Name: Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/2–4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast; 1 tsp salt; 3/4 cup warm milk; 3 tbsp honey; 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature; 3 whole eggs, at room temperature; 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tbsp water; Flaky sea salt, for topping; 12 sage leaves; 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature; 3 tbsp honey

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Last weekend, I had the joy of preparing Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls for my family, and let me tell you—it was an absolute hit! The sweet, savory aroma of freshly baked brioche filled our kitchen, transforming an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. My family, who can sometimes be picky about bread, couldn’t stop raving about how these rolls were the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Even the leftovers didn’t stand a chance! As someone who loves sharing recipes that bring people together, this one is a must-try.

Baking has always been a way for me to connect with loved ones. And every time I prepare a dish like this, it reminds me how food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a way to create lasting memories. These brioche rolls, with their light, buttery crumb and savory-sweet glaze, are sure to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making memories. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a cozy family dinner, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply indulging in some homemade comfort food, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: These rolls are perfect for just about any occasion—whether you’re serving them with a roast, as a side to a pasta dish, or just enjoying them with a little butter. They’re the type of bread that elevates any meal.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients used in this recipe are simple and affordable, but the result is anything but ordinary. It’s proof that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something special.
Quick and Easy: While this recipe does require a bit of time for the dough to rise, the steps themselves are simple. If you’ve ever been intimidated by yeast-based bread, this recipe is a great way to ease into it—no complicated techniques here!

Customizable: You can tweak the flavor to your liking. If you want a more robust herb flavor, feel free to add extra sage or even try rosemary or thyme. You could also adjust the sweetness with more or less honey to suit your tastes.
Crowd-Pleasing: These brioche rolls are perfect for both kids and adults. The light and fluffy texture combined with the rich honey butter and a sprinkle of sea salt will win over anyone at the table.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need. The full ingredient list and measurements are below in the recipe card:

For the Brioche Rolls:

1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 tsp active dry yeast

1/4 cup honey (for the dough)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Salted Sage Honey Butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
1/2 tsp sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these melt-in-your-mouth rolls:

Activate the Yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast and honey in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is activated and ready to help your dough rise.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, butter, eggs, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until a dough forms. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix and knead the dough.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. The rolls should be close together, as they will rise and touch during baking.
Second Rise: Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffed up and touching each other.

Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the rolls will bake evenly.
Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Make the Salted Sage Honey Butter: While the rolls are baking, prepare the salted sage honey butter by mixing the softened butter, honey, sage, and sea salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Finishing Touches: When the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the salted sage honey butter while they’re still warm. If desired, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top for an added burst of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these rolls warm alongside your favorite meal or on their own as a delightful snack. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet evening with family, these rolls will be the highlight of the table.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 210 kcal (approximately)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

These rolls are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dining experience:

With Roasts: Serve these rolls alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. The slight sweetness of the honey butter pairs perfectly with savory meats.
As a Side Dish: These rolls are fantastic with pasta dishes, like spaghetti Bolognese or creamy Alfredo. They’re perfect for mopping up extra sauce!

For a Light Lunch: Enjoy them with a simple green salad or a cup of soup. They make the perfect accompaniment to a comforting meal.
For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them warm with jam, butter, or even cream cheese for a cozy morning treat.
As a Gift: These rolls make a wonderful homemade gift for the holidays or special occasions. Wrap them up in a festive basket and share the love!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: You can make the dough a day ahead and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just shape and bake the rolls the next morning!
Storage Tips: These rolls are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to freshen them up.

Freezing: You can freeze the rolls after baking. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Double the Batch: These rolls are so delicious, you might want to double the recipe. They freeze wonderfully and are always a hit at parties or family gatherings.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the honey with maple syrup?
A1: Yes! You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor. It will still be delicious, though the sweetness will be a bit different.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
A2: Yes! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whole milk instead. The rolls will still turn out soft and tender.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes! After the first rise, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and continue with the second rise and baking instructions.

Q5: Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
A5: Yes! If you don’t have fresh sage, dried sage will work fine. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried sage instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh.

Q6: Can I make these rolls vegan?
A6: To make these rolls vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed “egg.”

Q7: How can I make these rolls fluffier?

A7: Make sure you’re allowing enough time for both rises. The longer the dough rises, the fluffier the rolls will be. You can also ensure your yeast is fresh to help with the rising process.

Enjoy making these Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls! They’ll be a delicious addition to your family’s meal traditions, sure to make any dinner feel a little more special.

Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe