Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Savory, soft, and aromatic, Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any fall, winter, or holiday dinner. The unique nutty flavor from browning butter makes these rolls truly stand out. Their fluffy texture and fragrant herbs complement a variety of dishes, making them perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The brown butter adds a rich, nutty taste that elevates these rolls beyond the ordinary.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These dinner rolls are suitable for holidays, special dinners, or even casual family meals.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you’ll be enjoying homemade rolls in no time.
• Versatile Pairing: They go wonderfully with soups, salads, and meats, making them an all-around favorite.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance for effortless entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Light-colored skillet or saucepan
• Medium heatproof bowl
• Dough hook or paddle attachment (if using a stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or aluminum foil for covering dough

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: Makes mixing and kneading effortless, saving you time and energy.
• Light-colored Skillet: Helps you monitor the browning of the butter easily to achieve the perfect flavor.
• Dough Hook: Ensures thorough kneading for a soft and pliable dough.

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, it will start to brown. Remove from heat when it reaches a light caramel-brown color and pour it into the bowl. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In your stand mixer bowl (or a regular large mixing bowl), whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Loosely cover this mixture and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy on top.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the remaining honey, egg, 6 tablespoons of cooled brown butter (reserve some for brushing later), salt, sage, thyme, and 1 cup of bread flour. Using a dough hook or paddle attachment, mix on low speed for about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually add in remaining flour while beating on medium speed until dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Keep the dough in the mixer with the dough hook attached; knead for an additional 5 minutes. If you’re kneading by hand on a floured surface, do so for about 5 minutes as well. The dough should feel slightly tacky but manageable. Perform a windowpane test to ensure it’s ready to rise.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray and place your dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about 1.5–2 hours.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pans

While your dough rises, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two round baking pans as needed. You can also use cast iron skillets or lined baking sheets if preferred.

Enjoy crafting these delicious Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls!

How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are versatile and can elevate any meal with their rich flavor and soft texture. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make the most of these delicious rolls.

With Savory Spreads

• Herbed Butter: Spread some herb-infused butter on warm rolls for a burst of flavor.
• Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli pairs wonderfully, adding a tangy twist to the rolls.

As a Side for Soups

• Creamy Tomato Soup: These rolls are perfect for soaking up rich tomato soup, creating a comforting combination.
• Butternut Squash Soup: The nutty flavors of the rolls complement the sweetness of butternut squash soup beautifully.

Perfect with Roasted Meats

• Roast Chicken: Serve alongside roast chicken for a classic dinner option that never disappoints.
• Beef Wellington: Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls make an excellent side dish for this elegant entrée, enhancing the overall dining experience.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Thanksgiving Feast: These rolls are ideal for Thanksgiving dinner, providing a warm touch to the festive meal.
• Christmas Dinner: Add them to your Christmas table as an aromatic bread option that guests will love.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

To achieve the best results with your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising; expired yeast may lead to dense rolls.
• Monitor butter temperature: Allow browned butter to cool slightly before mixing; too hot can cook the egg prematurely.
• Knead properly: Knead until the dough is soft and slightly tacky; this ensures light and fluffy rolls.
• Create a warm rising environment: If necessary, place dough in a turned-off oven with the light on to encourage rising.
• Don’t rush the rise: Allow dough to double in size fully; this step is crucial for airy rolls.
• Brush with reserved butter: For extra flavor, brush the tops of baked rolls with reserved brown butter before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

These rolls pair exceptionally well with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet, glazed carrots add color and sweetness that balance the savory rolls.
2. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crispy Brussels sprouts offer a delightful crunch alongside soft dinner rolls.
3. Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy spinach creates a luxurious pairing that enhances any meal’s comfort level.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of garlic mashed potatoes makes for an indulgent side that works well with these rolls.
5. Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of these potatoes beautifully contrasts with the nutty flavor of the rolls.
6. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides freshness and crunch, making it a great accompaniment to these fluffy dinner rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not browning the butter correctly: Pay close attention when browning the butter. If it burns, it will spoil the flavor of your rolls, so stir constantly and remove it from heat once it’s golden brown.

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activation, leading to dense rolls instead of soft and fluffy ones.

• Overworking the dough: Kneading is important, but avoid overdoing it. Too much kneading can make the rolls tough rather than tender.

• Skipping the first rise: Allowing the dough to rise until doubled in size is crucial for a light texture. Don’t rush this step; give it 1.5–2 hours in a warm place.

• Ignoring flour measurements: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing and ensures you don’t use too much flour, which can affect dough consistency.

• Not letting rolls rest before baking: After shaping your rolls, let them rest for about 30 minutes before baking. This second rise creates a lighter texture.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

• For longer storage, freeze unbaked or baked rolls.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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.

• Microwave: Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 10-15 seconds until warm.

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a little butter for added flavor until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls special?

Brown butter adds a nutty flavor that elevates these dinner rolls beyond the ordinary. The fresh sage infuses them with aromatic warmth perfect for fall or holiday meals.

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

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight or freeze it after shaping for later baking.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during its first rise. A simple poke test helps; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready!

Can I substitute other herbs in this recipe?

Absolutely! While sage pairs beautifully with brown butter, feel free to experiment with rosemary or thyme for different flavors.

Are these dinner rolls suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze both baked and unbaked rolls. Just ensure they are wrapped properly to retain freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement any meal. Their comforting aroma and flavor make them perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Feel free to customize them by adding herbs or spices according to your taste!