Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite as delightful as biting into a warm, savory Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread. With its golden crust, gooey cream cheese center, and a fragrant, buttery garlic bath, this bread has quickly earned superstar status in bakeries and kitchens around the world. Each pull-apart wedge is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky—perfect for sharing (or not!) as a treat, brunch centerpiece, or indulgent snack. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s impossible to eat just one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread at home is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Every component adds something special—whether it’s rich buttery notes, creamy sweetness, or that unmistakable garlicky punch—that brings this stunning bread to life.

• Dinner rolls/Burger buns: Opt for soft, fluffy rolls or buns—store-bought or homemade—to soak up all the delicious filling and garlic butter.
• Cream cheese (1 cup, softened): Let your cream cheese come to room temperature for easy mixing and a silky smooth filling.
• Caster sugar (1.5 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Adds just the right gentle sweetness to the cream cheese and enhances the overall flavor.
• Butter (1/2 cup, salted): A must for that signature golden crispness and to carry all the savory garlic and herb flavors; use salted for extra flavor depth.
• Milk (1/3 cup, full-fat): Adds moisture and richness to the garlic butter mix for maximum silkiness.
• Eggs (2): Help bind the garlic butter and give the exterior that glorious golden finish.
• Garlic (7-8 cloves, finely minced): The heart of this bread! Use fresh cloves for the boldest garlicky aroma and flavor.
• Parsley (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Brings freshness and a pop of color to brighten up every bite.

How to Make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Tray

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a Silpat mat; this ensures nothing sticks, making cleanup a breeze and helping your breads bake evenly with lovely golden bottoms.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and 1.5 tablespoons of caster sugar until smooth and creamy. Take your time to mix thoroughly so you achieve that irresistible sweetness and cloud-like texture that defines authentic Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread.

Step 3: Prepare the Buns

Gently cut each dinner roll or bun into 6 to 8 wedges—just like slicing a flower—but be careful not to cut all the way through. Leave the base intact so the wedges fan out, ready to catch every ounce of filling and garlic butter.

Step 4: Fill the Buns with Cream Cheese

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag (or use a small zip-top bag with the tip snipped). Pipe generous amounts of filling into each crevice between the sliced sections. This is your moment to be decadent! Make sure you don’t skimp—the filling is what makes this Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread so magical.

Step 5: Mix the Garlic Butter

Melt your butter, then stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon caster sugar, minced garlic, eggs, milk, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. The mixture should be glossy and pourable, with little flecks of green and the irresistible scent of garlic. This luscious blend will drench your buns in deliciousness.

Step 6: Dip and Drench

Carefully dunk each filled roll into the garlic butter, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. Let any excess drip off, then set the rolls on your prepared tray. This step gives the bread its signature flavor and golden hue.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rolls are evenly golden brown and the tops look crisp and shiny. The aroma will fill your kitchen with tempting scents—honestly, the hardest part is waiting!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread cool for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the centers to firm up just enough for that perfect, creamy bite. Serve warm for ultimate gooeyness.

How to Serve Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a dusting of grated parmesan takes your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread from bakery classic to show-stopper. For a flash of color, try finely diced chives or a pinch of red chili flakes if you want a mild kick.

Side Dishes

This bread is a star all its own but pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Think crisp salads, lemony roasted veggies, or simply a bowl of tangy tomato soup for dunking. The garlicky, creamy flavor plays well with simple accompaniments and lets you build a comforting, homestyle spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread wedges on a rustic wooden board for a party starter, or tuck them into individual paper wrappers (like a bakery!) for easy grab-and-go servings. You can even cut full loaves to make a stunning pull-apart centerpiece that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread will stay moist and flavorful—and makes for a quick treat whenever cravings hit.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cooled bread individually in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Just pull one out whenever you need a little indulgence, no bakery trip required!

Reheating

Reheat chilled or thawed bread in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until warmed through and the outside is nicely crisped up again. This restores the gooey filling and that just-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread?

Absolutely! While soft dinner rolls and burger buns are traditional for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread, you can also try brioche, milk bread, or even homemade rolls. The key is to use something fluffy and tender so the fillings really shine.

Do I have to use a piping bag for the cream cheese?

Not at all! While a piping bag (or zip-top baggie with the corner snipped off) gives the neatest results, you can also use a small spoon or butter knife to generously stuff the crevices. The important part is getting plenty of filling into each slice.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely—it’s a huge hit with kids! If you’re worried about the garlic being too strong, simply use a bit less or opt for roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor. Creamy cheese, soft bread, and a little sweetness make it totally appealing to young palates.

Can I make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bread (fill and coat with garlic butter) up to a few hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just let them come up to room temperature for a few minutes before popping them in the oven.

What’s the best way to serve Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread for a party?

For entertaining, arrange the finished bread in a circle on a platter with dipping sauces like marinara or herbed cream cheese. You can make mini versions using slider buns for perfect bite-sized treats that are sure to disappear fast!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a crowd-pleasing, bakery-style treat that’s honestly easy to make at home, Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is your answer. The sheer joy of pulling apart these buttery, gooey, golden wedges is something everyone should experience at least once. Give it a try with friends or family—you’ll be amazed by how quickly it becomes a favorite!

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