Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Introduction

Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. The buttery richness of brioche, combined with the earthy scent of sage and a touch of honey, creates a flavor profile that is simply divine. Each roll is soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty roast, a comforting bowl of soup, or simply enjoying them with a spread of butter, these rolls will take your meal to the next level.

I first made these rolls for a family holiday dinner, and they were an instant hit. The combination of honey and sage is unique yet comforting, and the salt sprinkled on top brings everything together in a way that makes every bite memorable. What I love most about these rolls is how they elevate a simple meal. They’re easy enough to whip up, but they add that extra special touch that will make your guests feel like they’re dining at a high-end restaurant. And trust me, they’re as delicious as they are beautiful. The golden, soft rolls with their delicate crumb are almost too pretty to eat—almost!

What makes these rolls even better is how versatile they are. They’re perfect for a holiday spread, a family gathering, or even just to have on hand as a special treat throughout the week. Whether you serve them warm straight from the oven or as leftovers the next day, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

• Thanksgiving or holiday meals
• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Baking enthusiasts
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Here’s why Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are a must-try:

• Buttery, Soft Texture: Brioche dough results in a roll that’s soft, tender, and rich in flavor, thanks to its generous butter content.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the sage brings an earthy, savory depth that makes each bite a harmonious blend.
• Fragrant Sage: Fresh sage adds a fragrant, aromatic quality to the rolls, taking the classic brioche to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Versatile Pairing: These rolls are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with roasted meats, soups, and stews, or even as a base for a sandwich.
• Impressive Yet Easy: Despite being visually impressive and full of flavor, these rolls are relatively simple to make with a few basic ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 32g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup salted butter (for brushing the rolls)
• 1 tablespoon honey (for brushing the rolls)
• Additional flaky sea salt for topping

Ingredient Highlights

• Brioche Dough: The richness of butter and eggs in the dough gives these rolls their signature soft and airy texture, making them perfect for pairing with savory or sweet toppings.
• Fresh Sage: Adds a fragrant, savory element to the dough, elevating the flavor of the rolls with its herbaceous aroma.
• Honey: A little honey in the dough and for the glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the rolls, balancing beautifully with the salt.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter is essential for achieving a tender and fluffy dough, while the salted butter used for brushing provides a salty finish that enhances the flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls:

Make the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, honey, and chopped sage. Stir everything together until the dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Rolls:

5. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
7. Shape the Rolls: Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

Second Rise:

8. Let the Dough Rise Again: Cover the baking dish with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.

Bake the Rolls:

9. Bake: Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
10. Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze: While the rolls are baking, melt the salted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the honey until well combined.
11. Brush the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush them generously with the honey butter glaze and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an added touch of flavor.

How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are perfect for any occasion, and here’s how to serve them:

• With Roasted Meats: These rolls pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or beef. The honey and sage flavors complement savory dishes wonderfully.
• Alongside Soups: Serve them with hearty soups like butternut squash, potato leek, or roasted tomato soup for a comforting meal.
• As a Side Dish: These rolls make an excellent side dish for pasta dishes, salads, or as part of a larger spread at gatherings.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Warm them up and serve with butter, jam, or fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
• For Special Occasions: Perfect for family holidays or dinner parties, these rolls are sure to impress guests with their soft texture and delightful aroma.

Additional Tips for Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Here are some tips to ensure your Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Brioche dough is rich and soft. Handle it gently to avoid deflating the air that gives these rolls their soft, fluffy texture.
• Let the Dough Rise Properly: Be patient with the rising times; the dough needs time to rise properly to achieve the best texture.
• Use Fresh Sage: For the best flavor, use fresh sage rather than dried. It will give the rolls a fragrant, vibrant flavor.
• Brush Immediately After Baking: For a glossy, sweet finish, brush the warm rolls with the honey butter glaze right after they come out of the oven.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to experiment by adding other herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for different flavor profiles.

Recipe Variations for Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls:

• Garlic and Herb Brioche Rolls: Add roasted garlic and a mix of herbs like rosemary and thyme to the dough for an extra savory flavor.
• Cheddar Sage Brioche Rolls: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese along with the sage for a cheesy twist.
• Cinnamon Honey Brioche Rolls: Replace the sage with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced variation.
• Cranberry Sage Brioche Rolls: Add dried cranberries to the dough for a sweet-tart contrast to the sage and honey.
• Rosemary Brioche Rolls: Replace sage with finely chopped rosemary for a more piney, earthy flavor.
• Poppy Seed Brioche Rolls: Sprinkle poppy seeds on top of the rolls before baking for a crunchy texture and subtle flavor.
• Apple Sage Brioche Rolls: Add finely chopped apples and a touch of cinnamon to the dough for a fruity twist.
• Lemon Sage Brioche Rolls: Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sage.
• Bacon and Sage Brioche Rolls: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the dough for a savory, salty addition to the sweet rolls.
• Maple Sage Brioche Rolls: Replace honey with maple syrup for a uniquely sweet and earthy flavor combination.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked rolls. Shape the dough, place the rolls on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the rolls thaw and rise before baking as directed.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Special Equipment for Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls easier:

• Stand Mixer: A stand mixer with a dough hook is perfect for mixing and kneading the brioche dough.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A standard baking dish ensures the rolls bake evenly and stay soft.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough into uniform portions before shaping.
• Pastry Brush: Use a pastry brush to apply the honey butter glaze evenly across the rolls.
• Flour Sifter: For sifting flour before measuring to ensure a light texture in the dough.
• Damp Cloth: A damp cloth helps to cover the dough while it rises, maintaining humidity.
• Oven Thermometer: To ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking the rolls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for the best results in your recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls to prepare the dough and other ingredients.
• Baking Mat: Use a silicone baking mat for non-stick baking and easy cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions for Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

1. Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
   While you can replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, using only whole wheat may affect the texture and fluffiness of the rolls.
2. How can I make these rolls vegan?
   To make these rolls vegan, substitute the butter with a dairy-free option like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a flax egg mixture in place of the eggs.
3. Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
   Fresh sage is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried sage in a pinch. Just use about one-third the amount of dried sage as fresh.
4. Can I make the dough the night before?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, shape the rolls, let them rise, and bake as usual.
5. How can I store leftover rolls?
   Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

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Conclusion

Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, combining soft, buttery brioche with aromatic sage and a hint of honey. These rolls offer a tender, fluffy texture and a unique flavor profile that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them with a holiday feast, a cozy dinner, or as a special treat, they are sure to become a hit at your table.

Simple to make and easy to adapt, this recipe is a great addition to your baking repertoire. From the moment they hit the oven, the warm, fragrant aroma will have everyone eager to dig in. With each bite, you’ll experience the irresistible flavor of homemade brioche paired with the subtle sweetness of honey and the savory touch of sage.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful rolls with your loved ones! I can’t wait to see how your Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! Leave a comment or share your thoughts; I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Happy baking!