Ina Garten’s Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a simple yet elegant addition to any dish, particularly pasta or roasted vegetables. With its nutty brown butter flavor and fragrant sage, this sauce elevates even the simplest meals into something extraordinary.

What is Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce?

Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a rich, nutty sauce made by browning butter and infusing it with fresh sage leaves. Ina Garten’s version emphasizes simplicity and balance, making it perfect for pairing with ravioli, gnocchi, or even roasted squash.

Other Popular Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Quick to make: Ready in under 10 minutes.
Versatile: Pairs well with pasta, vegetables, or meat.
Elegant flavor: Nutty butter and aromatic sage enhance any dish.
Minimal ingredients: Requires only a handful of pantry staples.
Gourmet touch: Adds sophistication to your meals effortlessly.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick).
Fresh sage leaves: 8–10, whole.
Garlic (optional): 1 clove, minced.
Salt: To taste.
Black pepper: To taste.
Parmesan cheese (optional): For serving.
Lemon juice (optional): 1 teaspoon, for brightness.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Step 1: Melt the butter

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Brown the butter

Continue cooking the butter until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add the sage leaves

Add the fresh sage leaves to the skillet. Fry them for 1–2 minutes until crispy. If using garlic, add it at this stage and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Season the sauce

Remove the skillet from the heat. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired for a bright contrast.

Step 5: Serve immediately

Pour the sauce over your prepared dish, such as pasta, gnocchi, or roasted vegetables. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Pasta: Toss with ravioli, gnocchi, or spaghetti for a simple yet elegant dish.
Roasted vegetables: Drizzle over roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
Grilled meat or fish: Complement chicken, pork chops, or salmon beautifully.
Mashed potatoes: Adds depth and richness to creamy potatoes.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Watch the butter closely: It can go from browned to burnt quickly, so monitor it carefully.
Use fresh sage: Fresh leaves fry up crispy and impart a robust flavor.
Adjust seasoning: Balance the nutty butter with a touch of salt and lemon juice.
Serve immediately: The sauce is best when freshly made and poured over warm dishes.
Experiment with add-ins: Garlic, nutmeg, or Parmesan can enhance the flavor.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Nutty addition: Add toasted walnuts or pine nuts for texture and flavor.
Cheesy twist: Stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a creamier sauce.
Herb blend: Combine sage with thyme or rosemary for a more complex profile.
Sweet and savory: Add a drizzle of honey to balance the nuttiness of the butter.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Refrigeration: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.
Freezing: Freeze in an ice cube tray for individual portions. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Reheating: Warm over low heat to avoid separating the butter.

FAQs

How do I prevent butter from burning when making brown butter sage sauce?

To prevent butter from burning, use medium heat and keep a close eye on it. Stir or swirl the pan frequently, and remove the butter from heat as soon as it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.

Can I use dried sage instead of fresh sage for brown butter sage sauce?

Fresh sage is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Dried sage can be used in a pinch, but it won’t provide the crispy texture or vibrant flavor that fresh leaves do.

How do I make the sauce less oily when serving it with pasta?

To make the sauce less oily, reserve some pasta cooking water and mix it with the sauce before tossing it with the pasta. The starch from the water helps emulsify the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.

What dishes pair best with brown butter sage sauce?

Brown butter sage sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta like gnocchi or ravioli, roasted vegetables such as butternut squash, and meats like chicken or pork chops. It also works well drizzled over mashed potatoes or risotto.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a quick and flavorful recipe that adds a gourmet touch to any meal.

Try it today and elevate your dishes with minimal effort!

More Ina Garten Recipes