Thai curry butter fan rolls are a flavorful twist on traditional pull-apart rolls, featuring tender, flaky layers of homemade dough infused with a bold and aromatic Thai red curry butter. With the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and richness, these rolls make an unforgettable side dish or appetizer. Whether you’re serving them alongside a curry, a soup, or as a unique party bread, these rolls are a standout addition to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls combine the comfort of soft, buttery bread with the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. The Thai red curry butter, enhanced with garlic, honey, and fresh cilantro, melts into every fold of the dough, infusing it with warmth, spice, and a hint of sweetness. Shaped into fan-style rolls, they’re not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for entertaining or as a creative accompaniment to dinner, this recipe brings a gourmet flair to your bread basket.

Ingredients

For the dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg

For the Thai curry butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir to combine, then knead until a soft, smooth dough forms (about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer).
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, prepare the Thai curry butter by mixing softened butter, Thai red curry paste, honey, garlic, cilantro, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface (about 12 x 16 inches).
Spread the Thai curry butter evenly across the surface of the dough.
Cut the dough into vertical strips, then stack the strips on top of each other. Cut the stacked strips into 12 even squares.
Place each stack into a greased muffin tin, cut-side up. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rising time)

Variations

Milder Version: Use only 1 tablespoon of curry paste or try a milder variety for a subtler flavor.
Cheesy Fan Rolls: Add grated mozzarella or cheddar between the dough layers for a gooey finish.
Herb Swap: Replace cilantro with Thai basil or parsley for a different herbal touch.
Sweet Heat: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the butter for extra spice with sweetness.
Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate after assembling, and bake the next day.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds until heated through. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to activate it in warm milk with the sugar for 5–10 minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.

How spicy is Thai red curry paste?

It’s moderately spicy. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or use a milder curry paste.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes, store-bought bread or pizza dough can be used in a pinch, but homemade offers the best flavor and texture.

What can I serve these rolls with?

They pair well with soups, stews, Thai curries, or can be served as a spicy, savory appetizer.

Can I make these without a muffin tin?

Yes, you can arrange the stacks side-by-side in a greased baking dish to make pull-apart bread.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out.

Is it possible to freeze unbaked rolls?

Yes, assemble the rolls and freeze them in the tin. When ready to bake, thaw completely and allow to rise before baking.

Can I use green curry paste instead?

Yes, but green curry has a different flavor profile—herbier and slightly more pungent. Adjust spices accordingly.

How do I ensure the dough rises properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm (not hot) to activate it. Let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking, but be aware that texture and rise may vary.

Conclusion

Thai curry butter fan rolls are a creative and aromatic twist on traditional pull-apart bread. With layers of fluffy dough and flavorful curry butter, each roll is a delicious bite of spice, sweetness, and warmth. Whether served at a dinner party, holiday feast, or alongside your favorite Thai dish, these rolls are sure to impress with their bold flavor and flaky texture.

Thai Curry Butter Fan Rolls

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rising time)
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Thai Curry Butter Fan Rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery with a spicy twist. Swirled with a rich Thai red curry garlic butter and baked to golden perfection, these pull-apart fan rolls are perfect for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or whenever you want to elevate your bread game with bold, aromatic flavors.

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, Thai red curry paste, honey, garlic, cilantro, and salt until smooth.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle and spread the Thai curry butter evenly over it.
Cut dough into strips, stack them, then cut into squares. Place stacks into greased muffin tins.
Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Notes

You can make the curry butter ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Adjust the spice level by using more or less curry paste.
These rolls pair wonderfully with grilled meats, soups, or stews.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Bread, Side Dish
Method: Baking, Kneading
Cuisine: Fusion, Thai-Inspired