These Salted Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfectly salted, with a spicy kick from the jalapeños and a cheesy goodness from sharp cheddar. The rolls are topped with a delicious, sweet honey butter that enhances their flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or as an appetizer, they are always a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Rolls:

• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) Rapid Rise yeast

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

• 1-2 jalapeños, seeded (if desired), chopped

• 1 cup warm whole milk

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature

• 1 large egg

For the Honey Butter:

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons salted butter

• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Make the Dough:

   • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add cheddar cheese and jalapeños, mixing with a fork to combine.

   • Pour in warm milk, honey, egg, and butter. Mix using the dough hook until the dough forms (about 4-5 minutes). If the dough is too sticky, add more flour (¼ – ½ cup).

   • Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes or up to a few hours.

2. Prepare the Honey Butter:

   • In a small bowl, combine honey, butter, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

3. Shape the Rolls:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish.

   • Dust your work surface with flour. Turn the dough out and punch it down. Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a 12-inch square, about ¼-inch thick.

   • Brush each square of dough with honey butter (save some for serving), then cut each square into 6 strips. Roll each strip into a coil and arrange in the baking dish, seam side down.

4. Rise the Rolls:

   • Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes, or until puffy. Alternatively, place the rolls in the fridge overnight (if you prefer to make ahead).

5. Bake the Rolls:

   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with remaining honey butter.

6. Serve:

   • Serve warm with an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Nutritional Value (per roll):

• Calories: 355 kcal

• Total Fat: 16g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 35mg

• Sodium: 350mg

• Total Carbohydrate: 40g

  • Sugars: 7g

• Protein: 8g

• Vitamin C: 1% DV

• Calcium: 10% DV

• Iron: 8% DV

• Potassium: 180mg

These rolls are an indulgent and flavorful treat that combines the richness of cheddar and butter with the zing of jalapeño and sweetness from honey. Perfect for dinner or a party appetizer!

The Dough: A Soft and Cheesy Base

The foundation of these rolls is the dough, which is soft and slightly sweet. Flour, yeast, and salt form the base of the dough, while grated sharp cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños are added for that signature cheesy and spicy flavor. The cheddar cheese melts into the dough as it bakes, giving each roll a gooey, cheesy center, while the jalapeños provide a spicy, zesty kick without overwhelming the flavor.

The dough is mixed using a stand mixer with a dough hook, which helps to knead the dough to the perfect consistency. Once mixed, the dough is left to rest for a short period, allowing it to rise and develop its texture. This brief resting period, ranging from 15 minutes to a few hours, ensures the dough is soft and airy.

If the dough seems too sticky, adding a little more flour helps to get the right consistency. The goal is to create a dough that’s soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.

Preparing the Honey Butter: Sweet and Salty Perfection

The finishing touch for these rolls is the honey butter. The butter and honey combine to create a sweet, rich spread that coats the rolls after baking. A pinch of salt is added to enhance the sweetness and balance the richness of the butter. This honey butter is brushed generously on the dough before baking, and then again after the rolls come out of the oven for an extra burst of flavor.

Shaping the Rolls: Easy and Fun to Make

Shaping the rolls is simple and fun! After the dough has rested, it is punched down and divided into two equal portions. Each portion is rolled out into a 12-inch square about ¼-inch thick. The dough is then brushed with honey butter, ensuring that each piece gets a taste of sweetness and richness. The dough is then cut into six strips per square, each of which is rolled into a coil. These coils are placed seam side down in a greased baking dish, ready for their final rise.

The rising process takes about 30 minutes or until the rolls have become puffy and doubled in size. Alternatively, the rolls can be prepared ahead of time and left to rise in the refrigerator overnight, making them a great make-ahead option for gatherings.

Baking the Rolls: Golden Perfection

The rolls are baked at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and perfectly puffed. The result is a batch of rolls that are soft, cheesy, and slightly spicy with crispy edges and a fluffy interior. Once baked, they are brushed with the remaining honey butter to create a glossy, flavorful finish that enhances both the sweetness and saltiness.

Serving and Enjoying

These Salted Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls are best served warm, allowing the cheese and butter to be at their most indulgent. The sweetness from the honey butter pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheddar cheese, while the jalapeños add just the right amount of heat. These rolls are perfect for serving alongside dinner, as a snack, or even as an appetizer at your next gathering.

For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top after baking. The salt enhances the flavors of the rolls, balancing the sweetness and spice for an unforgettable taste.

Nutritional Considerations

While Salted Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls are indulgent and delicious, they are also rich in flavor and calories. Each roll contains about 355 calories, with the majority of the calories coming from fat and carbohydrates. The cheddar cheese and butter contribute to the fat content, but they also provide protein and calcium, while the jalapeños offer a boost of vitamin C.

Despite their richness, these rolls are a great option for parties, gatherings, or a special treat with dinner. They are packed with flavor and satisfying enough to make them a perfect addition to any meal.

Conclusion

Salted Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls are a delicious blend of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors that are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheese and a touch of heat. The buttery, slightly sweet glaze adds richness and depth to each roll, while the sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños provide the perfect balance of flavor. Whether you serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these rolls will always impress your guests with their irresistible taste and comforting texture. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor experience, and don’t forget the optional sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect finishing touch!