Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Savory, creamy, and slightly sweet, this Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a bakery-style indulgence you can easily make at home. Popularized by Korean bakeries, this street food favorite features a golden-crusted bun filled with sweetened cream cheese and soaked in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and creamy inside—a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Savory – The perfect combo of creamy cheese and garlicky goodness.
Crispy & Gooey – A crunchy outer layer with a soft, melty center.
Impressive Yet Easy – Looks bakery-level but uses simple ingredients.
Customizable – Adjust sweetness, use your favorite bread, or add herbs.
Great for Sharing – A fun pull-apart treat ideal for gatherings and brunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Garlic Butter Coating:
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
2 tbsp honey or sugar
1 tbsp mayonnaise (adds creaminess, optional)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
1 egg (for richness and coating)

For the Bread:
4–6 small round bread rolls (brioche or soft dinner rolls work best)
Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella (optional for topping)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Whisk or hand mixer
Serrated knife
Pastry brush
Baking tray with parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla until smooth and pipeable.
2. Transfer to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
3. Chill slightly if needed to firm up before filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, honey, mayo (if using), parsley, and egg until well combined.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Slice the Bread Rolls

1. Using a serrated knife, make 6 cuts into each bread roll, like slicing a pizza—don’t cut all the way through.
2. The bread should remain intact at the base to hold the filling.

Step 4: Fill the Bread Rolls

1. Pipe the cream cheese filling into the slits of each roll.
2. You can also pipe a small amount into the center of each roll if desired for extra creaminess.

Step 5: Coat in Garlic Butter

1. Dip or generously brush each roll with the garlic butter sauce, making sure to coat all sides and inside the cuts.
2. Place coated rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on top.
3. Optional: Sprinkle with cheese during the last 5 minutes for a melty topping.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

1. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Enjoy warm, and pull apart to reveal the creamy filling and garlicky crust.

Tips for the Best Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
Use Soft Rolls – Brioche or milk bread gives the best texture and flavor.
Pipe Generously – Don’t be shy with the cream cheese; it should ooze slightly when warm.
Chill the Filling – This makes it easier to pipe and less runny during baking.
Customize It – Add chopped chives, mozzarella, or chili flakes for a twist.
Serve Fresh – Best eaten warm for that melty, crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions
Serve for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a party appetizer.
Pair with soup for a unique cheesy garlic bread side.
Add to a breakfast board with fruit, eggs, and coffee.
Slice in half and serve with a fried egg for a breakfast sandwich upgrade.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Oven or toaster oven: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed and crisp again.
Microwave: Warm for 20–30 seconds, but note the exterior may soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought bread rolls?
   Yes! Soft, fluffy rolls like brioche or Hawaiian rolls work perfectly.
2. Is this bread sweet or savory?
   Both! It has a subtle sweetness from the honey and cream cheese, balanced by the garlicky butter.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   You can prep and assemble the rolls ahead, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
4. Can I freeze them?
   Yes—freeze after baking. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
5. Can I make it without egg?
   Yes, just leave it out of the garlic butter mixture. It helps with browning but isn’t essential.

Final Thoughts
This Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a next-level take on traditional garlic bread—sweet, savory, creamy, and perfectly garlicky. Whether you’re making it for guests or indulging solo, it’s an unforgettable treat that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Once you try it, it’ll become a go-to recipe for when you want something truly special.

Try it and share your cheesy, garlicky creations—I’d love to see how you make it your own!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Roll):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 19g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 280mg

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