Savory Sage & Maple Butter Sauce is like fall decided to throw a party in your mouth and everyone’s invited! This sauce is what happens when comfort food gets dressed up for a fancy night out – still approachable but with that special something that makes people go “Mmmmm” with their eyes closed.

The earthy, slightly peppery flavor of fresh sage paired with the deep sweetness of real maple syrup creates this perfect balance that works on practically everything. And let’s be honest – when you add butter to the equation, food magic just happens! It’s science, people. Delicious, melty science. The aroma alone will have your neighbors “casually” dropping by right around dinnertime. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…

Savory Sage & Maple Butter Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Autumnal Sage & Maple Butter Sauce merges earthy sage with rich maple sweetness in a silky butter emulsion—perfect for seasonal roasts and vegetables.

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: ¾ Cup 1x
• Category: Sides & Sauces

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (the real stuff, not pancake syrup!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon bourbon or apple cider (optional but amazing)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat
2. Add shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened
3. Add garlic and sage, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds
4. Stir in maple syrup, bourbon (if using), mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg
5. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened
6. Let stand 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend

Notes

• Makes about ¾ cup

This luxurious Savory Sage & Maple Butter Sauce is autumn in liquid form, but it’s good to eat all year long! It’s absolutely transcendent drizzled over grilled poultry – particularly turkey or chicken thighs. But don’t stop there! It works magic on roasted pork tenderloin, where the sweetness of the maple complements the meat beautifully. For a vegetarian delight, drizzle it over roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts – the combination will convert even the most dedicated veggie-avoiders (I’m looking at you, every kid at the Thanksgiving table).

For a simple yet impressive dinner party trick, pan-sear some sea scallops and finish with this sauce – the contrast of the sweet seafood with the savory-sweet sauce is mind-blowing! The sauce keeps in the refrigerator for about a week – just gently reheat before serving. Pro tip: This sauce makes plain baked sweet potatoes taste like a fancy restaurant side dish, and takes approximately zero extra effort. That’s what I call a weeknight win!

Has this Savory Sage & Maple Butter Sauce changed your relationship with leftovers? Or have you discovered it’s magical on something I haven’t mentioned? Drop a comment below with your sage adventures – I’m always looking for new excuses to make this liquid gold!