it to brown quickly.

Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool slightly on the rack.

Assemble the Bacon Brioche Subs:

Prepare the Brioche Rolls:

Slice the cooled brioche rolls in half lengthwise.

Add the Fillings:

Spread a layer of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each roll.

Add a layer of lettuce leaves, followed by slices of tomato, red onion, and avocado.

Place 2-3 slices of the cooked bacon on top of the vegetables.

Add a slice of cheese, if desired.

Top and Serve:

Place the top half of the brioche roll on the fillings and gently press down.

Serve the bacon brioche subs immediately, or wrap them in parchment paper for easy transport.

Tips for Success:

Dough Consistency: The brioche dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more milk or water.

Bacon Cooking: Baking bacon on a rack allows the fat to drain away, resulting in crispier bacon. For extra flavor, you can experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or maple syrup.

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado will elevate your subs.

Cheese Melting: If you prefer melted cheese, you can place the assembled subs under a broiler for a minute or two until the cheese melts.

Variations:

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub:

Add grilled chicken slices and ranch dressing along with the bacon and vegetables for a hearty and flavorful twist.

BLT Brioche Sub:

Stick to the classic combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Add avocado for an extra creamy texture.

Spicy Bacon Sub:

Add a few slices of jalapeño or a drizzle of sriracha to the subs for a spicy kick.

Vegetarian Brioche Sub:

Replace the bacon with marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices for a delicious vegetarian option.

Italian-Inspired Sub:

Add slices of prosciutto, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an Italian twist.

Breakfast Bacon Sub:

Add a fried egg or scrambled eggs to the sub for a hearty breakfast sandwich.

Serving Suggestions:

Side Dishes:

Serve the bacon brioche subs with a side of crispy potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad.

Dipping Sauces:

Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as aioli, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for added flavor.

Beverage Pairings:

Pair the subs with a cold beer, iced tea, or a refreshing lemonade.

Picnic or Party:

Bacon brioche subs make excellent picnic or party food. Wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a string for easy transport and a rustic presentation.

Nutritional Benefits:

While bacon brioche subs are indulgent, they can also offer nutritional benefits when balanced with fresh vegetables and whole ingredients:

Protein: Bacon and cheese provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and Minerals: Vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado add vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and fiber.

Healthy Fats: Avocado and olive oil in the mayonnaise can provide healthy fats that support heart health.

Cultural Significance:

Brioche bread, originating from France, is known for its rich, buttery flavor and soft texture. It has become popular worldwide and is often used for both sweet and savory dishes.

Bacon, a beloved ingredient in many cuisines, adds a savory and smoky element that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of brioche.

This fusion of flavors showcases how traditional ingredients can be combined in new and exciting ways, creating dishes that are both comforting and innovative.

Conclusion

Bacon brioche subs are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of brioche bread and bacon with fresh vegetables and savory spreads.

his recipe provides a comprehensive guide to making these subs from scratch, including detailed instructions for preparing brioche dough, cooking bacon, and assembling the sandwiches.

With various tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you can customize the subs to suit your taste and enjoy them for any meal.

Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a picnic, or a party, bacon brioche subs are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of creating these delectable sandwiches and savor every bite. Happy cooking!