Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe

What is Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread?

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a soft, round bun filled with sweet cream cheese and soaked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It is then baked until the outside becomes golden and crispy, while the inside stays soft and creamy. You might have seen these beautiful bread buns on social media because of their unique look and mouthwatering texture.

This popular Korean street food is loved for its mix of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. It’s very different from regular garlic bread because of the cream cheese filling, which adds a delicious twist. One bite gives you a perfect balance of flavor and crunch. The best part is, even though it looks fancy, you can easily make it at home.

Why This Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe is Special

This is not just another bread you bake at home. There are a few things that make it truly stand out:

• Perfectly balanced taste: The sweet cream cheese inside blends smoothly with the rich garlic butter outside.
• Beautiful to look at: The bun is cut in a flower-like shape. It looks great and also soaks up more garlic flavor.
• Great for any time: Whether it’s a brunch, an evening snack, or a party treat, it fits every mood.
• Fresh and homemade: Since you’re making it yourself, you know exactly what’s going in. That means better quality and taste.

If you want to try something that’s both unique and guaranteed to impress, this Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe is a wonderful choice.

Ingredients for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

To make this soft, buttery, and creamy treat, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Everything is easy to find and works together to give that perfect sweet and savory flavor you expect from Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread.

Key Ingredients

For the Buns

You can use either store-bought or homemade soft buns. Try to choose ones that are plain and not sweet.

• 6 soft dinner rolls (unsweetened is better)

For the Cream Cheese Filling

This creamy, slightly sweet filling is what makes the bread so unique.

• 200 grams cream cheese (make sure it’s softened for easy mixing)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Garlic Butter Coating

This rich garlic coating gives the bread its bold, buttery flavor and golden finish.

• 100 grams unsalted butter (melted)
• 5 garlic cloves (finely minced for smooth texture)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh or dried, finely chopped)

Substitutions and Tips for Best Quality

• Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture. Low-fat versions may turn watery.
• Honey: If you don’t have honey, sugar or maple syrup can be used. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Buns: Brioche buns or soft milk buns are a great choice. They absorb the garlic butter well and stay fluffy inside.
• Butter: Stick to real butter. Avoid margarine, as it changes the flavor and makes the coating greasy.

How to Make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Making Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread at home is simple, fun, and rewarding. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious batch that’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Step 1: Get Everything Ready

• Preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F so it’s hot and ready for baking.
• Place a sheet of parchment paper on your baking tray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.
• Spoon the filling into a piping bag or zip-lock bag. Place it in the fridge for 10 minutes so it firms up a little.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter Coating

• In another bowl, combine the melted butter, finely minced garlic, milk, honey, egg, and chopped parsley.
• Mix everything well until smooth. Set it aside while you prepare the buns.

Step 4: Fill and Coat the Buns

• Take each soft bun and gently slice it into six equal sections, like petals. Make sure not to cut all the way down.
• Using your piping bag, fill each cut section with the cream cheese mixture. Try to keep the filling even.
• Dip the whole bun into the garlic butter mixture or brush it on with a spoon, making sure every part is coated.

Step 5: Bake the Buns

• Carefully place all the filled and coated buns on your prepared baking tray.
• Bake them in your preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Let Them Cool and Serve

• Once baked, take the buns out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Serve them warm so the cream cheese stays soft and the flavor is at its best.

Expert Tips to Make Your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Perfect

To get the best results every time, follow these helpful tips while making your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread:

• Keep an eye on the oven
  Do not bake the buns for too long. Overbaking can cause the cream cheese filling to dry out and lose its soft texture.
• Always use fresh garlic
  Skip garlic paste. Freshly minced garlic gives the bread a stronger aroma and a better taste.
• Soften the cream cheese first
  Cold cream cheese can be hard to mix. Let it sit at room temperature before using so your filling stays smooth.
• Adjust sweetness if needed
  If your buns are slightly sweet, try using a little less sugar in the cream cheese mixture. This keeps the flavor balanced and not overly sweet.

Variations of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread You Can Try

Want to add your own twist to this delicious recipe? Here are a few simple and tasty variations of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread that you can try at home. Each one brings a unique flavor and style to the classic version.

