Nothing quite beats the charm of freshly baked bites filled with a burst of creamy, herby flavor, which is exactly what makes this Sour Cream and Chive Fantails Recipe an absolute winner in my kitchen. These delightful little rolls are soft, pillowy, and layered with a rich melted butter mixture infused with onion, garlic, and fresh chives, making them irresistibly fragrant and nourishing. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy family dinner or taking them to your next gathering, these fantails bring a perfect balance of comforting taste and elegant flair that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple yet thoughtfully chosen is what makes the magic happen in this recipe. Each component plays a special role, from the sour cream that adds moisture and tang to the fresh chives that brighten with a pop of color and flavor.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast, ensuring a light and airy dough.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tangy sour cream.
- Active dry or instant yeast: The key leavening agent that helps the dough rise beautifully.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt: Adds richness and tenderness for a soft crumb texture.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds a lovely golden color to the fantails.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Incorporated twice, first in the dough for richness, then brushed on for flavor and browning.
- All-purpose flour: The main structure provider, giving the fantails their perfect chew.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth into the butter filling.
- Minced fresh chives: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and vivid green color to brighten each bite.
- Flour for dusting: Helps manage the dough without sticking during shaping.
How to Make Sour Cream and Chive Fantails Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in the warm water to create a bubbly mixture that will help your fantails rise perfectly. While this activates, whisk together sour cream, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Combine these wet ingredients with the yeast mixture, then gradually add in the flour and sea salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Knead it gently on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until doubled in size — this is where the magic of lightness begins.
Step 2: Get the Filling Ready
While the dough takes its rest, whisk together melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, pinches of salt, and the minced fresh chives. This flavorful filling will bring a luxurious richness and herby freshness to every fantail, making each bite simply irresistible.
Step 3: Shape the Fantails
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. Brush the chive butter mixture evenly over the surface, then cut the dough into strips. Start shaping each strip by folding and twisting to create the signature ‘fantail’ look — it’s fun and adds a beautiful texture once baked. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few extra minced chives on top for a pop of green color!
Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
Arrange the shaped fantails on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them space to puff during their final rise, which should be about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After they’ve puffed up nicely, bake the fantails until golden brown and irresistible, usually around 15 to 18 minutes. The aroma alone will have you ready to dig in straight from the oven!
How to Serve Sour Cream and Chive Fantails Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or a light dusting of flaky sea salt over the fantails right after baking. This adds both visual appeal and a little textural contrast that heightens the eating experience.
Side Dishes
These fantails pair wonderfully with creamy soups like butternut squash or tomato bisque, or alongside fresh green salads for a lighter meal. Their buttery softness complements both hearty and fresh dishes beautifully, making them extremely versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your fantails in a circular pattern on a rustic wooden board or a bright platter for a welcoming centerpiece. You can even serve them with a small bowl of garlic herb butter or a tangy dip for guests to personalize each bite. The playful shape of the fantails invites conversation and smiles around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover fantails fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain softness, reheat them gently before serving.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these fantails another day, freeze them after baking by wrapping each roll individually in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to one month, ready to defrost and warm as needed.
Reheating
For a quick reheat, pop the fantails into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked texture and revives the buttery aroma that made them such a favorite the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream in this recipe?
Absolutely! Plain yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in the Sour Cream and Chive Fantails Recipe. It provides similar moisture and tanginess, keeping the fantails soft and flavorful.
What if I don’t have fresh chives on hand?
If fresh chives are unavailable, you can use dried chives, though fresh ones offer a brighter flavor and color. Alternatively, finely chopped green onions work well as a substitute.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! For extra convenience, you can prepare the dough at night and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking the fantails.
Are these fantails suitable for freezing before baking?
They sure are. Shape the fantails, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the filling?
Definitely! The Sour Cream and Chive Fantails Recipe welcomes creativity. Try adding dill, parsley, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter mixture for a new twist that suits your taste.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Sour Cream and Chive Fantails Recipe a try soon because these little bundles of buttery, creamy, and herby goodness are just too delightful to keep to yourself. They bring warmth and a homemade touch that will elevate any mealtime and become an instant favorite, just as they did for me. Happy baking, and enjoy every fantail!
PrintSour Cream and Chive Fantails Recipe
Sour Cream and Chive Fantails are tender, flavorful bread rolls made with a soft sour cream-infused dough, enhanced by aromatic chives and a buttery garlic-onion coating. These fantails are perfect as an elegant appetizer or a savory snack, featuring a delightful combination of buttery, savory, and fresh herb flavors with a fluffy interior.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 16 fantails
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough
- 6 tablespoons (90 grams) warm water (about 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry or instant yeast (from a 1/4-ounce or 7-gram packet)
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups (390 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
Assembly
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Two pinches fine sea salt
- Flour for dusting
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, plus 1 teaspoon for garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or plain yogurt), egg, and melted butter. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir well to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and sea salt.
- Make Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: While the dough is rising, combine the melted butter with onion powder, garlic powder, and two pinches of fine sea salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Shape Fantails: After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into equal portions (typically 12 to 16). Roll each portion into an oval shape, then use a knife or kitchen scissors to make several cuts along one edge of the dough piece, creating a ‘fantail’ effect.
- Coat with Butter Mixture: Brush each shaped fantail generously with the prepared butter mixture, sprinkling the minced fresh chives on top of each piece.
- Second Rise: Place the fantails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with a towel, and let them proof for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the fantails for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: When out of the oven, brush again lightly with melted butter if desired and sprinkle with the reserved teaspoon of fresh chives. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Use warm water roughly at 115°F to avoid killing the yeast and ensure good activation.
- You can substitute plain yogurt for the sour cream in the dough for a slight variation in flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overbake the fantails to keep them soft and tender.
- These fantails can be frozen after baking; reheat gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt and butter substitute.
