Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Savory, soft, and aromatic, Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. Their unique flavor comes from the rich, caramelized notes of brown butter and the earthy touch of sage. Perfect for cozy fall and winter dinners or holiday gatherings, these rolls will elevate your dining experience with their irresistible taste and fluffy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and sage gives these rolls a unique taste that is both savory and comforting.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive holiday gathering, these rolls complement any meal beautifully.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious rolls even if you’re new to baking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance to save time on busy days. Check the recipe notes for tips!
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm with butter or as a side with soups and salads—these rolls are adaptable to your meal needs.
Tools and Preparation
Before beginning your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Light-colored skillet or saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Dough hook (if using stand mixer)
- Baking pan (9×13-inch or two 9-inch round/square pans)
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing dough easier and provides consistency without much effort.
- Light-colored skillet: Helps monitor the browning of butter, ensuring it reaches the perfect nutty flavor without burning.
- Silicone spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls without damaging them.
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’ll notice lightly browned specks forming at the bottom of the pan along with a nutty aroma. Once it reaches a light caramel-brown color, promptly pour it into the heatproof bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Yeast Mixture
In your stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Loosely cover the bowl and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy on top.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Add in the remaining honey, egg, 6 tablespoons of slightly cooled brown butter (reserve some for brushing later), salt, sage, thyme, and 1 cup of bread flour. Using a dough hook or paddle attachment on low speed, mix for about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides before adding in the remaining flour. Mix on medium speed until dough pulls away from sides—around 2 minutes.
Step 4: Knead Dough
Switch to a dough hook if using a stand mixer or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. If sticky, sprinkle flour as needed until you have a soft but manageable dough. Perform a “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece of dough; if it stretches without tearing easily, it’s ready.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place your dough inside, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with 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(s)—either one large 9×13-inch or two smaller round/square pans—readying them for your rolls once they’ve risen properly.
How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are perfect for elevating any meal. Their rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making them versatile and delightful additions to your dining table.
With a Savory Soup
- A warm bowl of butternut squash or pumpkin soup complements the earthy flavors of sage perfectly.
As a Side for Roasted Meats
- Serve these rolls alongside roasted chicken or pork, where their buttery richness balances the savory meat.
Dipped in Garlic Herb Oil
- Create a simple garlic herb oil for dipping, enhancing the rolls’ flavor while adding a gourmet touch.
Topped with Whipped Honey Butter
- Spread some whipped honey butter on warm rolls to enhance their sweetness and add an extra layer of flavor.
Paired with Cheese Platters
- Include these rolls on a cheese board for an inviting appetizer that pairs well with soft cheeses and charcuterie.
Enjoyed as Breakfast Rolls
- Toast them lightly and serve with jam or fresh fruit preserves for a delightful breakfast treat.
How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls is easy with some helpful tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your egg and milk are at room temperature for optimal yeast activation.
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Knead properly: Knead the dough until it passes the windowpane test; this ensures good gluten development for fluffy rolls.
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Watch the browning process: Keep an eye on your butter while browning; too much heat can burn it, losing its nutty flavor.
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Let dough rise adequately: Allow enough time for the dough to double in size; this is crucial for light, airy rolls.
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Brush with reserved brown butter: For extra flavor, brush the rolls with reserved brown butter before serving to add richness.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls are delightful on their own but shine even more when served alongside complementary sides.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with bread.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts provide a crispy contrast to soft dinner rolls.
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Maple-Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots glazed with maple syrup enhance the savory notes of the rolls.
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Creamy Spinach Salad – A fresh spinach salad topped with a creamy dressing offers a refreshing balance to rich dinner rolls.
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Cranberry Sauce – Bright and tart cranberry sauce adds acidity that cuts through the buttery richness of the rolls.
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Butternut Squash Soup – This velvety soup complements the sage flavors in your rolls while keeping things seasonal.
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Herb Roasted Chicken – Juicy roasted chicken seasoned with herbs pairs excellently as a main dish alongside these rolls.
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Cheesy Broccoli Casserole – A cheesy side adds comfort and warmth, making it an ideal partner for your dinner rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, there are a few common pitfalls that can hinder your success. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.
- Not browning the butter properly: Ensure you watch the butter closely while cooking. It should turn golden-brown and develop a nutty aroma. If it burns, start over to achieve the right flavor.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your milk and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect yeast activation and dough texture.
- Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls instead of soft ones.
- Skipping the rise time: Allow the dough enough time to double in size. Rushing this step will result in dense rolls that lack fluffiness.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Use the spoon and level method to measure flour. Too much flour can make your rolls dry and less tender.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If possible, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
- Wrap rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- 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 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls.
Can I use other herbs in my dinner rolls?
Yes! You can substitute sage with rosemary or oregano for different flavors.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size. You can gently poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.
Can I make Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight before baking when you’re ready.
What makes these dinner rolls special?
The browning of butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these rolls above typical recipes.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their rich flavor and soft texture make them perfect for fall and winter meals or holiday gatherings. Feel free to customize them by adding different herbs or toppings according to your taste!
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful blend of savory and aromatic flavors that will transform any meal into a comforting feast. These soft, fluffy rolls boast the rich, nutty notes of browned butter combined with the earthy essence of fresh sage, making them a perfect accompaniment for cozy dinners during fall and winter months or festive holiday gatherings. Simple to make and versatile, they can be served warm with butter, alongside soups, or as part of a cheese platter. Enjoy these irresistible dinner rolls that not only elevate your dining experience but also fill your home with an inviting aroma.
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
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a skillet over medium heat until golden and nutty; cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warmed milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon honey; let it foam for 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in remaining honey, egg, brown butter (reserve some), salt, herbs, and 1 cup flour. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour until the dough forms; knead until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl to rise until doubled (about 1.5–2 hours).
- Shape into rolls and place in greased baking pans; let rise again before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (60g)
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 175mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
