Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls for Two
Buttery, herby, and perfectly portioned – the ultimate holiday indulgence for your small Thanksgiving dinner!
When planning a Thanksgiving dinner for 2, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or tradition. These flavored dinner rolls infused with aromatic sage and nutty brown butter are the perfect addition to your simple Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you're looking for unique sides for Thanksgiving or non-traditional Thanksgiving meal ideas, these rolls will steal the show.
As part of our 2025 Thanksgiving recipes collection, this recipe celebrates the cozy intimacy of a small Thanksgiving dinner for two without leftovers that last for weeks. Pair them with other best Thanksgiving side dishes or enjoy them as a standalone treat during the fall winter meals season.
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for browning)
- 6 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until it turns amber and smells nutty (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat, add sage, and let infuse for 5 minutes.
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Make dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and 1 tbsp of the brown butter (reserve the rest). Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Shape: Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll into balls and place in a small baking dish. Brush with reserved brown butter.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 12-15 minutes until golden. Serve warm!
Why These Rolls Are Perfect for Your Thanksgiving Meal Recipes
These fall dinner rolls solve the problem of scaling down traditional holiday recipes. Unlike standard Thanksgiving buns roll recipes that yield dozens, this version makes just enough for you and your partner. The brown butter adds a depth of flavor that elevates them beyond typical flavored dinner rolls, making them worthy of your best fall recipes dinner lineup.
Chef's Tips for Perfect Rolls
Make ahead option: These are excellent make ahead Thanksgiving dishes. Prepare through step 4, then refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Variation idea: For pumpkin shaped dinner rolls, use kitchen string to create indentations before baking.
Serving suggestion: Pair with other Thanksgiving dishes to bring like roasted squash soup or a small herb-roasted chicken.
Pairing Suggestions for Your Thanksgiving Dinner For 2
Complete your intimate feast with these perfectly portioned side dish recipes:
- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts (another great unique side for Thanksgiving)
- Mini Sweet Potato Casserole (baked in ramekins)
- Cranberry-Orange Sauce (just 1/2 cup yield)
For those who enjoy fusion flavors, consider adding a Mexican food recipes twist to your Thanksgiving with chipotle-honey butter for these rolls. Or if you're already thinking ahead to December, bookmark these for your Christmas cookies recipes baking marathon!
More Small-Batch Thanksgiving Inspiration
If you're loving this non-traditional Thanksgiving meal approach, you might also enjoy:
- Individual-sized turkey pot pies
- Butternut squash risotto for two
- Mini pecan pies baked in muffin tins
Remember, a simple Thanksgiving dinner doesn't mean compromising on flavor or festivity. These fall winter meals prove that sometimes, less is more—especially when every bite is packed with seasonal goodness.
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