There’s something truly special about pulling freshly baked rolls from the oven, their golden tops glistening and the enticing aroma wafting through the kitchen. As I set out to create these Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls, I envisioned a bread that balanced sweetness with a hint of savory, perfect for any occasion.
This recipe came to life during a cozy gathering with friends when I realized that traditional dinner rolls just wouldn’t do anymore. I wanted something that would spark joy in every bite—a tender brioche infused with the earthiness of sage and embellished with melted sharp cheddar. The magic really happens when you slather these warm rolls with the sweet and salty honey butter, transforming an ordinary meal into a feast.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting side for your family meal, these rolls fit the bill beautifully. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, they’re a delightful way to bring a touch of homemade goodness back to your table. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe that’s sure to win hearts and appetites alike!
Why are these Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls irresistible?
Delectable combination: The blend of sweet honey and savory cheddar creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Soft and fluffy: With a tender brioche dough, each bite is a cloud of comfort, perfect for any meal or snack.
Quick to make: Though they look impressive, the process is simple—ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Perfect for sharing: These rolls are a crowd-pleaser, sure to become the star of your next gathering.
Versatile pairing: Whether served with soups, salads, or as a standalone treat, they elevate any dish.
Enjoy these delightful rolls warm, and don’t forget to try them with a dollop of your favorite spread!
Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – 3 1/2–4 cups to create the perfect structure for your rolls.
• Instant yeast – 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) gives a quick rise to the dough.
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon adds a subtle, savory depth.
• Onion powder – 1 teaspoon complements the garlic for a well-rounded flavor.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon enhances all the flavors in the dough.
• Warm milk – 3/4 cup helps activate the yeast for that perfect rise.
• Honey – 6 tablespoons sweetens the dough and infuses it with flavor.
• Salted butter – 8 tablespoons, at room temperature, ensures a rich and tender texture.
• Eggs – 3, at room temperature, provides moisture and richness to the dough.
• Egg yolk – 1, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for brushing the rolls for a golden finish.
• Flaky sea salt – A sprinkle on top before baking gives that irresistible touch.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – 2 cups brings an indulgent savory element to the rolls.
For the Honey Butter Topping
• Salted butter – 4 tablespoons, at room temperature, creates a creamy base for the topping.
• Honey – 2 teaspoons for a sweet finish that pairs beautifully with warm rolls.
• Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon heightens the flavor in the honey butter.
• Fresh chopped parsley or basil – A handful to add a touch of color and freshness.
These Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic dinner roll, making them a perfect addition to any meal!
How to Make Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls
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Combine ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix 3 1/2–4 cups of flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 3/4 cup warm milk, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 eggs, and 5 tablespoons of butter. Mix with the dough hook for 4-5 minutes until combined. If sticky, add flour as needed.
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Prepare the honey butter: In a small bowl, blend 3 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a pinch of sea salt. This sweet topping is key to bringing joy in each bite!
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Preheat and prepare: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release for those warm, fluffy rolls.
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Roll out the dough: After letting the dough rest for 15 minutes to an hour, punch it down and divide in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch square, about 1/4 inch thick. Brush with honey butter, and sprinkle each with 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Cut into 6-8 strips, rolling each strip into a coil and placing seam side down in the baking dish.
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Let rise: Brush the arranged rolls with the beaten egg yolk. Let them rise for 30 minutes, covered, until puffy and full of promise.
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Bake the rolls: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma.
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Make the topping: While the rolls bake, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 teaspoons of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in fresh basil or parsley once removed from heat for a flavorful finish.
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Serve warm: Enjoy your delightful rolls fresh out of the oven, topped with a generous smear of honey butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Optional: Serve with extra honey butter for dipping!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance: simply follow the recipe through the rolling and shaping steps, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let the rolls rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before brushing with egg yolk and baking as directed. Additionally, the honey butter topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just warm it slightly before serving for that luxurious finish. Preparing these rolls in advance ensures you can enjoy their deliciousness with minimal effort on busy nights!
Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls Variations
Feel free to get creative with your rolls—there are countless ways to customize this delightful recipe!
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist that melds beautifully with cheddar. Each bite will carry the essence of the garden!
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty heat that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the honey butter. Perfect for those who crave adventure in their bites!
