Beyond Butter: Unexpected (and Irresistible) Toppings for Dinner Rolls

From sweet glazes to crunchy garnishes, here’s how to take Martin’s Sweet Rolls to the next level this Easter—or any day of the year!

There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, fluffy dinner rolls on the table—especially during a special gathering like Easter. And let’s be honest: when those rolls are Martin’s Sweet Dinner or Sweet Party Potato Rolls, they don’t need much to shine. A simple pat of salted butter? Perfection.

But if you’re feeling a little adventurous—or you want to surprise your guests with something new—there’s a whole world of toppings, glazes, and spreads just waiting to elevate your roll game. From fruity compound butters to savory glazes and even crunchy garnishes like Everything Bagel seasoning or candied walnuts, these roll upgrades are easy to pull off but make a big impact.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a potluck, or just want to play around with flavors, this guide is full of delicious ways to dress up your dinner rolls—and maybe even start a new holiday tradition.

Go Beyond Butter: Spreads & Flavored Butters to Try

Martin’s rolls already bring a touch of sweetness and pillowy texture to the table, so they’re the perfect canvas for all kinds of creative pairings. And yes—even though this blog is technically called “Beyond Butter,” we’re definitely not turning our backs on butter. We’re just taking it to the next level.

Compound Butters

Compound butters (aka flavored butters) are incredibly easy to make and instantly upgrade any roll. Just start with softened butter and mix in your favorite sweet or savory add-ins. Here are a few of our go-to combinations:

• Cinnamon-Honey Butter – A cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite that melts beautifully over warm rolls. Get the recipe →
• Basil & Garlic Butter – Fresh, savory, and versatile. Great for spring brunches or alongside roast chicken. Try it here →
• Lemon, Strawberry, or Blackberry Butter – Bright, fruity compound butters perfect for spring. These also work great as glazes (see below)!
  • Lemon Butter
  • Strawberry Butter
  • Blackberry Butter
• Shallot & Herb Butter – Fresh herbs add a lovely twist. Try this Herbes de Provence Compound Butter for a fragrant, French-inspired take.

Tip: Want to get fancy? Try a maple butter with toasted pecans, or even truffle butter or miso butter for an unexpected umami punch.

Sweet & Savory Spreads

If you’re more of a jam-and-bread kind of person, you’re in good company. Martin’s Sweet Rolls pair perfectly with both classic and creative spreads:

• Homemade Peach Jam – A springtime favorite that’s easier to make than you’d think. Learn how →
• Peanut or Almond Butter – Skip the store-bought stuff and try homemade peanut butter or almond butter.
• Beet Hummus or Green Pea Pesto – For a savory spread with bright, spring color and garden-fresh flavor. Try the beet hummus here → |  Try the pesto here →
• Fruit Preserves or Apple Butter – Spread generously for a nostalgic, cozy touch.

If you’re up for some DIY fun, check out our guide to making customizable jams and preserves using whatever fruit you have on hand. They also make great hostess gifts (if you’re not too tempted to keep them for yourself!).

How to Glaze Dinner Rolls (the Easy Way)

If you’ve never glazed your dinner rolls before popping them into the oven—get ready to have your mind (and taste buds) blown. This simple step adds a touch of flavor, moisture, and even a beautiful shine that makes your rolls look like they came straight from a gourmet bakery.

Step-by-Step: Glazing Martin’s Dinner Rolls

Whether you’re working with Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls or Sweet Party Potato Rolls, here’s a quick and easy method to add a buttery glaze before serving:

What You’ll Need:

• 1–2 tablespoons of melted butter (or compound butter of your choice)
• A pastry brush (or the back of a spoon)
• Optional: toppings like herbs, spices, seeds, or grated cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300–350°F.
2. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
3. Brush the tops generously with melted butter—or go bold with something like Strawberry Butter or Garlic-Herb Butter.
4. Add toppings if desired (more on that in the next section).
5. Bake for 5–8 minutes, just until warm and slightly golden. For a shinier finish, brush them again after baking.

Pro tip: Try a light glaze made from honey and melted butter for a sweet touch—or go savory with Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion for a more classic slider-style topping (like in these ham and cheese sliders).

Glaze Inspiration: Flavored Butters That Shine

You don’t have to stop at plain butter. Any of the compound butters from earlier can double as a delicious glaze. Just melt them gently and brush over the rolls before baking. Here are some standouts:

• Rosemary-Thyme Butter Glaze – Herby and elegant. Get the recipe →
• Cinnamon-Maple Butter Glaze – Cozy and sweet (perfect for brunch!). Try it →
• Cranberry-Orange Butter Glaze – Great for holiday tables. Find it here →
• Lemon, Strawberry, or Blackberry Glazes – Light and fruity for springtime vibes. Check out our Fruit-Glazed Party Rolls Trio recipe to try all three.
• Bearnaise-Glazed Mini Dinner Rolls – A rich, savory glaze made with butter, herbs, and a hint of cayenne adds elegance to these brunch-worthy bites. View recipe →

Glaze Without Butter? Totally!

You don’t have to use butter to glaze your rolls—there are lots of delicious alternatives:

• Warm honey or maple syrup provide a natural sweetness
• Cinnamon Roll (Icing) Glaze or Cream Cheese (Icing) Glaze – Sweet, creamy finishes that are perfect for brunch or dessert rolls. Get Cinnamon Roll Glaze → | Get Cream Cheese Glaze →
• Simple Chocolate Glaze – Because chocolate makes everything better! See it here →
• Thinned apricot or pineapple jam offer a bakery-style shine.
• Even agave or fruit compote will help in a pinch!

