Savory, soft, and aromatic, Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any fall, winter, or holiday dinner. Infused with the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter and fresh herbs, these rolls elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving or a cozy family dinner, their unique taste and fluffy texture will impress everyone at the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Unique Flavor: The brown butter adds a rich, nutty taste that sets these rolls apart from standard dinner rolls.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays or everyday meals, these rolls complement various dishes beautifully.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a side dish or use for sandwiches; they’re great in any form!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Follow our make-ahead instructions for stress-free holiday cooking.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading dough easier and more efficient.
Light-colored skillet: Helps monitor the browning process of the butter precisely.
Dough hook: Ensures thorough kneading without much effort on your part.

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. When it reaches a caramel-brown color and has a nutty aroma, remove it from heat immediately and pour into the bowl. Cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 Tablespoon honey in your stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl. Loosely cover it and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add remaining honey, egg, 6 Tablespoons of cooled brown butter (reserve some for brushing), salt, sage, thyme, and 1 cup of bread flour to the mixture. Mix on low speed with a dough hook until combined. Gradually add remaining flour until dough pulls away from sides of the bowl. If too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Keep dough in the mixer with a dough hook for an additional 5 minutes or knead by hand on a floured surface. If sticky during kneading, sprinkle flour as needed. Ensure dough is soft yet slightly tacky; if it bounces back when poked, it’s ready to rise.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Place dough in it and cover with foil or a kitchen towel. Allow to rise in a warm area for about 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease your baking pan(s). You can also opt for cast iron skillets or lined baking sheets based on preference.

Enjoy making these delightful Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, perfect for any festive occasion!

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 unique flavor pairs well with many dishes, making them versatile for various occasions.

With Soup

Creamy Pumpkin Soup: The nutty flavor of brown butter complements the sweetness of pumpkin.
Hearty Beef Stew: These rolls are perfect for soaking up rich broths and adding a touch of warmth.

As an Appetizer

Cheese Platter: Serve warm rolls alongside a selection of cheeses for a cozy appetizer.
Herbed Olive Oil Dip: A flavorful dip enhances the savory notes of the rolls.

With Salads

Mixed Greens Salad: Fresh greens with vinaigrette create a balanced meal when paired with these rolls.
Caesar Salad: The richness of Caesar dressing pairs wonderfully with the rolls’ buttery flavor.

For Holiday Meals

Thanksgiving Dinner: These rolls make an excellent side dish for turkey and other holiday favorites.
Christmas Feast: Add them to your holiday table for a festive touch that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Achieving the perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls is about attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for best results.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active and your herbs are fresh for maximum flavor.
Knead Properly: Kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. Make sure to knead until the dough passes the windowpane test.
Watch the Browning Stage: When browning butter, stay attentive to avoid burning. The nutty aroma is your cue!
Let Dough Rise Completely: Allowing the dough to double in size ensures light and fluffy rolls. A warm environment helps speed up this process.
Brush with More Brown Butter: Before serving, brushing on additional melted brown butter adds extra flavor and richness.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds balance and nutrients.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and pair well with the rolls’ flavors.
Green Bean Almondine: Crisp green beans tossed with toasted almonds offer a lovely crunch.
Stuffing: A herby stuffing complements the sage in the rolls beautifully.
Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots harmonize with the savory notes of brown butter.
Apple Cranberry Chutney: This fruity chutney brings brightness and sweetness that contrast nicely with the rolls’ richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Bread-making can be tricky, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of for a successful baking experience.

Not browning the butter properly: Brown butter adds a rich flavor. Watch it closely as it can burn quickly. Look for a light caramel color and nutty aroma.
Skipping the yeast proofing: Always allow the yeast to become foamy before mixing with other ingredients. This ensures your rolls will rise properly.
Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can lead to dry rolls. Add flour gradually until the dough is slightly sticky but manageable.
Ignoring resting times: Allow your dough ample time to rise. Skipping this step can result in dense rolls that lack fluffiness.
Not testing dough readiness: Use the poke or windowpane test to check if your dough has been kneaded enough. This ensures optimal texture in your rolls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm rolls for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat one roll at a time on high for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they may become tough.
Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls that might help you while baking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance flavors.

How do I know when my dinner rolls are done?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) indicates they’re ready.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking them fresh the next day.

What can I substitute for fresh sage?

Dried sage works well; use about one-third of the amount called for since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their warm, comforting flavors will enhance your meals, making them perfect for fall or winter gatherings. Feel free to customize with different herbs or spices based on your preferences!

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Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, savory delight of Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, an irresistible addition to your fall and winter meals. These rolls boast a rich, buttery flavor infused with fresh sage, making them perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners. Their fluffy texture and unique taste will impress your guests and elevate any dining experience. Whether served alongside a hearty soup or as a comforting side dish for your Thanksgiving turkey, these rolls are sure to become a favorite. Easy to whip up even for novice bakers, they can be made ahead of time to reduce stress during busy occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Brown the butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat until caramelized and nutty.
Activate the yeast by whisking it with warm milk and honey; let it foam.
Combine the activated yeast mixture with egg, cooled brown butter, salt, herbs, and flour until a dough forms.
Knead the dough until soft yet slightly tacky; let it rise until doubled in size.
Shape into rolls and place in a greased baking pan; let rise again before baking.
Bake until golden brown and serve warm.

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