Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Savory, soft, and aromatic, these Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls bring a delicious dose of caramelized nutty flavor to your table. Perfect for fall, winter, or holiday dinners, they are sure to impress your guests. Their delightful aroma and unique taste make them an excellent side dish for any meal, from Thanksgiving feasts to cozy family dinners.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
• Step 1: Brown the Butter
• Step 2: Activate the Yeast
• Step 3: Mix Ingredients
• Step 4: Knead the Dough
• Step 5: Let It Rise
• Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan
• How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
• With Savory Soups
• As a Side for Roasted Meats
• At Holiday Gatherings
• With Spreads and Dips
• How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
• Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
• Reheating Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know if my yeast is active?
• Can I make Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
• What pairs well with these dinner rolls?
• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
• How should I store leftover Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and fresh sage creates a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these rolls beyond the ordinary.
• Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, these rolls fit perfectly with any meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready, making hosting stress-free.
• Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions ensure even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: Each roll is soft and fluffy, making them irresistible straight from the oven.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

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 square/round pans)
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients and kneading the dough.
• Light-colored skillet: Helps you monitor the browning of the butter accurately.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls without scratching.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these 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

Melt the sliced butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly as it foams. After about 5–7 minutes, you’ll notice browned specks forming at the bottom. When it reaches a light caramel-brown color with a nutty aroma, remove it from heat. Pour into a medium heatproof bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Loosely cover this mixture and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy and frothy.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

Add the remaining honey, egg, 6 tablespoons of slightly cooled brown butter (set aside some for brushing later), salt, sage, thyme, and 1 cup of bread flour into your yeast mixture. Use a dough hook or paddle attachment to mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides with a silicone spatula before adding in the remaining bread flour. Beat on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl; this should take about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Keep your dough in the mixer using the dough hook or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. If it feels sticky during kneading, sprinkle in flour gradually until you have a soft but manageable dough. After kneading, perform a windowpane test by stretching a small piece of dough; if it stretches thin without tearing, it’s ready to rise.

Step 5: Let It Rise

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

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease either a 9×13-inch baking pan or two round/square pans. You can also use a cast iron skillet or lined baking sheet if preferred.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these flavorful rolls! Stay tuned as we continue with more steps on how to bake these amazing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls!

How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, especially during the cooler months. Their rich flavor and soft texture pair beautifully with various dishes, enhancing your dining experience.

With Savory Soups

• Creamy Pumpkin Soup: The warmth and spices in pumpkin soup complement the nutty flavor of the rolls.
• Minestrone: A hearty vegetable soup that balances well with the rich taste of brown butter.

As a Side for Roasted Meats

• Herb-Roasted Chicken: These rolls soak up the juices from roasted chicken perfectly, creating a delightful bite.
• Garlic Butter Steak: Pairing with steak adds an indulgent touch, making each meal feel special.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Thanksgiving Feast: These rolls are perfect alongside turkey and stuffing, bringing comfort and warmth to your table.
• Christmas Dinner: Serve with honey-glazed ham for a sweet-savory contrast that guests will love.

With Spreads and Dips

• Honey Butter: A simple mix of butter and honey spreads beautifully on warm rolls.
• Herbed Cream Cheese: Cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs provides a tangy kick that enhances the rolls’ flavors.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

To ensure your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage and thyme deliver vibrant flavors. Dried herbs may not provide the same aromatic quality.
• Monitor Your Butter: Browning butter requires attention; stir continuously to prevent burning and achieve that nutty aroma.
• Warm Environment for Rising: Find a warm spot for dough to rise. A slightly heated oven (turned off) works well for this purpose.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can make the rolls tough instead of soft.
• Check Dough Temperature: The dough should feel warm but not hot when rising. Too much heat can kill the yeast.
• Brush with Brown Butter: Adding more brown butter before baking gives an extra flavor boost and makes them shine.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

These rolls are versatile enough to pair with many side dishes. Here are some delightful options:

1. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: The sweetness of maple complements the savory flavors of the rolls beautifully.
2. Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes bring earthy notes that balance well with brown butter.
3. Creamed Spinach: This rich dish harmonizes with the nutty rolls while adding a pop of color to your plate.
4. Butternut Squash Risotto: Creamy risotto provides a luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with each bite of roll.
5. Cauliflower Gratin: The cheesy goodness creates a decadent side option that everyone will enjoy.
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort alongside these flavorful rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfect rolls.

• Not browning the butter correctly – Browning butter requires attention. If you let it go too long, it can burn. Stir constantly and watch for that nutty aroma and golden-brown color.
• Using cold ingredients – Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activation. Always ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature for proper dough rising.
• Over-kneading the dough – Kneading too long can create tough rolls. Stop once the dough is soft and slightly sticky, passing the windowpane test.
• Ignoring rise time – Rushing the rise time can lead to dense rolls. Be patient and allow the dough to double in size for optimal fluffiness.
• Underbaking the rolls – Undercooked rolls can be doughy inside. Ensure they have a golden-brown exterior before taking them out of the oven.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments – Personal taste varies; don’t hesitate to adjust sage or thyme according to your preference for a more customized flavor.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for 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. Make sure to label with the date.

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 – Microwave on a plate covered with a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds, checking until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covered, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about making these delicious rolls? Here are some common questions answered.

How do I know if my yeast is active?

To check yeast activity, mix warm water with sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. After 5-10 minutes, it should foam up if it’s active.

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

Yes! Follow the recipe up until rising, then refrigerate overnight before baking. Allow extra time for rising when ready to bake.

What pairs well with these dinner rolls?

These rolls complement hearty soups, roasted meats, and festive holiday feasts beautifully due to their savory flavor profile.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes! If using dried herbs like sage or thyme, use about one-third of the amount since dried spices are more concentrated.

How should I store leftover Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls bring warmth and comfort to any meal. Their rich flavor and soft texture make them perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Feel free to customize with different herbs or toppings to make them uniquely yours!