Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a bread recipe that’s sweet, spicy, cheesy, and downright addictive, you have to try my Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls Recipe. These rolls are soft, flaky, and bursting with flavor—perfect for feeding a crowd or adding a special twist to any meal. I absolutely love how the honey butter glaze sets off the subtle heat of the jalapeños and the sharpness of the cheddar. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to turn out these crowd-pleasing rolls at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is the first step to success here. I love that this recipe uses basic kitchen staples, mixed with fresh jalapeños and sharp cheddar for a punch of flavor. When shopping, pick a good-quality sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños with firm skin for best results.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough; make sure it’s fresh for good rise and texture.
• Rapid rise yeast: Gives the dough a nice lift quickly—no long overnight waits necessary unless you want to chill the dough.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp or extra-sharp works best here for that bold cheesy bite.
• Jalapeños: Adds just the right amount of heat; seed them if you want milder rolls.
• Whole milk: Warmed for activating the yeast and enriching the dough.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps with browning—don’t skimp on this!
• Salted butter: Use room temperature for easy mixing and a rich buttery flavor.
• Egg: Helps with structure and gives the dough a tender crumb.
• Flaky sea salt: Perfect for sprinkling on top to finish the rolls with a delicate salty crunch.

Variations

I love to switch up this Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to make these your own by tweaking the heat, cheese, or even the sweetness level. A bit of personalization keeps this recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it.

• Mild Version: When I want less heat, I swap jalapeños for roasted red peppers and add a little smoked paprika for depth.
• Extra Cheesy: Adding a mix of mozzarella or pepper jack gives my family a gooey treat that disappears quickly.
• Vegan Twist: I’ve experimented with dairy-free cheese and coconut milk—results aren’t quite the same but still tasty.
• Herbal Addition: Chopped fresh chives or parsley folded into the dough bring brightness and a subtle herbal note.

How to Make Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Incorporate the Cheese and Jalapeños

Start by combining your flour, rapid rise yeast, and kosher salt right in the bowl of your stand mixer. Then add the grated cheddar and chopped jalapeños. I like to use a fork here to mix everything together, ensuring the cheese and peppers get evenly spread without clumping up. This step is key because it means every bite will have that perfect cheesy and spicy hit.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients and Knead the Dough

Pour in your warm whole milk, honey, beaten egg, and softened butter. Attach your dough hook and mix on medium speed until the dough starts to come together—around 4 to 5 minutes. The dough will be tacky but not overly sticky; if it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour, about a quarter cup at a time. The wonderfully soft texture you’re aiming for makes these rolls tender and fluffy.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rest

Cover your bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, then let the dough rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes or, if you’re making ahead, let it sit up to a few hours. This rest period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out later. I sometimes pop it in the fridge overnight if I want to bake fresh rolls the next day.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Butter

While your dough is resting, combine the softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl, mixing until smooth. This luscious honey butter will coat the rolled dough strips and get brushed on after baking to create that irresistible glossy finish.

Step 5: Shape and Assemble the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish. On a lightly floured surface, punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch square, about a quarter inch thick. Brush each square generously with your honey butter, reserving some for later. Cut each square into six strips, then roll each strip into a coil—like little cinnamon rolls but with jalapeño cheddar inside. Place the coils seam side down in your prepared dish for even baking.

Step 6: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a clean towel and allow the rolls to rise for about 30 minutes until they puff up nicely. If you’re short on time, you can also let them rise overnight in the fridge—just bring them to room temp before baking. After rising, bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and deliciously inviting.

Step 7: The Finishing Touch

Once the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining honey butter right away. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to add a subtle crunch and a burst of salty goodness that cuts through the sweetness—you’re going to love this combination. Pull them apart warm and serve immediately for the ultimate comfort food experience.

How to Serve Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish these rolls with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving—it adds a perfect salty contrast to the honey butter. Sometimes I’ll also toss on a tiny fresh jalapeño slice or a pinch of smoked paprika for a pop of color and heat.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups like tomato bisque or chili. I often serve them alongside a fresh green salad or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. They’re also a hit at burger nights or BBQs, where their sweet-heat combo shines.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to arrange these rolls in a circular pattern on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra honey butter for dipping. They’re irresistible finger food, and presentation really amps up the wow factor. You could also bake them in mini muffin tins for cute, individual rolls perfect for snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft but if they start to firm up a bit, a quick warm-up brings back their fresh-baked mood. Just be sure to keep them sealed well to avoid drying out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully! After baking and cooling, I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop them in a freezer-safe container. When I want a quick treat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in a low oven to warm through and keep them soft and gooey.

Reheating

For fresh-from-the-oven vibes, I reheat rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil, then unwrap for the last few minutes to crisp the edges slightly. A quick brush of leftover honey butter when reheating revives that sticky, glossy finish I just can’t get enough of.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect blend of comfort and excitement—soft, buttery rolls with a little surprise kick that keeps you coming back for more. Whenever I make these, my family absolutely goes crazy over them, and I love that they feel a little fancy without a fuss. Give these a try, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create something so delicious at home. Trust me, your friends and family will thank you (and maybe even ask for seconds!).

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