Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls are incredibly soft and tender thanks to the brioche dough, with a rich, buttery flavor in every bite. The combination of honey and cheddar creates a unique sweet-savory contrast, while the salted finish enhances all the flavors. They’re perfect as a side dish, snack, or even for sandwiches, and they feel bakery-quality right at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
flour
granulated sugar
instant yeast
salt
milk
eggs
butter
For the filling and topping:
cheddar cheese
honey
butter
flaky salt
Directions
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add warm milk and eggs, then mix until a soft dough forms.
Gradually incorporate softened butter, kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Divide the dough into equal portions and shape into balls.
Flatten each piece slightly and add a small amount of cheddar cheese inside, then seal and reshape into a ball.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each.
Cover and let rise again until puffy.
Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
While still warm, brush the rolls with melted butter mixed with honey.
Sprinkle with flaky salt and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10 to 12 rolls.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Bake time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes
Variations
You can use different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor. Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist. For extra sweetness, drizzle more honey over the top before serving. You can also add garlic butter instead of honey butter for a more savory version.
Storage/Reheating
Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven until soft.
You can freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight for a slow rise.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but other cheeses can be used.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less rich.
Why is my dough sticky?
Brioche dough is naturally soft and slightly sticky.
Can I add more honey?
Yes, adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
How do I know when the rolls are done?
They should be golden brown and cooked through.
Can I make them smaller?
Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions.
Can I use active dry yeast?
Yes, just activate it in warm milk first.
How do I keep them soft?
Store in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
Are they sweet or savory?
They are a balanced mix of both sweet and savory flavors.
Conclusion
Salted honey butter cheddar brioche rolls are a deliciously soft and flavorful treat that combines rich, buttery dough with sweet honey and savory cheese. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a favorite addition to your baking rotation.
PrintSalted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls
These salted honey butter cheddar brioche rolls are soft, fluffy, and rich with buttery flavor, filled with melty cheddar and finished with sweet honey butter and flaky salt. They are the perfect balance of sweet and savory for holiday tables, family dinners, or anytime baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or shredded
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- Add the warm milk and eggs, then mix until a soft dough begins to form.
- Gradually add the softened butter, kneading until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Grease a baking dish and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal portions. Flatten each piece slightly, place a small amount of cheddar cheese in the center, then seal and shape into a ball.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
- Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Mix the melted butter with the honey and brush over the warm rolls, then sprinkle with flaky salt before serving.
Notes
- Sharp cheddar gives the best sweet-savory contrast, but gouda or mozzarella also work well.
- For a more savory version, brush the rolls with garlic butter instead of honey butter.
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme can be added to the dough for extra flavor.
- Brioche dough is naturally soft and slightly sticky, so avoid adding too much extra flour.
- The dough can be refrigerated overnight for a slow first rise.
- Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave or a low oven until soft and warm.
- Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
