Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe

Imagine golden, crisp bread rolls bursting with creamy, tangy cheese filling and dripping with aromatic garlic butter—welcome to Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread heaven. This irresistible treat takes everything you adore about classic garlic bread and transforms it with a dreamy cream cheese center, each bite balancing sweet, savory, and rich flavors. Whether you serve it as a snack, party starter, or side, Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread will upgrade any occasion and leave your guests craving more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is in the harmony of a few simple ingredients—each thoughtfully chosen for flavor and texture. You’ll find nothing fussy here: just honest ingredients working together to create something unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter.

• Dinner rolls or burger buns: These are the star base—choose soft yet sturdy rolls to soak up all that garlic butter without falling apart.
• Cream cheese: Softened to perfection, it brings a creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors and creates that signature luscious filling.
• Caster sugar (for filling): It gently sweetens the cream cheese, balancing the garlic butter’s savory side.
• Butter: Salted butter gives depth, richness, and that glossy finish garlic bread fans adore.
• Milk: Full-fat milk adds extra creaminess to the garlic butter bath, helping everything cling deliciously to the bread.
• Caster sugar (for butter): Just a touch, it rounds out the flavor for a distinctly Korean twist.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the garlic butter and add a velvety texture when baked.
• Garlic: Freshly minced cloves give the bread its iconic, irresistible aroma and kick.
• Parsley: Sprinkled in for color and a pop of fresh, herby flavor.

How to Make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F) so it’s ready to work its magic. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a Silpat mat—this guarantees nothing sticks and clean-up stays blissfully simple.

Step 2: Create the Dreamy Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the caster sugar until the mixture is totally smooth and spoonable. This lightly sweetened filling is the heart of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread, so make sure it’s lump-free and creamy. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag and set aside for a quick assembly job later.

Step 3: Segment the Rolls (Without Cutting Through)

Take each dinner roll and carefully slice it into 6–8 wedges, but don’t slice all the way through—the bottoms should stay intact. This step is essential: it lets you fill and drench the rolls, creating those gorgeous, pull-apart layers without turning your kitchen into a crumb storm.

Step 4: Fill with Cream Cheese

Snip off the tip of your piping bag and generously fill the crevices you’ve just created in each roll. Don’t be shy with the filling—one of the joys of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is its oozy, gooey center.

Step 5: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Bath

Melt your butter and stir it together with the milk, eggs, minced garlic, caster sugar, and chopped parsley in a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything until smooth and homogeneous; you want every mouthful to be packed with garlicky flavor and richness.

Step 6: Soak, Fill, and Arrange

Now for the fun part! Dip each filled roll directly into the garlic butter mixture, turning gently to coat all over. Let the excess drip off, then nestle each bread roll onto your prepped baking tray. This step ensures every bite is loaded with flavor, crispy edges, and that signature golden hue.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is irresistibly golden and crispy on the outside, and molten inside. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—they’ll be tempting, but that molten center needs a moment to settle!

How to Serve Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Garnishes

Just before serving, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even thinly sliced chives provides a lovely fresh touch and brightens the platter. For a playful twist, a light dusting of Parmesan or a pinch of cracked black pepper adds extra dimension.

Side Dishes

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread shines alongside a simple salad—think crisp greens tossed in a lemony vinaigrette—or with a bowl of hot soup. It also makes the ultimate sidekick for spicy Korean stews or even a casual pasta night.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, set the bread rolls in a rustic bread basket lined with a cloth napkin, or stack them high on a wooden board sprinkled with fresh herbs. To really wow a crowd, arrange them around a dipping bowl of extra garlic butter or chili honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread securely in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread stays delicious for up to two days at room temperature—just keep it somewhere cool and dry.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, you’re in luck! Once baked and cooled entirely, you can double-wrap the rolls in foil and plastic wrap, or use a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to one month. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked magic, simply pop the bread in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5–8 minutes. This crisps up the outside while gently warming the creamy center. Avoid microwaving, as the rolls may turn soggy.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Soft, slightly sturdy rolls work best, but you can experiment with brioche buns, mini sourdough boule, or even make your own milk bread rolls for an ultra-rich result.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead for a party?

Definitely—assemble and fill the rolls ahead, then store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before baking. Just dunk, bake, and serve when guests arrive!

Can I make it without eggs?

Yes, the eggs create a glossy crust and bind the garlic butter, but you can omit them for an egg-free version. The bread will still be delicious—just a little less golden brown.

How do I keep the cream cheese filling from leaking out?

Don’t cut all the way through the rolls—keep a base intact. Also, pipe the filling so it stays inside each wedge. During baking, the cheese will soften but shouldn’t spill out if assembled carefully.

What’s the best way to make the filling extra smooth?

Always start with cream cheese at room temperature, and beat it with the sugar until completely free of lumps—this ensures a dreamy, spreadable texture that pipes beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is pure comfort, with its incredible mix of flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re searching for a recipe that’ll instantly win over family and friends, give this a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

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