Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Savory, soft, and aromatic, these Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls bring a unique twist to your dinner table. Infused with the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter and fresh herbs, they are perfect for any fall or winter gathering. Their fluffy texture makes them an irresistible side for holiday meals or cozy dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown butter and sage creates a delightful, savory taste that enhances any meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, these rolls fit seamlessly into every setting.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can create these mouthwatering rolls.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prep them ahead of time to save on stress during busy cooking days—check the recipe notes for details!
- Versatile Pairing: These rolls complement various dishes, from roasted meats to hearty soups.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, gather your essential tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer (or large mixing bowl)
- Light-colored skillet or saucepan
- Medium heatproof bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Baking pan (9×13-inch or two 9-inch round/square)
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Eases the mixing and kneading process, saving time and effort.
- Light-colored skillet: Helps monitor the browning process of the butter for optimal flavor.
- Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls without damaging them.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own delicious Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls:
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk or buttermilk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)
- 3 Tablespoons (64g) honey, divided
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped sage leaves, plus an extra pinch for topping
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 3 cups (390g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed
- Optional: flaky sea salt, for finishing
How to Make Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Set out a medium heatproof bowl because you’ll need it at the end of this step. Place the sliced butter in a light-colored skillet or saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat while stirring constantly. After about 5–7 minutes, the butter will begin browning with lightly browned specks forming at the bottom. It should have a nutty aroma and reach a light caramel-brown color. Remove from heat immediately and pour into the bowl, including any brown solids that form. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Yeast Mixture
Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and 1 Tablespoon honey together in your stand mixer bowl or a regular mixing bowl. Loosely cover and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Add the remaining honey, egg, 6 Tablespoons of slightly cooled brown butter (reserve some for brushing), salt, sage, thyme, and 1 cup of bread flour. Using a dough hook or paddle attachment on low speed, mix for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of the bowl before adding in more flour. Beat on medium speed until dough pulls away from sides—about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Knead Dough
Keep dough in the mixer (switch to dough hook if needed) and beat for an additional 5 minutes or knead by hand on a floured surface for 5 minutes. If too sticky while kneading, sprinkle flour as necessary. After kneading, poke your dough—it should slowly bounce back when ready.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place dough in this bowl and cover it with foil or a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan
Grease your baking pan(s). You can use either a single 9×13-inch pan or two round/square pans for baking these delightful rolls.
Continue to follow through with your baking process using similar detailed steps!
How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are versatile and can elevate any meal. Their rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making them a must-have at your table.
With Savory Dishes
- Roasted Chicken – Serve these rolls alongside juicy roasted chicken for a comforting meal.
- Beef Stew – The soft texture of the rolls is perfect for mopping up hearty beef stew.
- Stuffed Peppers – Enjoy the rolls as a side to stuffed peppers, adding a delightful contrast.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Thanksgiving Feast – These rolls make an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving spread, complementing turkey and stuffing.
- Christmas Dinner – Pair them with glazed ham for a festive touch that everyone will love.
As Appetizers
- With Cheese Spreads – Serve warm rolls with a selection of creamy cheese spreads for an inviting appetizer.
- Herb Butter – Offer herbed butter on the side to enhance the rolls’ flavor profile further.
How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Perfecting Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh sage and thyme provide vibrant flavor. Dried herbs won’t give you the same aroma or taste.
- Monitor Dough Temperature – Ensure your dough rises in a warm environment, ideally around 75°F (24°C) to 80°F (27°C).
- Don’t Rush the Browning – Allow the butter to brown slowly; this enhances its nutty flavor without burning it.
- Knead Thoroughly – Kneading helps develop gluten, resulting in soft and airy rolls. Follow the windowpane test for best results.
- Use Quality Ingredients – High-quality butter and fresh yeast make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls pair wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some perfect companions that will round out your meal beautifully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes complement the savory rolls perfectly.
- Maple Glazed Carrots – Sweet and tender carrots add color and sweetness to your plate.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – The crispy bacon brings a savory crunch that balances well with the soft rolls.
- Creamed Spinach – Rich, creamy spinach provides a comforting contrast to the fluffy dinner rolls.
- Butternut Squash Soup – A warm bowl of soup makes an excellent pairing, perfect for dipping!
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine and tangy dressing offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Overbrowning the butter. Keep a close eye on the butter as it melts. If it turns too dark, it may taste burnt instead of nutty.
- Not measuring flour correctly. Always spoon and level your flour to avoid using too much. This will ensure the right dough consistency.
- Skipping the dough rising time. Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step, as it helps develop flavor and texture.
- Ignoring temperature of ingredients. Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Under-kneading the dough. Knead until the dough passes the windowpane test; this ensures good gluten development for a better structure.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
- These rolls can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
- Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap rolls in foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per roll until warm.
- Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet with a lid over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust the salt in your recipe accordingly to avoid overly salty rolls.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size after rising for about 1.5-2 hours. You can test by gently pressing a finger into it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.
What if I don’t have fresh sage?
You can substitute dried sage; use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape and refrigerate overnight before baking. Just allow extra time for them to rise before baking.
How do I customize my Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls?
Feel free to add different herbs or cheese for varied flavors. Garlic powder or parmesan can create a delicious twist!
Final Thoughts
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a wonderful addition to any meal, bringing warmth and comfort with their rich flavors. Their versatility allows you to customize them easily, making them perfect for any occasion from casual dinners to festive feasts. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are the ultimate cozy treat, perfect for elevating any meal. These soft, aromatic rolls are infused with the nutty flavor of browned butter and the fragrant essence of fresh sage, making them a delightful addition to your dining table. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a casual family gathering, these fluffy rolls are sure to impress. Their easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even novice bakers can create these delicious treats at home. With the option to prepare ahead of time, you can enjoy stress-free cooking while serving up warm, comforting goodness that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped sage
- 3 cups bread flour
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat until caramel-colored; set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and honey; let sit until foamy.
- Mix in the egg, cooled brown butter, salt, sage, and flour until a dough forms.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, then let rise in a greased bowl for about 1.5–2 hours.
- Shape into rolls and place in a greased baking pan; let rise again until doubled.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
