Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Savory, soft, and aromatic, these Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any fall, winter, or holiday dinner. With their rich flavor from the caramelized nutty butter, they elevate your meal to a whole new level. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, these rolls are sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The brown butter adds a unique nutty taste that enhances the rolls’ overall flavor profile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls fit seamlessly into holiday dinners, casual family meals, or any time you want to impress.
• Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these rolls are simple enough for beginner bakers to master.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm with butter, as part of a sandwich, or alongside your favorite soups and stews.
• Make Ahead Instructions Available: Prepare your rolls in advance for easy serving when it’s time to eat.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and successful, gather the right tools before you start. Having everything ready will help streamline the process of making these delicious rolls.

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)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula
• Aluminum foil or plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing dough easier and faster while ensuring consistent results.
• Light-colored skillet: Helps you monitor the browning of the butter easily for optimal flavor.
• Silicone spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl without damaging it.

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 constantly. After about 5–7 minutes, once it starts browning and you notice lightly browned specks forming at the bottom of the pan, remove from heat immediately. Pour into the bowl, including any brown solids that have formed on the bottom. Cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Activate Yeast

In your stand mixer bowl (or a large mixing bowl), whisk together warmed milk, yeast, and 1 Tablespoon of honey. Loosely cover it and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the remaining honey, egg, 6 Tablespoons of slightly cooled brown butter (reserve some for brushing later), salt, chopped sage, thyme, and 1 cup of bread flour. Mix on low speed with a dough hook until combined. Scrape down the sides and add remaining flour gradually until dough pulls away from sides.

Step 4: Knead Dough

Switch to dough hook if necessary and knead on medium speed for an additional 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, use a floured surface for about 5 minutes until slightly tacky but manageable. Check if it passes the “windowpane test” before proceeding.

Step 5: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place dough in bowl, turning to coat all sides in oil. Cover with foil or towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two round baking pans before shaping your rolls. You can also use a cast iron skillet or lined baking sheet if preferred.

How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are versatile and can elevate any meal. Their rich, nutty flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

With a Hearty Stew

• A warm bowl of beef stew complements the rolls beautifully. The savory broth soaks into the bread, creating a delightful experience.

As a Side for Thanksgiving Dinner

• Serve these rolls alongside turkey and stuffing for a classic holiday meal. Their distinct flavor adds a unique twist to traditional fare.

Slathered with Herb Butter

• Spread herb-infused butter on each roll. This enhances their already aromatic qualities and provides an extra layer of flavor.

Paired with Salad

• Enjoy these rolls with a light mixed greens salad. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the rolls perfectly.

For Breakfast with Jam

• Toast slices of the rolls and top them with your favorite jam or preserves. This makes for a lovely sweet start to your day.

As a Snack

• These rolls make a great snack on their own. Simply enjoy them warm straight from the oven or reheated later in the day.

Save it!

How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Achieving perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls requires attention to detail and some simple techniques. Follow these tips for optimal results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising. Check expiration dates before starting.
• Monitor Dough Temperature: Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free area while it rises to encourage fermentation.
• Knead Properly: Knead until the dough passes the windowpane test. This ensures good gluten development for fluffy rolls.
• Don’t Rush Rising Time: Allow adequate time for the dough to double in size; patience here leads to lighter rolls.
• Brush with Remaining Butter: After baking, brushing the rolls with reserved brown butter enhances flavor and gives them a beautiful sheen.
• Store Correctly: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

These dinner rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making your meal complete and satisfying. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the savory flavors of the rolls.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide a healthy contrast to the rich rolls.
3. Creamy Mushroom Risotto: The earthiness of mushrooms in risotto pairs perfectly with sage flavors in the dinner rolls.
4. Butternut Squash Soup: A warm, velvety soup offers comfort alongside these delightful rolls during chilly evenings.
5. Braised Greens: Collard greens or kale cooked slowly create a nutritious side that balances out richness.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of this dish contrasts nicely with savory flavors, making it an excellent pairing.
7. Spinach Salad with Vinaigrette: A fresh spinach salad adds brightness and crunch that complements the softness of the rolls.
8. Cheesy Broccoli Bake: This creamy side dish provides indulgence while still allowing you to enjoy each roll’s flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect rolls every time.

• Ignoring the butter browning process: Not paying attention while browning the butter can lead to burnt butter. Stir constantly and watch for that nutty aroma.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold milk or eggs can slow down yeast activation. Always use warm, room-temperature ingredients for best results.
• Not kneading enough: Insufficient kneading can result in dense rolls. Ensure your dough passes the windowpane test before letting it rise.
• Rushing the rising time: Yeast needs time to work its magic. Allow the dough to rise until it’s doubled in size for fluffy rolls.
• Skipping the flour measurement: Too much or too little flour can ruin your dough consistency. Always measure accurately using the spoon and level method.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For best flavor retention, wrap the rolls in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

• Freeze unbaked rolls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• If baked, freeze fully cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover rolls with foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking regularly to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls.

What makes Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls special?

These rolls combine rich brown butter flavor with fresh sage, creating a unique and comforting taste that enhances any meal.

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

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight or freeze unbaked rolls for later enjoyment.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size; you can poke it gently, and if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

Can I substitute other herbs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace sage with rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile that suits your meal.

How do I store leftover dinner rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want to keep them fresh longer.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not only delicious but versatile enough to complement any meal throughout fall and winter. You can customize them by adding herbs or spices of your choice. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and enjoy warm, comforting rolls straight from your kitchen!

Print