Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Savory and satisfying, Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to your dining table. Their soft texture and the rich, nutty flavor from browned butter create a unique experience that pairs perfectly with any fall or winter meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these rolls will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Mouthwatering Flavor: The caramelized notes of brown butter combined with fresh sage deliver an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or as a side for soups and salads.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve perfect rolls.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare in advance to save time on busy days; see recipe notes for details.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These rolls are light and airy, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (or large mixing bowl)
• Light-colored skillet or saucepan
• Heatproof medium bowl
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading the dough effortless, saving you time and energy.
• Light-colored skillet: Helps you monitor the browning of the butter accurately to achieve that perfect nutty flavor.
• Silicone spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl without damaging it.

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

Start by setting 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 should notice lightly browned specks forming at the bottom of the pan. Once it reaches a light caramel-brown color, remove it from heat immediately. Pour into your bowl, including any brown solids formed on the bottom. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In your stand mixer bowl (or a large mixing bowl if you’re using one), whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Loosely cover this mixture and let it 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 your yeast mixture. Using a dough hook or paddle attachment on low speed, mix for about 30 seconds before scraping down the sides. Gradually add remaining bread flour until your dough comes together.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Keep the dough in your stand mixer (switching to a dough hook if necessary) or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. If it’s too sticky during kneading, sprinkle in more flour gradually until you form a soft but manageable dough. Your dough should bounce back when poked gently; if not, continue kneading until it passes this test.

Step 5: First Rise

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

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease either one 9×13-inch baking pan or two round/square pans (or use cast iron). You can also opt for lined baking sheets if preferred.

Continue following these steps to complete your delicious Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls! Enjoy each fluffy bite that brings warmth to any meal!

How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. They can enhance any meal, especially during the fall and winter seasons. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Savory Dishes

• Roasted Turkey: Pair these rolls with a beautifully roasted turkey for a classic holiday dinner.
• Beef Stew: The soft texture of the rolls complements the hearty flavors of beef stew perfectly.
• Creamy Soups: Enjoy them alongside creamy soups like butternut squash or potato leek for a comforting meal.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Eggs Benedict: Use these rolls as a base for Eggs Benedict, adding a unique twist to this brunch favorite.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Stuff them with eggs, cheese, and your choice of protein for a hearty breakfast sandwich.

As Snack Rolls

• With Cheese Platter: Serve these rolls warm on a cheese platter for guests to enjoy with various cheeses and spreads.
• Dipping in Olive Oil: Offer them with a bowl of olive oil infused with herbs for dipping.

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How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Achieving the perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your rolls turn out fluffy and flavorful.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active; this will help your rolls rise beautifully.
• Monitor Dough Temperature: Keep your dough in a warm place while rising, as warmth promotes yeast activity.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this develops gluten which gives structure to your rolls.
• Don’t Rush Rising Time: Allow the dough to double in size; rushing this step may lead to dense rolls.
• Brush with Brown Butter: Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with reserved brown butter for added flavor.
• Finish with Sea Salt: Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before serving enhances the savory aspect of the rolls.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some perfect companions that complement their rich flavors.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent pairing that balances out the richness of the rolls.
2. Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of seasonal root vegetables brings color and nutrition, enhancing any meal.
3. Green Bean Almondine: This dish adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft rolls while offering freshness.
4. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a delightful contrast to the buttery flavor of the rolls, especially during holiday meals.
5. Stuffing: A flavorful stuffing serves as a perfect pairing; together they create an unforgettable taste experience at Thanksgiving dinners.
6. Brussels Sprouts Salad: A light Brussels sprouts salad adds freshness and crunch, making it an ideal counterpoint to dense rolls.
7. Pumpkin Soup: Warm pumpkin soup is comforting and seasonal, making it an ideal companion on chilly days.
8. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing creates balance against the soft texture of dinner rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients – Starting with cold milk or eggs can slow down the yeast activation. Always ensure your milk is warmed and eggs are at room temperature.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, adding too much. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off instead.
• Over-kneading the dough – Kneading too long can result in tough rolls. Stop once the dough is soft and slightly sticky, passing the windowpane test.
• Ignoring rising time – Rushing the rise might lead to dense rolls. Allow enough time for the dough to double in size for light and fluffy results.
• Forgetting to brush with brown butter – Skipping this step means missing out on that rich flavor. Use reserved brown butter after baking for a delightful finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm rolls for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave – Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Stovetop – Place rolls in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, here are some frequently asked questions that can help clarify your baking experience.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or omit added salt in the recipe to maintain balance.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should have doubled in size. You can gently poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

Dried sage works as a substitute! Use about one teaspoon of dried sage for every two teaspoons of fresh sage.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the rise step and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Final Thoughts

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile, perfect for any meal. Their unique flavor profile elevates holiday dinners or cozy family gatherings. Feel free to customize by adding herbs or spices that you love. Give this recipe a try today!