As the seasons change, our culinary cravings do too. But there’s one herb that remains a constant delight throughout the year: sage. With its savory flavor and earthy aroma, sage adds depth and complexity to any dish. Whether you’re cooking up a hearty winter stew or a light and refreshing summer salad, sage is the perfect addition.
From classic combinations like pasta and roasted chicken, to more unexpected pairings like sweet potatoes and pork chops, we’ve gathered 18 of our favorite sage recipes for every season. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and let the flavors of sage transport you to a world of warm comfort food and cozy memories.
Brown Butter Sage Pasta
This recipe combines the nutty flavors of brown butter with the earthy sweetness of sage, all wrapped up in a comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice
– 4 tbsp (55g) unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the chopped sage leaves to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt to taste.
5. Combine the cooked pasta, brown butter mixture, and reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sage and Garlic Roasted Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this savory roasted chicken recipe, infused with the earthy flavors of sage and pungency of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried sage
– 1 tsp minced garlic
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1 lemon, quartered; 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. If desired, baste with lemon juice and chicken broth during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Butternut Squash Sage Soup
This velvety soup is a perfect blend of sweet butternut squash, savory sage, and rich chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
3. Place squash on a baking sheet, cut side up, and roast for 45 minutes or until tender.
4. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened.
5. Add flour, sage, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
6. Scoop roasted squash flesh into the pot and add chicken broth.
7. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until soup is smooth.
8. Stir in heavy cream (if using). Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Crispy Sage and Parmesan Risotto
This Italian-inspired dish combines the earthy flavors of sage, the nutty taste of parmesan, and the creamy texture of risotto. A perfect comfort food for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat with oil. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth and stir until absorbed. Repeat process, adding broth in 1/2-cup increments, stirring until absorbed after each addition (about 20-25 minutes).
5. Stir in the chopped sage leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sage Infused Honey Butter
Elevate your butter game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the warmth of sage with the sweetness of honey. Perfect for spreading on warm bread, using as a topping for roasted vegetables, or serving as a finishing touch for savory dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the dried sage leaves and stir until they release their oils and fragrance into the butter (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until fully incorporated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Let cool and solidify before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Sage and Lemon Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the earthy notes of sage with the brightness of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, sage leaves, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and drizzle with lemon juice.
6. Toss to coat and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sage and Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
Elevate your pork chops with a flavorful filling of crispy sage, sweet apples, and savory breadcrumbs. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-inch thick)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and chopped sage.
3. Place pork chops on a work surface and brush the sage mixture evenly over both sides of the chops.
4. Stuff each chop with diced apple and breadcrumbs.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place stuffed pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fresh Sage and Mushroom Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this simple yet flavorful recipe, combining the earthy sweetness of mushrooms with the herbaceous freshness of sage. This combination is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 2 cups mixed mushroom caps (such as cremini and shiitake), sliced
– 4-6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
2. Toss mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on half of the dough, leaving a small border.
3. Sprinkle chopped sage, garlic, and Parmesan cheese over the mushrooms.
4. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
5. Brush crust with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sage and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
This sweet and savory glaze brings out the natural sweetness of carrots, while the sage adds a subtle earthy flavor. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped into sticks
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp dried sage
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss carrots with butter, brown sugar, sage, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange carrot sticks in a single layer.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sage and Cheddar Biscuits
Elevate your meal with these savory Sage and Cheddar Biscuits, perfect for accompanying soups, stews, or as a side dish. The subtle earthiness of sage pairs beautifully with the sharpness of cheddar, creating a delightful flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese and chopped sage.
5. Pour in buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Roll out to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
8. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each biscuit.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sage and White Bean Dip
A flavorful and savory dip perfect for snacking or as a side dish, this Sage and White Bean Dip is made with just a few simple ingredients. The combination of creamy cannellini beans, fragrant sage, and tangy Parmesan cheese will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine cannellini beans, olive oil, chopped sage, and minced garlic.
3. Mix until smooth, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sage and Rosemary Focaccia
This rustic Italian flatbread is infused with the earthy flavors of sage and rosemary, perfect for a cozy dinner or as a snack. With a crispy crust and soft interior, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour; mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead remaining 2 cups of flour into the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down dough; transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle rosemary and sage over the dough; use your hands to gently press into the dough.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sage and Walnut Pesto Pasta
This recipe combines the earthy flavors of sage and walnut with the simplicity of pasta, creating a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves
– 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a food processor, combine sage leaves, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Process until coarsely chopped.
3. Add the reserved pasta water to the pesto mixture and process until well combined.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce, adding salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Sage and Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A flavorful and aromatic twist on a classic side dish, this recipe combines the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts with the pungency of sage and the tanginess of balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, and sage until evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from oven and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sage and Cranberry Stuffing
A delicious and savory stuffing recipe that combines the earthy flavor of sage with the sweet and tangy taste of cranberries, perfect for your holiday feast.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and celery in butter until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked vegetables, cranberries, sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss until well combined.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sage and Thyme Roasted Turkey
Elevate your holiday feast with the warm, aromatic flavors of sage and thyme. This recipe yields a juicy, perfectly roasted turkey with a deliciously savory crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 onion, peeled and quartered
– 1 lemon, quartered
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped sage, and thyme.
4. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the quartered onion and lemon inside the turkey cavity.
6. Season the turkey with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast the turkey for about 2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 1/2 hours
Sage and Lemon Butter Salmon
This recipe combines the richness of salmon with the brightness of lemon and the earthiness of sage, creating a deliciously harmonious flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tsp chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, lemon juice, and chopped sage until well combined.
5. Spread one-quarter of the butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sage and Pumpkin Seed Granola
Add a savory twist to your morning routine with this flavorful granola recipe, featuring the earthy tones of sage and the nutty crunch of pumpkin seeds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 teaspoons dried sage
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, brown sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, and dried sage. Pour mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
4. Spread granola mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to experience the warm, earthy flavor of sage in a variety of delicious dishes. From pasta and poultry to soups, sides, and snacks, this collection of 18 recipes showcases the versatility of sage throughout every season. Discover how to incorporate sage into your cooking with recipes like Brown Butter Sage Pasta, Sage and Garlic Roasted Chicken, Butternut Squash Sage Soup, and many more.
