If you love simple and tasty sauces, this Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe is perfect. It is rich, nutty and full of flavor. This sauce goes well with pasta, gnocchi, chicken and even roasted vegetables.
I will show you how to make Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce at home with easy steps. With common ingredients, you can make a restaurant-style sauce in less than 15 minutes. Learning this recipe is fun and makes your meals extra special.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe last weekend. I wanted a quick, flavorful sauce for my pasta. The brown butter gave a nutty taste and the sage added a fresh, herbal flavor.
It smelled amazing while cooking, and my family loved it. The sauce is very easy and it makes even simple pasta taste fancy. Now, I make it often for dinners and small gatherings. It is fast, tasty and always a hit.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
- Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving spoon
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 10–12 fresh sage leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the sage leaves and pat dry. Measure butter. Keep everything ready before heating. - Melt the Butter
Place butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt slowly until it starts to foam. - Brown the Butter
Continue cooking. Stir occasionally. Butter should turn golden brown and smell nutty. - Add Sage Leaves
Add fresh sage leaves to the brown butter. Stir for 1–2 minutes until crisp and fragrant. - Season the Sauce
Add salt and black pepper. Stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Optional Lemon Twist
Add lemon juice if you want a fresh, bright flavor. Stir well into the sauce. - Serve Immediately
Pour sauce over cooked pasta, gnocchi, chicken or vegetables. Serve hot for best flavor.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Use unsalted butter to control salt.
- Do not leave butter unattended; it can burn fast.
- Fresh sage gives the best aroma and flavor.
- Stir constantly for even browning.
- Serve immediately for crisp sage texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too high heat; butter burns easily.
- Forgetting to dry sage leaves; wet leaves reduce crispiness.
- Overcooking; butter can turn dark brown and taste bitter.
- Adding salt too late; it helps enhance butter flavor.
- Storing too long; brown butter loses nutty aroma over time.
Serving Suggestions
This Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce is perfect with pasta like ravioli or gnocchi. Pour it over roasted chicken or steamed vegetables. It also tastes amazing on mashed potatoes or rice.
Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. The sauce makes any simple dish taste fancy and special.
Variations You Can Try
- Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
- Mix in cooked mushrooms for earthy flavor.
- Use thyme or rosemary instead of sage for a twist.
- Add a splash of white wine for depth.
- Stir in a little cream for a richer sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Crispy sage leaves can be stored separately and added fresh when serving.
- Do not freeze; texture changes after thawing.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Health Benefits
Butter contains vitamin A and healthy fats in moderation. Sage is full of antioxidants and may support digestion.
This sauce is rich and flavorful, letting you enjoy small amounts without heavy additives. Using fresh ingredients gives you a natural, healthy boost.
Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- 10 –12 fresh sage leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash the sage leaves and pat dry. Measure butter. Keep everything ready before heating.
Melt the Butter
- Place butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt slowly until it starts to foam.
Brown the Butter
- Continue cooking. Stir occasionally. Butter should turn golden brown and smell nutty.
Add Sage Leaves
- Add fresh sage leaves to the brown butter. Stir for 1–2 minutes until crisp and fragrant.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt and black pepper. Stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Optional Lemon Twist
- Add lemon juice if you want a fresh, bright flavor. Stir well into the sauce.
Serve Immediately
- Pour sauce over cooked pasta, gnocchi, chicken or vegetables. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control salt.
- Do not leave butter unattended; it can burn fast.
- Fresh sage gives the best aroma and flavor.
- Stir constantly for even browning.
- Serve immediately for crisp sage texture.
FAQs about Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
Q1: Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Yes, but use less. Dried sage is more concentrated and less crisp when cooked.
Q2: How do I prevent butter from burning?
Cook on medium or low heat and stir constantly. Watch for golden brown color and nutty smell.
Q3: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but store in the fridge and reheat gently. Add fresh sage leaves before serving.
Q4: What dishes pair best with this sauce?
It is excellent on gnocchi, ravioli, roasted chicken, pasta or roasted vegetables.
Q5: Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe is simple, fast and delicious. Learning how to make Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce will elevate your meals. With nutty butter and fragrant sage, even simple pasta tastes gourmet.
It is a versatile sauce you can use in many dishes. Try it today to add flavor, aroma and elegance to your home-cooked meals. Your family and friends will love it!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!