Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Savory, soft, and aromatic, these Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls bring a delightful caramelized nutty flavor to your table. Perfect for fall, winter, or holiday dinners, they pair wonderfully with soups, roasts, or even as a standout feature at your Thanksgiving feast. With their unique blend of ingredients and rich textures, these rolls are sure to impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The brown butter adds a rich and nutty taste that elevates these dinner rolls above standard recipes.
- Perfectly Soft Texture: The use of bread flour ensures a soft interior that’s chewy yet tender.
- Versatile Use: Great as a side for any meal or enjoyed on their own with a pat of butter.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh rolls just before serving.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that you probably already have at home.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure success in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer (or large mixing bowl)
- Light-colored skillet or saucepan
- Medium heatproof bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×13 inch or two 9-inch pans)
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading the dough easier and saves time compared to hand kneading.
- Light-colored skillet: Helps you monitor the browning of the butter accurately to achieve that perfect nutty flavor.
- Silicone spatula: Ideal 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. Melt the butter over medium heat while stirring constantly. After about 5–7 minutes, you’ll notice lightly browned specks forming at the bottom of the pan, accompanied by a nutty aroma. Once it reaches a light caramel-brown color, remove from heat immediately and pour into the bowl, including any brown solids that formed. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Activate Yeast
In your stand mixer bowl (or large mixing bowl), whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 Tablespoon of honey. Loosely cover this mixture and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the remaining honey, the 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 or paddle attachment for about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and add more flour until you have a workable dough that is soft but not too sticky.
Step 4: Knead Dough
Continue mixing with either a dough hook or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes. If needed, add flour one teaspoon at a time if it becomes too sticky. The dough should feel soft yet slightly tacky when ready.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough inside, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm environment for about 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan
Grease your chosen baking pan(s). You can use a standard baking dish or even cast iron skillets depending on what you have available.
Now you’re ready to continue creating these delicious Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls! Stay tuned for more steps on shaping, rising again, baking, and enjoying these delightful rolls fresh from your oven.
How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. Their rich flavor and soft texture make them versatile and perfect for various serving styles.
As a Standalone Snack
- Serve warm rolls with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey for a simple yet satisfying snack.
Paired with Soups
- These rolls complement creamy soups like pumpkin or butternut squash, adding a comforting touch to your meal.
Accompanied by Roasted Meats
- Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey, allowing the rolls to soak up the savory juices from the meat.
With Cheese Platter
- Pair with a selection of cheeses such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie for an elegant appetizer spread.
Topped with Garlic Herb Spread
- Enhance their flavor by spreading a garlic herb mixture on top before serving for an extra burst of taste.
How to Perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
To ensure your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage and thyme provide more robust flavor than dried herbs, elevating the taste of your rolls.
- Monitor the dough rise: Ensure the dough doubles in size during its first rise; this is crucial for achieving fluffy rolls.
- Avoid over-flouring: Adding too much flour can lead to dense rolls. Use just enough to keep the dough manageable.
- Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to create the right environment for rising.
- Brush with brown butter: For added richness, brush the tops of the rolls with reserved brown butter right after baking.
- Store properly: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes brings vibrant color and taste.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness complements the nutty flavor of the rolls perfectly.
- Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the rolls and adds freshness to your meal.
- Stuffing: Traditional stuffing made with sage and other herbs harmonizes beautifully with these flavorful dinner rolls.
- Braised Greens: Dishes like collard greens or kale sautéed in garlic provide a nutritious contrast to the soft texture of the rolls.
- Butternut Squash Soup: This sweet and creamy soup pairs excellently, allowing you to dip those delicious rolls into each bowlful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking is both an art and a science, and it’s easy to make small mistakes that can impact your Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activation, preventing the dough from rising properly.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to make sure you get the right amount of flour and butter. Too much flour can lead to dry rolls.
- Skipping the browning step: Brown the butter until it’s golden-brown for the best flavor. This step adds a rich, nutty taste that enhances your rolls.
- Over-kneading: Knead until just smooth—over-kneading can lead to tough rolls. Remember, you’re looking for soft, elastic dough.
- Ignoring rising times: Be patient with the dough as it rises. Rushing this process can yield dense rolls instead of light and fluffy ones.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap before placing them in the container for best results.
Freezing Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They will last up to 3 months when stored properly.
Reheating Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm rolls for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, warm the rolls covered with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but you’ll want to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid overly salty rolls.
How can I customize my Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls?
Feel free to mix in other herbs like rosemary or add cheese for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of flour!
Are these dinner rolls suitable for freezing?
Yes! These rolls freeze well. Just follow the storage instructions above for optimal freshness.
What dishes pair well with Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls?
These rolls make a fantastic accompaniment to soups, stews, or roasted meats, especially during fall and winter meals.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are not only delightful but also versatile enough to complement any meal. Their rich flavor and soft texture make them an irresistible addition to your dinner table. Don’t hesitate to try customizing them with your favorite herbs or toppings!
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are a warm, aromatic delight that elevates any meal. With their rich, nutty flavor from brown butter and the earthy essence of fresh sage, these rolls are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday feasts, or any cozy dinner.
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
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat until golden brown and nutty. Transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey; let it foam for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the remaining honey, egg, cooled brown butter (reserve some), salt, sage, thyme, and 1 cup of bread flour. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add more flour until you have a soft dough that is not sticky.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl to rise for 1.5-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape into rolls and place them in a greased baking pan; let them rise again before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
