Savory, soft, and aromatic, Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls bring a delightful touch to any meal. These rolls are perfect for fall and winter gatherings, elevating your holiday table with their unique caramelized flavor. They’re not just delicious; they also fit seamlessly into various occasions, making them a versatile option for family dinners or festive celebrations.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The nutty taste from brown butter combined with fresh herbs creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: These dinner rolls are light and airy, perfect for soaking up gravies or sauces.
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy them with soups, stews, or as a side to your favorite main dishes.
Make-Ahead Option: With simple instructions for preparation in advance, you can save time on busy days.
Impressive Presentation: Their golden-brown color and elegant finish will wow your guests at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
Light-colored skillet or saucepan
Medium heatproof bowl
Silicone spatula
Dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
Baking pan (9×13-inch or two 9-inch pans)

Importance of Each Tool

Stand Mixer: Helps knead the dough evenly without much effort.
Light-Colored Skillet: Essential for monitoring the browning of butter for that rich flavor.
Silicone Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
Dough Hook: Makes kneading easier if you’re using a stand mixer, saving you time and energy.

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. A light-colored interior is crucial for determining when the butter begins to brown. Melt the butter over medium heat and stir or whisk constantly. Once melted, the butter will begin to foam. Continue stirring/whisking, keeping a close eye on it. After about 5–7 minutes, the butter will begin browning and you’ll notice lightly browned specks forming at the bottom of the pan. The butter will have a nutty aroma. The color will gradually deepen, from yellow to golden to golden-brown; once it’s a light caramel-brown color, remove from heat immediately and pour into the bowl, including any brown solids that have formed on the bottom of the pan. Cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Activate Yeast

Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and 1 Tablespoon honey together in the bowl of your stand mixer. Or, if you do not own a stand mixer, use a regular large mixing bowl. Loosely cover and allow to sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and frothy on top.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the remaining honey, egg, 6 Tablespoons (90ml) of slightly cooled brown butter (reserve the rest for brushing on top of rolls), salt, sage, thyme, and 1 cup bread flour. With a dough hook or paddle attachment, mix/beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula before adding the remaining bread flour.

Step 4: Knead Dough

Beat on medium speed until dough comes together and pulls away from sides of bowl—about 2 minutes. If dough seems too wet to knead easily, beat in more flour one tablespoon at a time until workable. Dough should be soft but manageable.

Keep dough in mixer (switch to dough hook if using paddle) and beat for an additional 5 minutes or knead by hand on lightly floured surface for another full five minutes.

Step 5: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place dough in bowl and turn to coat all sides in oil. Cover with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or clean kitchen towel. Allow dough to rise in warm environment for 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two square/round pans; alternatively bake rolls in cast iron skillet or lined baking sheet.

Now you’re ready to bake these delicious Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls!

How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. Their rich flavor and soft texture make them versatile for various serving occasions.

With Soup

Hearty Vegetable Soup: The rolls pair wonderfully with a warm bowl of vegetable soup, perfect for cozy evenings.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: The nutty flavor of the rolls complements the acidity of tomato soup beautifully.

As an Appetizer

Herbed Cheese Spread: Serve the rolls with a creamy herbed cheese spread for a delicious starter.
Garlic Butter Dip: A side of melted garlic butter makes for an irresistible complement to the rolls.

For Holiday Dinners

Turkey or Ham: These rolls are perfect alongside your holiday main dishes, adding a touch of warmth to your feast.
Stuffing: Use them as a base for stuffing or serve them alongside your favorite stuffing dish for added flavor.

With Salads

Mixed Green Salad: The lightness of a mixed green salad balances perfectly with the richness of the rolls.
Caesar Salad: Enjoy these rolls dipped in Caesar dressing for a tasty twist.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

To ensure your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active; expired yeast can lead to dense rolls.
Monitor dough temperature: Keep your dough in a warm place while rising; ideal temperatures speed up fermentation.
Don’t rush browning butter: Take your time when browning butter; proper browning enhances flavor and aroma significantly.
Knead well: Knead until the dough passes the windowpane test; this helps develop gluten for better texture.
Brush with butter after baking: Brushing the rolls with leftover brown butter right after baking adds extra flavor and shine.
Store properly: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

These rolls pair beautifully with many side dishes. Here are some top choices to enhance your meal experience.

Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes roasted until caramelized provide a sweet and hearty contrast.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes topped with gravy complement the nutty flavors of the rolls perfectly.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The savory notes from crispy bacon elevate Brussels sprouts, making them a great accompaniment.
Butternut Squash Soup: This smooth, slightly sweet soup pairs nicely with the savory taste of the dinner rolls.
Green Bean Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add crunch and color to your plate.
Spinach Salad with Feta: A fresh spinach salad dressed lightly offers a refreshing balance to richer dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Incorrect butter temperature: Using melted butter that is too hot can kill the yeast. Let the brown butter cool for about 10 minutes before mixing it with other ingredients.
Not proofing the yeast: If you skip proofing the yeast, you may end up with dense rolls. Always ensure your yeast mixture is frothy before adding other ingredients.
Adding too much flour: It’s tempting to add extra flour when the dough feels sticky, but this can lead to dry rolls. Add flour gradually until the dough is soft and slightly tacky.
Skipping the kneading: Kneading develops gluten, which gives structure to your rolls. Make sure to knead for at least 5 minutes until the dough bounces back when poked.
Not allowing enough rise time: Rushing through the first rise leads to less fluffy rolls. Allow the dough to double in size for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
You can also wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Freeze rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
For best quality, slice them before freezing so you can take out individual pieces as needed.

Reheating Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap rolls in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Place rolls in the skillet and cover with a lid, warming for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but your rolls may be denser. You might need more liquid due to whole wheat’s higher absorption rate.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel puffy when ready. A simple poke test will help; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

Can I make these Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight or freeze the baked rolls for later use.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

You can use dried sage instead; however, use only half as much since dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones.

How do I customize these dinner rolls?

Feel free to add cheese, garlic, or even cranberries for a festive touch. These rolls are versatile and adapt well!

Final Thoughts

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not just delicious; they bring warmth and comfort to any meal, especially during fall and winter gatherings. Their nutty flavor pairs beautifully with many dishes, making them perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals. Customize them with herbs or spices as you like—let your creativity shine!

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Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are the epitome of comfort food, bringing warmth and delightful flavor to any table. These soft, fluffy rolls are infused with the nutty richness of brown butter and the aromatic freshness of sage, making them a perfect addition to your fall and winter meals. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, they elevate every dish they accompany. Enjoy these versatile rolls with hearty soups, savory main courses, or as an exquisite appetizer spread with herbed cheese. With simple preparation steps and the option to make ahead, these rolls will become a staple in your seasonal baking repertoire.

Instructions

Brown the butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat until golden brown and nutty; cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon honey. Let sit until foamy.
Add remaining honey, egg, cooled brown butter (reserve some for brushing), salt, chopped herbs, and 1 cup flour; mix well.
Gradually add remaining flour while kneading until dough is soft yet manageable.
Allow dough to rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size (1.5–2 hours).
Shape dough into rolls and place in a greased baking pan; let rise again before baking at 350°F (175°C) until golden.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American