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. The rolls boast a delicious dose of caramelized nutty flavor from browning butter, creating a comforting and inviting dish perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions. Whether served alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or enjoyed at a cozy winter meal, these rolls will elevate your dining experience with their unique taste and warm aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The brown butter adds a nutty richness that transforms ordinary dinner rolls into something extraordinary.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weekday dinner, these rolls fit seamlessly into any meal.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, making these rolls is easier than you think. Even novice bakers can succeed!
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a side dish, sandwich base, or even with soups and stews.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance to save time on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious rolls, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand will ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Light-colored skillet or saucepan
- Heatproof medium bowl
- Dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
- Large greased bowl for rising
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading the dough easier and faster, especially for beginners.
- Light-colored skillet: Helps you monitor the browning of the butter accurately to avoid burning.
- Heatproof bowl: Essential for cooling down the browned butter without compromising its texture.
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 it beginning to brown with lightly browned specks forming at the bottom of the pan. Once it reaches a light caramel-brown color and has a nutty aroma, remove it from heat immediately and pour into your bowl, including any brown solids. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey together in your stand mixer’s bowl or a large mixing bowl if you don’t have one. Loosely cover it and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Add the remaining honey, egg, 6 tablespoons of slightly cooled brown butter (reserve the rest), salt, sage, thyme, and 1 cup of bread flour. Using a dough hook or paddle attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of the bowl then add remaining flour. Beat on medium speed until dough pulls away from sides of the bowl—around 2 minutes. If too wet to knead properly, beat in more flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Keep the dough in the mixer using a dough hook (if applicable) and knead on low speed for an additional five full minutes. Alternatively, knead by hand on floured surface for five minutes. If sticky during kneading, sprinkle in flour gradually until achieving soft but slightly tacky dough.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place your dough in this bowl turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and let rise in warm environment 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/square pans ready for your rolls after they’ve risen.
Now you’re ready to continue with shaping your rolls! Enjoy this delightful recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your table!
How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are versatile and can enhance any meal. Their rich, nutty flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
With Soup
- Creamy Pumpkin Soup – The savory notes of the rolls complement the sweetness of pumpkin beautifully.
- Classic Chicken Noodle Soup – Perfect for dipping, these rolls add a comforting touch to this beloved dish.
As a Side for Roasted Meats
- Herb-Roasted Chicken – The rolls soak up the juices, elevating your dining experience.
- Garlic Butter Steak – Pair with steak to balance the richness with a soft, aromatic bite.
For Holiday Dinners
- Thanksgiving Turkey – These rolls are an excellent addition to your holiday table, enhancing the festive spirit.
- Honey Glazed Ham – The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a delightful taste sensation.
With Salads
- Caesar Salad – Enjoy these rolls alongside a classic Caesar for a satisfying meal.
- Roasted Beet Salad – The earthy flavors of beets and sage in the rolls harmonize beautifully.
How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
To achieve the best results with your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, keep these helpful tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Always use fresh yeast and herbs for optimal flavor and rise.
- Watch Your Butter Carefully – Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly; keep an eye on it while cooking.
- Don’t Rush the Rising Time – Allow ample time for dough to rise; this is crucial for light, fluffy rolls.
- Knead Thoroughly – Kneading develops gluten, which gives your rolls their structure; ensure it’s done properly.
- Brush with Extra Brown Butter – For added richness and flavor, brush warm rolls with remaining brown butter just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls pair wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery potatoes that complement the nuttiness of the rolls perfectly.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy sprouts add texture and balance out the softness of the dinner rolls.
- Butternut Squash Risotto – A creamy risotto that echoes fall flavors while harmonizing with sage notes.
- Green Bean Almondine – Lightly sautéed green beans topped with slivered almonds add crunch and freshness.
- Maple Glazed Carrots – Sweet glazed carrots enhance the savory elements of the rolls beautifully.
- Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing – A warm salad that brings together bold flavors, providing a great contrast to soft rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
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Using cold ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the milk and egg, are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder the yeast’s activation.
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Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry and hard dinner rolls. Aim for a golden-brown color.
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Skipping the browning step: Don’t rush the browning of the butter. This step adds essential flavor. Make sure to stir continuously until it reaches that lovely nutty aroma.
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Not letting the dough rise enough: Allowing adequate time for the dough to rise is crucial. If you don’t give it enough time, your rolls will be dense instead of fluffy.
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Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can result in dry rolls. Add flour gradually until the dough is soft and slightly tacky.
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Ignoring fresh herbs: Dried herbs can be a substitute, but fresh sage and thyme provide optimal flavor. Always opt for fresh when possible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls in an airtight container.
- They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- To prevent them from drying out, consider wrapping them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.
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.
- For best results, freeze them individually so you can pull out just what you need.
Reheating Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
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Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap rolls in foil and heat for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
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Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
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Stovetop: Heat a pan over low heat and add a little butter or oil. Place rolls in the pan, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls:
Can I use different herbs for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls?
Yes! While sage and thyme enhance these rolls beautifully, you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano if you prefer different flavors.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or cold ingredients. Ensure you’re using fresh yeast and that your liquids are warm enough when combining.
How do I know when my Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are done?
Your rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This usually takes about 25 minutes in the oven.
Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Shape into rolls and bake them fresh when needed!
Final Thoughts
These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any meal occasion. Their rich flavor combined with soft texture makes them perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Feel free to customize by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences!
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x
Description
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a unique combination of savory, nutty flavors that evoke warmth and comfort. These fluffy rolls are infused with the rich essence of browned butter and fresh herbs, making them perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners. Each roll is soft and aromatic, ideal for pairing with soups, roasted meats, or even enjoyed on their own with a pat of butter. With simple preparation steps and the option to make ahead, these rolls will elevate your dining experience effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped sage
- 3 cups bread flour
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat until caramelized and nutty. Let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon honey; let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
- Add remaining honey, egg, cooled brown butter (reserve some), salt, sage, and flour; mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough until soft and slightly tacky (about 5 minutes).
- Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled (1.5–2 hours).
- Shape the dough into rolls and place them in a greased baking pan; let rise again.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
