If you are looking for a soft, buttery treat that elevates any meal with its rich flavors and irresistible aroma, the Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These rolls bring together the delicate sweetness of honey, the aromatic freshness of sage, and a perfect touch of flaky sea salt atop golden, pillowy brioche that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or as a dreamy weekend breakfast side, this recipe is going to become your new favorite way to shine in the kitchen and delight your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing these Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls calls for simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the irresistible taste, texture, and golden color. From flour to fresh sage, every component works in harmony to bake bread that is heavenly soft and decadently flavorful.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your brioche dough, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances perfectly with the salt and butter.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully to achieve that airy, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dough balanced.
- Large eggs: Contribute richness and tenderness; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
- Whole milk: Warmed to activate the yeast gently; adds creaminess to the dough.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter kneaded in creates that signature brioche richness and silkiness.
- Honey: Sweetens the sage butter glaze, adding a luscious shine and depth of flavor.
- Fresh sage: Finely chopped to infuse the honey butter with a fragrant herbal note.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a delightful finish that enhances every bite.
How to Make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and warmed whole milk until combined. Adding the wet mixture slowly into the dry ingredients helps form a supple dough that will rise perfectly.
Step 2: Knead in the Butter
Once your dough starts to come together, knead in the softened butter one tablespoon at a time. This part takes a little patience—around 8 to 10 minutes—but it’s essential because the butter creates the tender, buttery crumb that brioche is famous for. Keep kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly shiny.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size, usually about 1 to 1.5 hours. This rest allows the yeast to work its magic, giving the rolls their lovely fluffiness.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, making sure the surface is taut to help them rise evenly during baking. Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Second Rise and Prepare the Honey Sage Butter
Cover the rolls again and let them puff up for about 45 minutes. While waiting, melt two tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the honey and finely chopped fresh sage, creating that magical honey sage butter glaze that sets these rolls apart.
Step 6: Glaze, Top, and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the risen rolls generously with the honey sage butter, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rolls are a beautiful golden brown and the aroma has filled your kitchen. For an extra glossy finish, brush more honey butter on the hot rolls right as they come out of the oven.
How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make each serving feel truly special, consider topping the rolls with a little extra fresh sage or a sprinkle of finely chopped herbs like chives or thyme. A light drizzle of warmed honey can also add a sweet contrast that enhances the buttery, savory flavors.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups, stews, or roasted meats. Their fluffy texture and slightly sweet finish complement dishes like creamy butternut squash soup or a classic roast chicken perfectly, making every meal feel like a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve these rolls in a rustic basket lined with a soft tea towel for that homemade touch. Alternatively, split the rolls horizontally and use them for sliders stuffed with savory fillings like turkey and cranberry sauce or melted brie and apple slices—this is a fun twist everyone will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover brioche rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to two days, perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
These rolls freeze exceptionally well. After baking and cooling, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover rolls back to life, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for 20 to 30 seconds. Don’t forget to brush with a little honey sage butter after reheating for that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh in the Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe?
While fresh sage offers the brightest, most vibrant flavor, you can substitute dried sage if needed. Use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe because dried herbs are more concentrated. Just stir it into the honey butter and enjoy a slightly different, yet wonderful taste.
How long does it take to make these brioche rolls from start to finish?
Including the rising times, expect about 2 and a half hours for the entire process. This includes mixing, kneading, two rises, shaping, and baking. Most of that time is hands-off as the yeast does the work, giving you opportunities to prep other dishes or relax.
Can I substitute whole milk for another type of milk?
Whole milk is best because it adds creaminess and helps create a tender crumb. However, you can substitute 2% milk or even a nut milk like almond milk for a dairy-free option, but results might be slightly less rich.
What is the best way to shape the brioche rolls?
For neat, smooth rolls, gently stretch and tuck the dough under itself as you roll it into a ball. This builds surface tension so the rolls hold their shape and rise evenly in the pan, resulting in beautiful, uniform rolls.
Can I make the Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe vegan?
This classic recipe relies on eggs and butter for its signature texture and flavor, so it’s difficult to make a vegan version without significant adjustments. For those wanting to experiment, using plant-based butter and egg substitutes might work but expect changes to the texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress your loved ones with a bread recipe that brings warmth, elegance, and incredible flavor to the table, the Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe is your go-to. From the supple dough to the fragrant honey sage butter glaze, every bite is a little celebration of homemade goodness. Give it a try—once you do, these rolls might just become the star of your kitchen for years to come.
Print
Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are soft, buttery, and subtly sweet with a fragrant hint of fresh sage. Perfectly golden and topped with flaky sea salt, these rolls make an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals, savory breakfasts, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, active dry yeast, and salt to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and warm milk until fully blended and smooth.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing until a dough starts to form. Continue mixing to incorporate all ingredients.
- Knead in butter: Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, kneading well after each addition until the dough is smooth, elastic, and fully combined, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape the rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth, tight ball and arrange evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise again until puffy, about 45 minutes.
- Prepare honey sage butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in the honey and finely chopped fresh sage until fragrant and combined.
- Preheat and brush: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the honey sage butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt over them.
- Bake the rolls: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rolls are beautifully golden brown on top.
- Final touch: Remove from the oven and immediately brush the rolls with more honey sage butter for added flavor and a shiny finish. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These rolls can be made ahead of time by refrigerating after shaping. Let them rise before baking the next day for fresh results.
- Perfect for holiday meals, brunch, or any special occasion where buttery soft bread is desired.
- If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar slightly but keep the honey butter topping for flavor.
- Fresh sage can be substituted with dried sage; use 1 teaspoon dried if fresh is unavailable.
