Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls
If you’ve ever dreamed of buttery, tender, and slightly sweet rolls that capture the perfect balance between savory herbs and honey’s delicate sweetness, then Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are your new best friend in the kitchen. These rolls boast a fluffy brioche structure infused with earthy sage and a touch of salt that awakens your taste buds, while a honey butter glaze adds an irresistible shine and warmth. Whether paired with a cozy dinner or enjoyed on their own, Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls bring a deliciously unique, heartwarming twist to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: These brioche rolls are incredibly soft and pillowy, thanks to the rich dough made with butter and eggs.
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: The combination of salted butter and fresh sage creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile.
- Easy to Customize: Simple to tweak with different herbs or sweeteners without losing their signature taste.
- Elegant and Inviting: These rolls make any meal feel special, from casual brunches to festive dinners.
- Natural Ingredients: Uses wholesome, accessible ingredients that come together in a comforting, homemade creation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls lies in the straightforward yet quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the butter enriches the dough for softness, the sage infuses it with aromatic warmth, and the honey provides a light sweetness that complements the salt perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base that builds the soft but structured brioche texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and tenderness; salted butter is reserved for the finishing glaze.
- Fresh Sage: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with honey.
- Honey: Sweetens and helps brown the rolls for that gorgeous golden finish.
- Eggs: Enrich the dough, making the rolls light and fluffy.
- Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
- Active Dry Yeast: Makes the dough rise perfectly to fluffy softness.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Variations for Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to what you have or what you like. If you want to make it your own, here are some fun and simple ways to experiment without losing that core essence of Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls.
- Herb Swap: Try rosemary or thyme instead of sage for a different herbal twist.
- Spiced Honey: Infuse your honey with cinnamon or chili flakes for a subtle kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to suit dietary needs.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based alternative.
- Cheesy Addition: Fold in grated Parmesan or cheddar for a savory-sweet combo.
How to Make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Warm the milk until it’s just body temperature, then dissolve the active dry yeast in it and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened unsalted butter, and finely chopped fresh sage. Mix thoroughly until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Step 2: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 3: Shaping the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them close together on a greased baking pan to encourage soft sides where they touch.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the arranged rolls and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls lightly with a mix of melted salted butter and honey for that signature glaze. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 6: Final Glaze
Right after removing from the oven, brush the rolls again with the salted honey butter mixture to add shine and extra flavor. Allow them to cool slightly before serving but enjoy them warm for the best experience.
Pro Tips for Making Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and better yeast activation.
- Don’t Overflour: Keep the dough soft by adding flour gradually and stopping when it feels just tacky.
- Fresh Sage is Key: It provides the bright, herbal notes that dried sage can’t quite match.
- Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer helps prevent underbaking or burning.
- Timing Your Butter Glaze: Brush the honey butter immediately after baking to maximize absorption and glossiness.
How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or finely chopped fresh sage leaves on top of the warm rolls just before serving for an inviting aroma and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups like butternut squash or creamy tomato bisque. They’re also a fantastic companion to roasted poultry or a rich mushroom stew.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these rolls into sliders with your favorite meats and cheeses, or slice and toast them lightly to serve with herb-infused cream cheese spreads or jam for brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Freezing
Wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature the day before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm frozen or stored rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, brushing with a touch more honey butter if desired, to revive their light texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge or freeze the baked rolls for later enjoyment.
What if I don’t have fresh sage?
Fresh sage is ideal for the recipe’s aroma, but dried sage can be used in smaller amounts—reduce it to about one-third the quantity.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as alternatives, though they may slightly change the flavor profile.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom—this ensures they’re baked through.
Can I use this dough for other types of bread?
This dough is specifically enriched for brioche rolls, but you can experiment by baking it as buns, braided loaves, or even a small loaf.
Final Thoughts
Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are more than just bread—they’re a comforting kiss of flavor and texture that elevates any meal. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy evening in, these rolls have a way of bringing people together and inspiring smiles at the table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make these delightful rolls your next kitchen triumph.
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PrintSalted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls
Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls combining the rich, tender texture of brioche with the earthy aroma of fresh sage and a sweet-savory honey salted butter glaze. Perfect for elevating any meal from casual brunch to festive dinner, these rolls delight with their balanced flavor and inviting shine.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 100-110°F / 38-43°C)
- 3 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
Glaze Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough: Warm the milk until just body temperature (100-110°F). Dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk and let it bloom for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened unsalted butter, and finely chopped fresh sage. Mix thoroughly for about 10 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shaping the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide it into equal portions (about 12 rolls). Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them close together on a greased baking pan to encourage soft sides where they touch.
- Second Rise: Cover the arranged rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls lightly with a mixture of melted salted butter and honey for the signature glaze. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Final Glaze: Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them again with the salted honey butter mixture to add shine and extra flavor. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, but enjoy warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and optimal yeast activation.
- Do not overflour; add flour gradually and stop when the dough feels just tacky for a soft texture.
- Fresh sage is preferred for bright herbal notes; if using dried sage, use about one-third the amount.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure correct baking temperature and prevent underbaking or burning.
- Brush the honey butter glaze immediately after baking to maximize absorption and glossiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: brioche rolls, salted butter, sage, honey butter glaze, soft rolls, savory sweet rolls, homemade bread