These work especially well when you’re adding toppings like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit—and they bring a beautiful glossy finish to the table, no butter required.

Add Some Crunch: Toppings & Garnishes That Pop

Warm, buttery rolls are great on their own—but if you want to add an intriguing texture, a crunchy topping can make a big difference. Whether you’re going sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, these topping ideas turn Martin’s Sweet Rolls into irresistible little bites of flavor.

The secret? A light glaze or melted butter base (like the ones described above) will help everything stick!

Savory & Snacky Toppings

These toppings add bold flavor and a little bit of crunch—perfect for dinner or appetizer spreads.

• Everything Bagel Seasoning – A flavorful mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, minced garlic, onion flakes, and sea salt. Try it with melted butter or cream cheese for a craveable brunch vibe.

DIY Seasoning Blend:

• • Poppy seeds
  • White sesame seeds
  • Black sesame seeds
  • Dried minced garlic
  • Dried minced onion
  • Flaked sea salt

Get the recipe →

• Grated Parmesan & Herbs – Brush rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired twist. Try it in these Chicken Parmesan Sliders.
• Candied Bacon – Sweet, salty, and smoky? Yes, please. Serve crumbled over a butter-glazed roll or tucked inside for a brunch-worthy treat. See it in action →
• Toasted Seeds or Nuts – Think sunflower seeds, pepitas, chopped walnuts, or crushed pistachios. For a springy spin, try pairing with herb or honey butters.

Pro tip: You can also combine Everything Bagel seasoning with freshly grated parmesan cheese and bake into elegant crisps to serve alongside your rolls. It’s a gourmet touch that feels restaurant-worthy!

Sweet & Crunchy Toppings

If you’re leaning more toward the dessert or brunch side, these toppings are equal parts festive and fun:

• Honey Walnut Rolls – A warm, sticky glaze made with honey, butter, and toasted walnuts turns your rolls into instant crowd-pleasers.

Quick Recipe:

• • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp water
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • Oats, for garnish (optional)

Heat, stir, and drizzle over rolls before baking!

Make them here →

• Cinnamon Sugar or Granulated Sugar – Add a sprinkle of sweetness for a dessert-style roll, as seen in this Peach Ice Cream Sandwich or Deep-Fried S’mores Roll.
• Crushed Freeze-Dried Fruit or Cereal – Adds color and crunch—great for spring brunch tables. Try strawberries, banana chips, or even granola.
• Caramel Brittle or Glazed Pecans – For an elegant finish, sprinkle over a warm glaze (or serve on the side for guests to DIY their own roll toppings).
  • Note: Glazed pecans also appear in this Pecan Pie Dip recipe.

Serve It Up: Sliders, Crostini & Other Creative Combos

If you’re looking for another way to showcase Martin’s Sweet Rolls beyond toppings and glazes, sliders, crostini, and mini bites are the way to go. These fun-sized creations are easy to assemble and always a hit at spring brunches, potlucks, or Easter dinner tables.

Sliders with a Spring Twist

Martin’s rolls are slider-ready with a quick slice through the sheet, making them perfect for all kinds of mini sandwiches. Here are a few standouts:

• Ham & Pineapple Sliders – A sweet-and-savory holiday favorite, featuring a buttery glaze made with mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced shallots. Get the recipe →
• Green Bean Casserole Sliders with Easter Ham – A full Easter plate in slider form, complete with a simple butter glaze. Try it here →
• Garlic Dill Pulled Chicken Sliders – Fresh, herby, and full of flavor. See recipe →

You can also keep things super simple with your favorite deli meat and cheese, then finish with one of the buttery glazes we shared earlier (like the classic mix of butter, Dijon, Worcestershire, and poppy seeds).

Crostini & Bruschetta-Style Bites

Split your rolls or slice them into rounds, then toast and top with sweet or savory ingredients for easy crostini. These make elegant starters or party platters with minimal effort:

• Ricotta & Honey with Nuts – Fresh ricotta, lemon zest, and acacia honey; add chopped walnuts for a crunchy finish. Try it here →
• Balsamic Tomato Bruschetta – A fresh, zesty classic. View recipe →
• Hummus Crostini or Goat Cheese Variations – Savory and satisfying; great with herbs, roasted veggies, or fruit. Try Hummus Crostini → |  Explore sweet and savory bruschetta here →.
• Fruit, Goat Cheese & Pecan Crostini – A beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty. Get the recipe →

Looking for More Easter-Themed Recipes?

For festive ideas like Resurrection Rolls, Peeps Nests, Hot Cross Buns, and more, check out our full Beginner’s Guide to Easter or browse our Easter recipe collection →.

Roll Into Easter with Something Unexpected

Whether you stick with one of our compound butters, try your hand at a fruity glaze, or go all-in with a crunchy topping like Everything Bagel seasoning or honeyed walnuts, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Martin’s Sweet Dinner or Sweet Party Potato Rolls. These soft, slightly sweet rolls are the perfect canvas for flavor—making it easy to impress your guests without a lot of extra effort.

So go ahead: butter them up, dress them down, top them off, or build them into sliders. However you serve them, we hope your Easter table is full of joy, laughter, and (of course) something delicious.

Looking for more Easter inspiration? Browse our full Easter recipe collection for brunch boards, creative desserts, and holiday-worthy main courses!

Related Posts:

• https://potatorolls.com/blog/creative-spring-ideas/
• https://potatorolls.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-easter/
• https://potatorolls.com/blog/tag/easter/