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Brown Butter

There’s something about the smell of freshly baked bread that feels like a warm hug. These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls take that feeling to the next level. Picture this: soft, pillowy rolls brushed with nutty brown butter and speckled with fragrant sage. They’re the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight at , Sunday supper, or any meal where carbs are the main event. Trust me, one bite and you’ll never go back to plain rolls again.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whole milk warmed to 110°F
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided (2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for browning)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing

Instructions
 

  • Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  • Make the Dough: Melt 2 tbsp butter and let cool slightly. Add melted butter, egg, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
  • First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Brown the Butter: While dough rises, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in a small pan over medium heat. Swirl until golden brown and nutty-smelling (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in chopped sage and set aside.
  • Shape & Second Rise: Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll into balls and place in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Brush with half the brown butter mixture. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
  • Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls 18–20 minutes until golden. Brush with remaining brown butter and sprinkle with flaky salt.
  • Pro Tips
  • Herb Swap: No sage? Try rosemary or thyme for a different twist.
  • Make Ahead: After shaping, cover rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
  • Extra Fluff: For cloud-like rolls, replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with bread flour.
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Serve warm with a pat of butter or alongside roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or your favorite soup. They’re also incredible as mini sliders for leftover turkey or !