In recent Aldi shopping roundups, we’ve been highlighting the playful directions the brand is taking with brioche buns—think hot honey brioche buns and oversized brioche loaves. And there’s no better moment than summer to put buns in the spotlight. With warmer weather, grilling takes center stage, and any cookout feels incomplete without brats, hot dogs, or burgers—why choose when you can have all three? (The answer is: all of them.)
So we picked up a few to test and share our take on how these buns stack up against regular grocery-store options.
What Is Brioche?
Some readers may not know exactly what brioche is and might assume it’s just another plain white bread—so why bother with these buns when there are plenty of alternatives? That assumption misses the mark. Brioche is a distinct dough that’s enriched with ingredients like butter, eggs, milk, sugar, and sometimes oil. This enrichment means the dough takes longer to rise, but it yields a far richer flavor than your everyday bun.
This enrichment is precisely why brioche is making its way into many restaurants. A dough of this sort offers a more flavorful experience for the diner, and it could be a big hit at your next backyard cookout. The sugar in brioche adds a touch of sweetness to these loaves. It’s similar to a Hawaiian roll in concept, but with greater depth and richness.
What Did We Think?
Now for the part you’re really after: our impressions after trying them. Personally, I’m a big fan of brioche. It carries a level of richness that non-enriched breads simply can’t match. But brioche isn’t always the perfect choice. I’ve tasted brioche buns that were too sweet or lacked a balanced fat content, and you could tell in the flavor.
Pros: This bun delivers exactly what the package promises—a richly developed brioche. It’s a top-split variety, which I tend to prefer for a better eating experience. If you haven’t tried a top-split bun before, this is a great one to start with. It also has a pleasant level of sweetness that works nicely with the fatty hot dog (or any other filling you pair with it).
Cons: It’s a fairly hefty bun. If you’re using it for just a hot dog, you may find there’s a bit too much bread relative to the meat. A brat would pair nicely with it, since they balance each other well. If you don’t mind a slightly uneven bread-to-meat ratio, this bun remains a solid choice for a barbecue.
Verdict: A solid option for your next cookout or hot dog night. It offers a rich profile without tipping into excessive sweetness, adding a nice roundedness to your chosen dog. If you’re curious or want to add some extra depth to your dish, it’s worth a try. Your guests are likely to approve.