- Cheddar Alternatives: Experiment with different cheese varieties like creamy gouda or tangy feta for unique flavors and textures that will surprise your taste buds.
- Vegan Swap: Replace eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water and use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk to create a vegan version that everyone can enjoy.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet breakfast treat, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the dough before rolling it up. Serve with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy morning moment!
- Caramelized Onions: Sauté onions until caramelized and sprinkle them over the cheese before rolling for added sweetness and depth in flavor that’ll elevate your rolls.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots into the dough for bursts of sweetness that complement the savory cheese perfectly.
- Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the dough to introduce an exciting crunch and deepen the overall flavor profile of your rolls.
Each variation is a chance to personalize your rolls and create memories around the table—happy cooking!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls
Room Temperature: Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the rolls in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure they are tightly wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: You can freeze these delicious rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag for best results.
Reheating: To enjoy as if they were freshly baked, reheat the rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes after thawing, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
What to Serve with Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls?
Imagine a warm gathering where everyone’s taste buds delight in the buttery softness of freshly baked rolls.
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Savory Soup: A hearty bowl of butternut squash soup perfectly complements the sweetness of your rolls, making them a comforting duo on chilly evenings.
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Mixed Green Salad: Tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, the crisp freshness of a salad brightens the meal while leading to another blissful bite of the rich rolls.
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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: This indulgent classic pairs beautifully with the salty sweetness of the brioche rolls, providing a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy, herb-marinated chicken served alongside these rolls enhances the savory notes, while complementing the sweet honey butter.
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Savory Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of glazed carrots matches the flavorful notes in your rolls, creating a refined and complementary taste experience.
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Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter, refreshing your palate with every sip and bite.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, serving warm chocolate chip cookies brings a sweet finish to the meal, allowing everyone to indulge their sweet tooth before saying goodbye to their culinary adventure.
Tips for the Best Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls
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Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is soft but not overly sticky. If it sticks to your hands, gradually add flour until you achieve the right texture.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and butter at room temperature to promote an even rise in your brioche rolls, enhancing their fluffy texture.
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Rising Time: Allow the dough to rest adequately. Rising for at least 30 minutes helps develop a light and airy texture, crucial for your Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls.
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Cheese Choice: Opt for sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Grating the cheese finely helps it melt beautifully within the rolls.
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Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash! Brushing the rolls before baking provides that lovely golden sheen, making your rolls visually inviting.
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Serving Fresh: For the best experience, serve these rolls warm, allowing the flavors to shine through with each delicious bite.
Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right flour for my brioche rolls?
When selecting flour, opt for all-purpose flour for the best balance of protein content, which contributes to the rolls’ texture. For a richer flavor, some people enjoy using a combination of all-purpose and bread flour. This can add more chewiness and structure to your baked goods.
How long can I store my leftover brioche rolls?
You can store your Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, wrap them tightly and place them in the fridge, where they’ll last for up to 5 days. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze these rolls? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to cold ingredients or inactive yeast. To troubleshoot, make sure your warm milk is around 110°F to activate the yeast properly. If your yeast is old or expired, it might not work. As a remedy, dissolve new yeast in warm water with a little sugar and let it sit until foamy before adding it to the dough for a revised attempt!
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the salted butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) in place of regular milk. For the cheese, try a dairy-free version of cheddar. While you might notice a difference in flavor, the rolls will still be delicious and enjoyable for everyone.
How should I serve these rolls?
For the best experience, serve the rolls warm, generously slathered with the honey butter topping. You can also dip them in extra honey for a delightful sweet touch. They’re perfect as a side with soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on their own!
Heavenly Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix 3 1/2–4 cups of flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 3/4 cup warm milk, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 eggs, and 5 tablespoons of butter. Mix with the dough hook for 4-5 minutes until combined. If sticky, add flour as needed.
- In a small bowl, blend 3 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- After letting the dough rest for 15 minutes to an hour, punch it down and divide in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch square, about 1/4 inch thick. Brush with honey butter, and sprinkle each with 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Cut into 6-8 strips, rolling each strip into a coil and placing seam side down in the baking dish.
- Brush the arranged rolls with the beaten egg yolk. Let them rise for 30 minutes, covered.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 teaspoons of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in fresh basil or parsley once removed from heat.
- Enjoy your delightful rolls fresh out of the oven, topped with a smear of honey butter.