Introduction

Sesame Candy Brioche Toast is a delightful treat that combines rich, buttery brioche with a sweet, crunchy sesame topping and a creamy, tangy cheese spread. It’s perfect for a special breakfast or an indulgent snack that balances sweetness and savory flavors beautifully.

Two rectangular golden brown crispy fried cakes are placed on newspaper print paper on a white plate. Each cake has a thick layer of smooth white cream piped in rows on top. Small green herb leaves and sticky caramelized sesame seeds decorate the top cream layer, adding texture and shine. The fried cake base looks crunchy and is speckled with sesame seeds, giving a toasted look. The white plate sits on 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 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Trim the edges off the brioche slices and cut each slice into 2 rectangles. Arrange them on the parchment-lined sheet pan.
Step 3: Bake the brioche pieces for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for another 2 minutes. This helps dry them out slightly for better texture.
Step 4: In a bowl, combine softened butter, honey, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
Step 5: Spread a thin layer of the butter mixture over every side of each brioche piece, including the cut edges.
Step 6: Press the two widest sides of each piece into the sesame seeds to coat them evenly.
Step 7: Bake the coated brioche for 8-11 minutes on the sesame-coated side until deeply golden (start checking at 8 minutes), then flip and bake for another 6-7 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 8: Transfer the toasted brioche to a cooling rack and let them cool for 20 minutes.
Step 9: Once cooled, peel off any “sesame candy” that sticks to the parchment paper and crumble it for topping.
Step 10: In a food processor, blend feta and cream cheese until smooth. Pipe or spread the cheese mixture onto the toasts.
Step 11: Drizzle honey over the cheese, sprinkle with crumbled sesame candy, and garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a serrated knife to cut the brioche for clean, even edges.
For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before crusting the bread.
Swap thyme for fresh rosemary or mint to change the herbal note.
If you don’t have a food processor, mix the feta and cream cheese by hand until smooth.

Storage

Store any leftover topped toasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To enjoy later, reheat brioche slices separately in a toaster oven to maintain crispness, then add the cheese topping fresh. Sesame candy topping is best added just before serving to keep its texture.

How to Serve

The image shows two rectangular pieces of golden-brown fried dessert, each topped with a thick layer of smooth white cream. On top of the cream, there is a drizzle of shiny caramel with small crunchy bits and a few small green herb leaves as garnish. The sides of the fried pieces are speckled with white sesame seeds, and they rest on a piece of newspaper-like paper on a white plate with a glossy finish. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of brioche?

Yes, thick slices of challah or a slightly sweet white bread work well, but brioche gives the richest flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the sesame candy from burning?

Keep a close eye on the baking times, especially during the second bake. If the wheat on the sesame seeds starts to darken too fast, lower the oven temperature slightly or reduce the baking time.