Introduction

Sesame Candy Brioche Toast is a decadent treat that combines sweet, nutty, and creamy flavors all in one bite. This recipe transforms soft brioche slices into a crunchy, caramelized delight topped with whipped feta and cream cheese. It’s perfect for a special breakfast or an indulgent snack.

Two rectangular, golden-brown fried pieces with a crispy texture are placed on crumpled newspaper on a white plate. Each piece has a layer of white cream piped in small ridges on top. On top of the cream, there is a sticky, dark amber glaze sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green herb leaves. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 thick slices of brioche (about 2½ inches thick)
8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

3½ tbsp honey, plus more for topping
6 tbsp brown sugar

Pinch of salt
¼ to ⅓ cup untoasted sesame seeds

4 oz feta cheese
4 oz cream cheese
Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 380°F (193°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Trim the edges off the brioche slices, then cut each slice into two rectangles. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 2 minutes, flip, and bake for another 2 minutes to dry out the bread slightly.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth.

Step 4: Spread a thin layer of the butter mixture on every side of each brioche piece, including the end caps.
Step 5: Press sesame seeds onto the two widest sides of the brioche rectangles to coat them with a sesame crust.
Step 6: Place the brioche back on the baking sheet and bake at 380°F. Bake the first side for 8–11 minutes, checking at 8 minutes. Flip the pieces and bake another 6–7 minutes until deeply golden but not burnt.

Step 7: Remove from the oven and place the toasts on a cooling rack. Let them cool for about 20 minutes.
Step 8: After cooling, peel off the sticky “sesame candy” bits left on the parchment paper and set aside.
Step 9: In a food processor, whip together the feta and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Pipe or spread the whipped cheese mixture onto the toasts. Drizzle with additional honey, crumble the reserved sesame candy over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old brioche for better texture and less sogginess after baking.
Try substituting the sesame seeds with a mix of chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for a different crunch.

For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, and substitute feta with marinated tofu.
Adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the finished toasts enhances the sweet and savory balance.

Storage

Store any leftover toasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sesame candy topping may lose some crunch, so reheat the toasts in a toaster oven or conventional oven at low temperature to revive crispness before serving. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the texture.

How to Serve

Two rectangular pieces of golden brown fried cake sit on a white plate lined with newspaper print. Each piece is topped with a thick layer of smooth white cream, arranged in a wavy pattern. On top of the cream, there are small crunchy bits of caramelized sesame seeds with a shiny, sticky texture and tiny green herb leaves scattered for decoration. The fried cake has a crispy texture with sesame seeds visible on the sides, and the whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?

Brioche is preferred for its rich, buttery flavor and soft texture, but you can use other thick, soft breads like challah or Texas toast. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I store the leftover “sesame candy”?

Keep the sesame candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay crunchy for several days and can be used as a topping for other desserts or snacks.