Birthday hosts on a budget
You want to have enough party bites without buying more packs than you need. The pack weight and number of slices can help you work out how much to buy for your guests.
Who is this for?
Hosts preparing quick party toasts
Pre-sliced brioche saves you having to cut the loaf before making toast bites, croutons or sweet-and-savoury nibbles.
Hosts who pay attention to ingredients
If any of your guests need to avoid certain ingredients, check the ingredients list and allergens on the pack you’ll actually be serving before choosing a recipe or format.
What should you check?
Start by working out how many party bites you need, then choose between brioche to top yourself and ready-filled bites. Check the ingredients and storage instructions for each product.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of party bites | Pack weight and the number of slices or bites. | I want to serve all my guests without ending up with too many leftovers; around 45% of consumers put this first. |
| Preparation time | Pre-sliced brioche or filled bites; cooking instructions on the packaging. | If I’m preparing several dishes for the party, I’d rather spend less time slicing and adding toppings; speed is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Ingredients list and highlighted allergens on each pack. | I need to know what’s in the recipe before serving some guests; around 22% of consumers prioritise checking ingredients and allergens. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a pack size without counting the portions
Two packs of different weights won’t necessarily contain the same number of slices. E.Leclerc lists 18 slices for its 500 g Epi d’Or brioche and 27 for the 700 g version.
Estimate how many party bites you need to make, then compare that with the number of slices listed.
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Opening a large pack without planning for leftovers
Once opened, how you reseal and store the brioche will affect how well it keeps for later. Auchan recommends resealing the bag of its sliced brioche securely.
Choose a pack size to suit your guests and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
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Assuming you know the allergens from a recipe claim
A claim such as “no additives” doesn’t tell you whether a product contains allergens. The DGCCRF says that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the labels of relevant food products.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information for every product you serve. If the brioche isn’t suitable for a guest, make sure you have an alternative.
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Using brioche with every savoury topping
Brioche has a touch of sweetness that won’t necessarily work with every flavour combination. Brioche Pasquier suggests savoury and sweet-and-savoury recipes, but not every topping will pair well with it.
Try one bite with your chosen topping before preparing a whole platter. If the combination doesn’t work for you, choose a more neutral bread.
Brands to know when comparing pack sizes
Carrefour
The range includes Carrefour Classic’ 700 g sliced brioche, which you can compare with other pack sizes based on how many party bites you’re planning to make.
- The product listing gives the pack weight.
- Check the number of slices and the ingredients in the product you choose before working out portions.
E.Leclerc / Epi d’Or
The Epi d’Or range lets you compare two different sizes of sliced brioche.
- E.Leclerc lists 18 slices in the 500 g pack and 27 in the 700 g pack.
- The larger pack is only useful if you plan to use the extra slices or store any leftovers according to the instructions on the bag.
Auchan
Auchan’s 700 g sliced brioche is presented as a family-size pack containing 26 slices.
- The number of slices helps you plan how many party bites to make.
- Auchan notes that the ingredients may vary depending on the store and date of purchase, so check the packaging of the brioche you serve.
Harrys
Harrys says its plain sliced brioche can be toasted.
- This format could work well for toast bites with your choice of topping.
- The recipe shown by Harrys contains wheat, eggs and butter, among other ingredients; check the label on the pack you buy.
Brioche Pasquier
Brioche Pasquier offers plain sliced brioche and shares ideas for croutons and sweet-and-savoury dishes.
- The slices make a handy base for a party recipe with a topping of your choice.
- The plain brioche recipe shown by the brand contains wheat, eggs and butter; check the product you’re serving.
Brioche bites on Joybuy
For a birthday party, this selection features ready-filled brioche bites. They’re different from sliced brioche that you top yourself.
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ERHARD Mini ham and Emmental brioche bites x9, 115 g
These ready-filled bites are a good option if you’d rather not slice and top brioche yourself. The pack contains 9 bites and weighs 115 g. They contain pork ham; check the declared allergens, including wheat, milk and eggs, as well as the freezer storage and cooking instructions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose between a 500 g and a 700 g brioche?
Start with the number of party bites you want to make, then check how many slices are in the pack. E.Leclerc lists 18 slices for its 500 g Epi d’Or brioche and 27 for the 700 g version; Auchan lists 26 slices for its 700 g brioche. Also consider whether you’ll be able to store any leftovers.
Can you serve brioche with a savoury topping?
Yes, if you like sweet-and-savoury combinations. Brioche Pasquier suggests recipes such as croutons and brioche grilled cheese; try your topping on one bite first before making a batch.
Which allergens should you check before serving brioche?
Check the highlighted allergens on the exact pack you’ll be serving. The recipes shown by Brioche Pasquier and Harrys list wheat, eggs and butter, among other ingredients. For the recipe reviewed, Harrys also notes that it may contain traces of soya, nuts and sesame.
What should you check if you’re buying brioche before the party?
Check the date on the pack and its storage instructions. The DGCCRF distinguishes between a use-by date, which you must not exceed when one is given, and a best-before date. After the best-before date, a product with intact packaging may have lost some of its flavour or other qualities. Once opened, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.