Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Discover the rich, buttery flavor of Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls, a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness, savory undertones, and an irresistibly soft texture. These rolls are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal addition to any meal—from cozy breakfasts to elegant dinners. Their golden crust and fragrant sage-infused honey butter elevate every bite, ensuring a memorable dining experience that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unmatched Flavor Harmony: The combination of salted butter, fresh sage, and a hint of honey creates a unique and savory-sweet profile that dances on your taste buds.
• Sumptuously Soft Texture: Made with rich brioche dough, these rolls are tender and pillowy, perfect for spreading with even more butter or dipping into soups.
• Elegant Yet Simple: Despite their fancy taste, Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are surprisingly easy to make, giving you bakery-quality results at home.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual brunch or a festive dinner, these rolls complement a wide variety of dishes.
• Visually Stunning: The golden, shiny crust with flecks of vibrant sage makes them as beautiful as they are tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential; each brings a key element to the texture, aroma, and taste that makes Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls stand out. From the richness of butter to the aromatic freshness of sage, every choice enhances the final roll.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb of the brioche.
• Active Dry Yeast: Ensures the perfect rise and fluffy texture.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Delivers a subtle sweetness that complements the savory notes.
• Salted Butter: Key for that rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb.
• Fresh Sage Leaves: Infuses the rolls with a fragrant, herbaceous touch that elevates the flavor.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the salt and sage.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the brioche’s richness and color.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and adds depth to the dough.

Variations for Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Feel free to experiment and tailor these rolls to your preferences or dietary needs—the recipe is forgiving and adaptable, making it easy to switch up flavors or ingredients without losing the rich essence of the original.

• Herb Swap: Replace sage with rosemary or thyme for a different herbal aroma.
• Sweet Variation: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, autumnal twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute to keep rolls soft and flavorful.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• Honey Alternatives: Try maple syrup or agave nectar for a unique sweetness.

How to Make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk to about 110°F and dissolve the yeast with a pinch of sugar, allowing it to foam for 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt, then add eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow fermentation develops the rich brioche flavor and tender crumb.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Gently punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into smooth balls and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish for pull-apart style rolls.

Step 4: Second Rise

Let the shaped rolls rise again, covered, for about 30-45 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled. This step ensures they become delightfully fluffy after baking.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls generously with the sage-infused honey butter made by melting the salted butter with finely chopped fresh sage leaves and honey. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 6: Final Brush and Cool

Once out of the oven, brush the rolls again with more warm sage honey butter for a glossy finish and extra flavor. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and helps the yeast activate properly.
• Don’t Skip the Second Rise: It’s crucial for achieving that tender, fluffy texture.
• Fresh Sage is Key: Always use fresh sage leaves instead of dried to get the best aroma and flavor.
• Control Oven Temperature: Too hot will burn the honey butter topping, too cool and the rolls won’t brown nicely.
• Brush While Warm: Brushing the rolls with herb butter immediately after baking locks in moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Garnishes

For extra panache, sprinkle freshly chopped sage or flaky sea salt on top after the final butter brush. Adding a drizzle of honey or a light dusting of powdered sugar can create a sweeter edge as well.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, hearty stews, or creamy soups like butternut squash or tomato basil. Their savory-sweet profile balances richer meats and brightens fresh garden salads.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them in a rustic bread basket lined with a vibrant linen napkin or slice them open and spread with whipped herb goat cheese for a delicious appetizer twist. You can also make mini sliders with your favorite sandwich fillings using these rolls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover rolls fresh by placing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. This maintains softness and flavor without drying out.

Freezing

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Warm rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds, then brush with extra sage honey butter to revive that fresh-baked taste and softness.

FAQs

Can I make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls without fresh sage?

While fresh sage is best for flavor and aroma, you can use dried sage in a pinch—just use about half the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How long does it take to make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls from start to finish?

Between mixing, rising, shaping, and baking, expect about 3 to 3.5 hours, most of which is passive rising time.

Are these rolls suitable for breakfast or dinner?

Absolutely! Their versatility shines as a breakfast bread with butter or jam, or as a savory side to dinner dishes.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, refrigerating the dough overnight after the first rise slows fermentation and enhances flavor, just bring it to room temperature before shaping.

Do I need special equipment to make brioche dough?

No special tools are required; a stand mixer helps but you can knead by hand efficiently with some elbow grease.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls fresh from the oven—rich, fragrant, and tender. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving an indulgent treat, these rolls offer an unforgettable flavor experience that’s sure to become a household favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the magic of homemade bread with a deliciously unique twist.

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