Savory, soft, and aromatic, the Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any fall, winter, or holiday dinner. The nutty flavor from browning the butter elevates these rolls to a whole new level. Perfect for family gatherings or festive meals, they bring warmth and comfort to your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The brown butter provides a rich, caramelized taste that enhances the rolls.
Perfectly Soft Texture: These rolls are fluffy and tender, making them irresistible.
Versatile Side: Great for pairing with soups, stews, or your favorite holiday dishes.
Easy to Make Ahead: Follow our tips for preparing in advance so you can enjoy stress-free entertaining.
Impressive Presentation: Serve warm rolls that impress your guests with their aroma and appearance.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making these delightful rolls, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer (or large mixing bowl)
Light-colored skillet or saucepan
Medium heatproof bowl
Silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking pan (9×13-inch or two 9-inch pans)

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Saves time and effort with kneading the dough effectively.
Light-colored skillet: Helps in monitoring the browning of the butter to achieve the perfect nutty flavor.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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, you will notice lightly browned specks forming at the bottom of the pan. The butter will have a nutty aroma. Once it reaches a light caramel-brown color, remove it from heat immediately and pour into the bowl. Cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Activate Yeast

In your stand mixer bowl (or a large mixing bowl), whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Loosely cover this mixture and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy on top.

Step 3: Combine 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 to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until combined. Gradually add more flour until a workable dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Keep the dough in your stand mixer using a dough hook or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5 full minutes. If sticky during kneading, sprinkle in flour gradually until you have a soft but manageable dough.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place your dough inside and turn to coat all sides. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan—either a 9×13-inch dish or two round pans—so that your rolls won’t stick during baking. You could also use a cast iron skillet or lined baking sheet if desired.

How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Serving Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls can elevate any meal. These rolls are not only soft and flavorful but also versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy these aromatic rolls.

With Savory Spreads

Herbed Butter: A mix of softened butter with herbs complements the nutty flavor of the rolls.
Cream Cheese Spread: Add a tangy twist by spreading cream cheese, perhaps with some garlic and herbs mixed in.

As a Side for Soups

Butternut Squash Soup: The sweetness of this soup pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the rolls.
Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic combination, these rolls add substance and flavor to your comforting bowl of soup.

For Holiday Dinners

Roast Turkey: Perfect alongside roasted meats during festive dinners, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Stuffing: Use these rolls as a base for stuffing or serve them on the side to soak up gravy.

At Breakfast or Brunch

Eggs Benedict: Substitute traditional English muffins with these rolls for a delightful twist.
Avocado Toast: Top with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt for a delicious breakfast option.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

To achieve the best results when making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your yeast is active by checking expiration dates. Fresh ingredients yield better flavor and texture.
Control Dough Temperature: Keep your dough warm during rising. A warmer environment helps yeast activity, leading to fluffier rolls.
Don’t Over-Knead: Knead just until smooth. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls instead of soft ones.
Check for Proper Browning: Watch the butter closely while browning; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Rest Before Baking: Allow shaped rolls to rest for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps develop flavors and improves texture.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Pair these delicious rolls with complementary side dishes for a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic that enhance the savory flavors of the rolls.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and caramelized, offering a great textural contrast to the soft rolls.
Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots that bring an inviting sweetness alongside the savory dinner rolls.
Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with toasted almonds add crunch and brightness to your meal.
Stuffed Acorn Squash: A hearty vegetarian option that pairs wonderfully with the sage in the dinner rolls.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in tangy dressing makes for a refreshing accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Using cold ingredients: Cold milk and eggs can prevent your dough from rising properly. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can lead to dense rolls. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
Ignoring the yeast proofing stage: Skipping this step can result in flat rolls. Always allow the yeast mixture to foam before adding other ingredients.
Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too long can make rolls tough. Aim for a soft, slightly tacky dough that passes the windowpane test.
Skipping proper rise time: Rushing through the rise time leads to dense rolls. Let the dough double in size for light and fluffy rolls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Freeze rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
They can be stored 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 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds per roll, checking doneness carefully.
Stovetop: Place rolls in a pan with a splash of water; cover and steam on low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but it may alter the salt balance in your recipe. Adjust accordingly by reducing additional salt.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size, feeling light and airy. A poke test is helpful; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

What other herbs can I use with this recipe?

Feel free to experiment with rosemary or oregano for different flavors while keeping the sage as a base.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls offer a delightful blend of warmth and flavor, perfect for any meal or occasion. Their customizable nature allows you to incorporate your favorite herbs or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and elevate your dinner experience!

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Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Makes approximately 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, an exquisite addition to your fall and winter meals. The nutty aroma of brown butter envelops these soft, fluffy rolls, making them an irresistible treat for family gatherings and holiday feasts. Their rich flavor profile, enhanced by fresh sage, pairs beautifully with savory dishes or as a standalone delight. Whether served alongside hearty soups or festive roasts, these rolls are sure to impress your guests with their delightful appearance and enticing fragrance.

Ingredients

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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 chopped sage leaves
3 cups bread flour

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Instructions

Brown the Butter: Melt butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Transfer to a bowl and cool for 10 minutes.
Activate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, whisk warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon honey. Let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
Combine Ingredients: Add remaining honey, egg, 6 tablespoons of cooled brown butter, salt, sage, thyme, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead Dough: Knead in the mixer or by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled (1.5–2 hours).
Shape Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape dough into rolls and place in a greased baking pan. Let rise again for about 30 minutes before baking.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American