Savory, soft, and aromatic, these Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any fall, winter, or holiday dinner. Their unique flavor comes from the caramelized nutty notes of brown butter and the fragrant herbs of sage and thyme. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight meals, these rolls will elevate your dining experience and leave everyone asking for more.

Remember it later

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

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and sage creates a rich, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with various dishes.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, these rolls fit seamlessly into any menu.
Easy to Make Ahead: With simple make-ahead instructions, you can prepare them in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: These rolls are light and airy on the inside, making them perfect for soaking up sauces or spreads.
Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add flaky sea salt or herbs as a finishing touch for extra flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

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 pans)

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading dough easier and more efficient than by hand.
Light-colored skillet: Helps you monitor the browning process of butter accurately without burning it.
Silicone spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring no ingredients are left behind.

Ingredients

Savory, soft, and aromatic, with a delicious dose of the caramelized nutty flavor that comes from browning butter, these flavorful rolls make a wonderful addition to any fall, winter, or holiday dinner. See recipe Notes for make-ahead instructions.

For the Dough

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

To begin making your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, 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 until it begins to foam. After about 5–7 minutes, keep stirring until lightly browned specks form at the bottom. Once it reaches a caramel-brown color, remove from heat immediately and pour into your bowl, including any brown solids that have formed. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Yeast Mixture

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add in the remaining honey, egg, 6 tablespoons of cooled brown butter (reserve some for brushing later), salt, sage, thyme, and 1 cup of bread flour. Mix on low speed using a dough hook or paddle attachment for about 30 seconds. Scrape down sides with a silicone spatula before adding in the remaining flour. Beat on medium speed until combined; this should take about 2 minutes. If needed, add more flour one tablespoon at a time until you achieve a workable dough that’s soft yet manageable.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Keep your dough in the mixer while switching to the dough hook if you’ve used a paddle attachment. Knead for an additional 5 minutes until smooth. If kneading by hand instead on a floured surface is preferred—do so for about 5 minutes. If it’s too sticky during kneading, sprinkle flour gradually until you get soft dough that bounces back when poked.

Step 5: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray then place your dough inside turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap allowing it to rise in warmth until doubled in size—this usually takes about 1.5–2 hours.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan

While waiting for your dough to rise greasing your baking pan is next! Use either a greased baking sheet or two greased round/square pans measuring 9 inches each as alternatives.

Now you’re ready to continue with shaping and baking your delicious rolls!

How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

These delightful rolls can elevate any meal with their unique flavor and soft texture. Whether you’re enjoying them during a cozy family dinner or serving them at a holiday gathering, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls.

As a Dinner Side

Pair with roasted meats for a savory contrast that complements the richness of the dish.
Serve alongside hearty soups, allowing the rolls to soak in delicious broth.

With Spreads

Try them with herbed butter for an enhanced flavor experience that highlights the sage.
Spread some honey or jam for a sweet twist that balances the savory notes.

In a Bread Basket

Include them in a mixed bread basket at your next brunch or dinner party for an inviting touch.
Garnish with fresh herbs on top to add visual appeal and aroma.

For Breakfast

Toast the rolls lightly and serve with eggs or avocado for a satisfying breakfast choice.
Create breakfast sliders by adding bacon or sausage between two halves of the roll.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Perfecting your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to get you started:

Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your egg and milk are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
Don’t rush the browning process: Take your time when browning the butter; this will enhance the nutty flavor of the rolls.
Check yeast freshness: Always use fresh yeast for optimal rise and fluffiness in your rolls.
Knead adequately: Knead until your dough passes the windowpane test for perfect texture.
Temperature matters: Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot to ensure it doubles in size properly.
Brush with butter: After baking, brushing with reserved brown butter adds extra flavor and sheen.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls pair beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some suggestions that complement their rich flavors:

Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables bring earthy sweetness that matches well.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort and richness alongside these rolls.
Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of soup provides a soothing contrast to the fluffy texture of the rolls.
Apple Cranberry Salad: This refreshing salad adds brightness with crisp apples and tangy cranberries, balancing out savory flavors.
Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add crunch and color to your table setting.
Stuffing or Dressing: A flavorful stuffing can elevate your meal, especially during holidays, bringing all those warm spices together nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results.

Not Monitoring the Butter: When browning butter, stay attentive. If left unattended, it can burn quickly. Stir constantly and remove it once it reaches a light caramel color.
Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising properly, leading to dense rolls.
Ignoring the Dough’s Texture: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it feels too wet, add flour gradually; too dry will yield tough rolls.
Skipping the Rise Time: Allow the dough ample time to rise until doubled in size. Rushing this step leads to flat rolls that lack fluffiness.
Not Prepping Your Baking Pan: Grease your baking pan well or use parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your beautiful rolls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To maintain freshness, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

Freeze cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Label bags with the date to keep track of freshness.

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: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 15-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Lightly butter a skillet over low heat. Place rolls in the pan, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.

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

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just allow it to come back to room temperature before shaping and rising.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If it’s expired or improperly stored, it may not work effectively. Always check for bubbles in your milk mixture before adding other ingredients.

Can I substitute herbs in the recipe?

Absolutely! While sage brings a unique flavor, you can experiment with rosemary or oregano for different tastes.

How do I achieve a golden-brown crust?

Brushing the rolls with reserved brown butter before baking helps achieve that beautiful golden crust while adding extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement any meal. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them perfect for cozy gatherings or festive dinners. Feel free to customize your rolls by adding cheese or other herbs to suit your taste!

Remember it later

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

PIN IT NOW!

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cara
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a game-changer for your fall and winter gatherings. These soft, fluffy rolls infused with the nutty richness of brown butter and aromatic sage make the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Their unique flavor profile enhances everything from holiday feasts to cozy family dinners. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to prepare in advance, ensuring a stress-free baking experience. Your guests will be drawn in by their warm aroma and irresistible taste, leaving them coming back for more. Elevate your dining table with these comforting rolls that bring warmth and joy to every occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
3 cups bread flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brown the butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat until caramelized, then let it cool.
Mix warm milk, yeast, and honey in a bowl; let it sit until foamy.
Combine cooled brown butter, egg, salt, sage, thyme, and flour; mix until smooth.
Knead the dough until soft and elastic, then let it rise in a greased bowl until doubled.
Shape the rolls and place them in a greased baking pan; allow them to rise again before baking.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American