Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your bread game and impress everyone at the table, these Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are an absolute must-try. They’re luxuriously soft, with that perfect golden crust that gives way to a tender, slightly sweet crumb. What really makes these rolls unforgettable is the luscious honey butter infused with fragrant fried sage and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, marrying sweet, savory, and herbal notes in every bite. These homemade brioche rolls aren’t just bread; they’re a little celebration, perfect for brunch, dinner parties, or simply treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may sound straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the airy richness, subtle sweetness, and buttery depth of these rolls. From the soft all-purpose flour that creates structure to the fresh sage leaves for herbaceous warmth, every element is intentional and essential.

• All-purpose flour (3 1/2 – 4 cups): The foundation of your dough, offering just the right balance to achieve softness without losing shape.
• Instant yeast (1 packet, 2 1/4 teaspoons): The magical leavener that makes the rolls rise beautifully and keeps them light.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Warm milk (3/4 cup): Adds tenderness and moisture, helping create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Honey (3 tablespoons): Provides natural sweetness and caramelized notes once baked.
• Salted butter, room temperature (6 tablespoons + 6 tablespoons): Infuses richness into the dough and later into the sage honey butter.
• Eggs, room temperature (3 whole + 1 yolk): Contribute to the dough’s structure, color, and shine.
• Water (1 tablespoon): Mixed with egg yolk for a perfect golden glaze.
• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for bursts of briny crunch.
• Sage leaves (12 fresh): Fried until crisp, they add earthy herbal depth to the honey butter.

How to Make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

Start by combining the flour, yeast, and salt in your stand mixer bowl. Then add warm milk, honey, eggs, and softened butter. Using the dough hook, mix everything until incorporated and the dough starts to pull away from the sides—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky at first, which is perfect; just add a dusting of flour if it’s too wet. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature. This brief pause helps activate the yeast and develop gluten.

Step 2: Prepare the Sage Honey Butter

While the dough is resting, it’s time to make the star companion: sage honey butter. Fry the sage leaves gently in a tablespoon of butter until crisp and fragrant. Once cooled, chop the sage finely and stir it into softened butter mixed with honey and a pinch of flaky sea salt. This butter will saturate your rolls with herbaceous sweetness and a touch of saltiness that’s truly addictive.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Roll each half out into a 12-inch square on a floured surface. Brush each square generously with the sage honey butter, saving some for later. Then slice each square into 6 strips and carefully roll each strip into a coil, placing them seam side down in the baking dish. This coiling creates layers of buttery goodness inside each roll.

Step 4: Final Proof and Bake

Brush the tops of the rolls with a shiny egg wash made from the beaten egg yolk and water. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes, until they’re puffy and ready to bake. Pop them into the oven for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown and irresistible. The aroma alone will have everyone gathered in the kitchen!

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Right out of the oven, brush the rolls once again with the reserved sage honey butter for extra flavor and shine. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while they’re still warm. These last touches turn already amazing rolls into an experience you will want to relive over and over.

How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh sage leaves or a little extra flaky sea salt elevates the presentation and adds bursts of flavor with each bite. You can also drizzle a bit of raw honey over the top for an irresistible glaze that shines beautifully on the golden crust.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups, creamy mashed potatoes, or even alongside a fresh garden salad. Their rich, buttery nature complements savory mains like roast chicken or slow-cooked pork perfectly. Think of them as the cozy sidekick to your dinner plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these rolls into sliders filled with your favorite cheeses and roasted vegetables for an impressive appetizer. Or slice them horizontally and toast lightly, spreading with additional sage honey butter for a luxe breakfast treat. They’re also stunning when served warm in a bread basket as part of a brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these rolls left after your feast, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for 2 to 3 days, perfect for a snack or quick breakfast.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in a sealed freezer bag. Make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing to maintain texture. They can be kept frozen comfortably for up to 3 months without losing flavor or softness.

Reheating

To enjoy your rolls fresh again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Brush with a little additional sage honey butter after reheating to bring back that irresistible shine and flavor burst.

FAQs

Can I use fresh yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, fresh yeast can be used but you’ll need to adjust the quantity, typically using about twice the amount of fresh yeast compared to instant. Just dissolve it in the warm milk before mixing it into the dough to activate properly.

What if I don’t have fresh sage leaves?

Fresh sage really shines in this recipe because of its crispness and aroma, but if you don’t have any, a small pinch of dried sage mixed into the butter can work as a substitute. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate balance.

Is it okay to substitute salted butter for unsalted butter?

Since this recipe relies on a salted butter base, using unsalted butter means you will need to add a little extra salt to the dough and butter mixture. The salted butter keeps the flavor well balanced especially paired with the flaky sea salt topping.

Can these rolls be made dairy-free?

To make them dairy-free, sub in a plant-based milk (like oat or almond) and a vegan butter substitute. The texture will be slightly different but you’ll still get beautifully soft brioche rolls infused with that sage and honey flavor.

How long do the Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls take to make from start to finish?

From mixing to baking, plan on about 2.5 to 3 hours including rising and resting times. Most of it is hands-off time while the dough does its magic, so perfect for a relaxed afternoon in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Making these Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls is such a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the most comforting scents and delivers a taste that feels both special and familiar. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a warm roll on your own, these rolls truly shine as a show-stopping treat. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly understand why these rolls become an instant favorite and a go-to in your baking repertoire.

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