Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Discover the rich flavor of Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls, a delightful treat that combines soft, buttery brioche with a hint of sage, sweetness from honey, and a perfect salted finish. These rolls bring warmth and comfort to any meal, whether it’s breakfast, a cozy dinner side, or a special occasion bread. With their golden crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re sure to become a household favorite quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Soft Texture: The brioche dough is enriched with butter and eggs, creating rolls that are soft and tender with a slight chew.
• Unique Flavor Combination: Salted butter blends with fresh sage and honey for a savory-sweet balance that excites the palate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls complement everything from Sunday roasts to simple soups, making them incredibly versatile.
• Easy to Customize: You can tweak herbs or honey levels to suit your tastes without losing the character of the recipe.
• Impressive Yet Simple: It looks and tastes gourmet but uses straightforward ingredients and techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls. From the rich butter that enriches the dough to the fresh sage that adds a hint of earthiness, this recipe celebrates simplicity while delivering complex flavor and texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure needed for soft but sturdy rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: Ensures a light and airy rise that gives brioche its signature fluffiness.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and a subtle creaminess to the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Key for richness and tenderness, softened for easy mixing.
• Fresh Sage Leaves: Finely chopped to infuse a fresh, herbal aroma throughout the dough.
• Honey: Balances the herbaceous notes with gentle sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor and plays with the sweetness and herbs to create depth.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and a subtle golden hue.

Variations for Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, giving you the option to personalize the Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls for any taste or occasion. Experiment with different herbs, sweeteners, or add-ins to make it your own!

• Rosemary Instead of Sage: Swap fresh rosemary for an equally aromatic but piney flavor twist.
• Maple Syrup in Place of Honey: Add a deeper, caramel-like sweetness by substituting maple syrup.
• Adding Lemon Zest: Brighten the rolls with a hint of citrus zest incorporated into the dough.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads for those with sensitivities.
• Cheese-Stuffed Rolls: Include small cubes of sharp cheddar or gruyere in the center for a savory surprise.

How to Make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by warming the milk until it’s lukewarm and dissolving the yeast and a teaspoon of honey into it. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, finely chopped sage, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture. Begin mixing, then gradually add softened unsalted butter in small portions while kneading until you achieve a smooth, elastic dough.

Step 3: First Proof

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl covered with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size. This stage develops flavor and helps the dough to become airy.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Divide it into equal portions—about 12 pieces—and shape each into a round roll. Place them close together in a buttered baking dish to encourage soft sides.

Step 5: Second Proof

Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise again for about 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. This second rise ensures lightness and a delicate crumb.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls lightly with a mixture of honey and melted butter, then bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant with the aroma of butter and herbs.

Step 7: Finish with Salted Honey Butter

While the rolls are still warm, brush generously with a homemade salted honey butter—softened butter blended with honey and sprinkled with flaky sea salt—to enhance moisture and add that signature flavor contrast.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps your dough combine smoothly, resulting in a better rise and even texture.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Knead just enough to develop gluten for structure but keep the rolls tender.
• Fresh Sage is a Must: Dried sage can overpower; fresh leaves provide a subtle, bright herb flavor.
• Honey Selection Matters: Choose a mild, floral honey to avoid overpowering the sage.
• Cover During Rising: Keeps moisture in and prevents a dry crust from forming on the dough’s surface.

How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Garnishes

Sprinkle flaky sea salt or additional chopped fresh sage on top before serving to enhance appearance and flavor. A light drizzle of warmed honey right before serving adds a glossy, inviting look.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair exceptionally well with hearty soups like butternut squash or creamy mushroom, as well as roasted meats such as chicken or pork. They also shine alongside fresh salads for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a basket with a small bowl of herbed honey butter for dipping, or split and use as sliders stuffed with smoked turkey and melted brie for an elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

Wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. They freeze well for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-baked softness, reheat rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 15 seconds, then brush again with a little honey butter.

FAQs

Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?

While dried sage can be used, fresh sage is preferred for its brighter and milder flavor that complements the honey and butter perfectly.

How long does it take to make these rolls?

The total active time is about 45 minutes, but including rising and baking, plan for 3 to 4 hours.

Are these rolls suitable for freezing?

Yes, Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls freeze beautifully and can be thawed and reheated without losing their soft texture.

Can I replace honey with another sweetener?

Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar are good alternatives, though they will alter the final flavor slightly.

What’s the best way to serve these rolls warm?

Brush them with a bit of melted salted honey butter right after baking or reheating for that irresistible glossy finish and extra flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls that makes every meal feel like a comforting celebration. Their buttery richness mixed with the sweet and salty notes of honey and sage is pure magic. I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough — it’s easy, satisfying, and impressive every single time. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and your family or guests will be asking for seconds before you know it!

Related Posts

• Dirty Chicken and Bacon Loaded Fries
• Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Print