• Spicy Garlic Bread
  If you like a little heat, mix some red chili flakes into the garlic butter. It gives a warm kick without overpowering the flavor.
• Savory-Only Version
  Don’t want sweetness? You can leave out the sugar in the cream cheese filling. The result is a salty and rich garlic bread that’s perfect for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Bread
  Add dried herbs like rosemary or oregano to the butter mixture. This brings in extra aroma and a touch of freshness with every bite.
• Stuffed Jalapeno Version
  For something bold, place thin slices of jalapeno inside the bun along with the cream cheese. It adds spice and a crunchy surprise.

What to Serve with Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is so rich and flavorful that it pairs well with many simple sides. Whether you’re serving it as a snack or part of a meal, here are a few tasty options to enjoy it with:

• Hot Coffee or Matcha Latte
  A warm drink balances the creamy and garlicky flavors of the bread. Choose black coffee if you prefer something strong, or a matcha latte for a softer, earthy touch.
• Fresh Garden Salad
  A light salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple dressing adds freshness and balance to the buttery bread.
• As a Brunch Centerpiece
  Place the bread at the center of your brunch table. It looks beautiful and tastes even better when shared with family or guests.
• With a Bowl of Soup
  Serve it alongside a warm soup like creamy tomato, pumpkin, or even a mild Korean stew. The bread soaks up the broth and makes every bite comforting.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftover Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread, don’t worry. You can store and enjoy it later without losing much of its taste or texture. Just follow these simple steps:

• Refrigerate Properly
  Place the leftover buns in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the Oven
  To bring back the crisp texture, reheat the bread in a preheated oven at 150°C for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside warm.
• Avoid Using the Microwave
  Do not use the microwave for reheating. It can make the bread soggy and ruin the texture.

Health and Nutrition Benefits

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is known for being rich and creamy, but there are a few simple ways to make it a bit healthier without losing its great taste. Here’s how you can enjoy this treat with a healthier twist:

• Choose Whole Wheat Buns
  Using whole wheat buns instead of white ones adds more fiber and helps you feel full longer.
• Lower the Butter and Sugar
  You can slightly reduce the amount of butter in the garlic mix and cut back the sugar in the cream cheese filling. This will lower the overall fat and calorie content.
• Mix in Some Healthy Seeds
  Adding a small spoon of flaxseed or chia seeds into the cream cheese filling boosts nutrition with extra fiber and omega-3s.
• Pair with Protein-Rich Sides
  To balance the meal, serve the bread with a high-protein drink like a protein shake or a bowl of lentil or chicken soup.

FAQs About Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Here are some common questions readers ask when making Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread at home. These answers will help you make the recipe with more confidence and ease.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is simple to make, a few small mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common errors to watch out for, along with tips to avoid them:

• Using cold cream cheese
  Always let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese stays lumpy and doesn’t blend well with sugar and vanilla.
• Cutting the buns too deep
  Be careful when slicing the buns. If you cut all the way through, the bread can fall apart while filling or baking.
• Not using enough garlic butter
  Make sure every part of the bun is coated well. If you skip spots or brush lightly, the bread may turn out dry instead of soft and flavorful.
• Using old or stale bread
  Fresh, soft bread works best. Stale bread doesn’t soak up the garlic butter well, and the texture becomes tough after baking.

Bonus Chef Tip

Here’s a simple trick to boost flavor in your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread:

1. Roast the garlic first: Roasting makes the garlic soft, sweet, and mellow. It removes the sharp taste that raw garlic often has.
2. Mix roasted garlic into the butter: This creates a smooth, rich garlic butter that tastes deeper and more balanced.
3. Bake with this butter: Once you coat the buns with this special garlic butter, they’ll come out with a bakery-style flavor that’s hard to beat.

This small step makes a big difference in both taste and aroma. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to plain garlic again!

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed making Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread, here are some other delicious recipes you’ll love trying at home:

1. Popcorn Chicken Recipe
   Crispy, juicy, and full of flavor—perfect for snacking or serving with dips.
2. Chicken Nuggets
   Simple and tasty homemade nuggets that both kids and adults enjoy.
3. Spring Roll Recipe
   Light and crunchy rolls filled with veggies or meat, great as a starter or side dish.

Each of these recipes is easy to make and a great addition to your food collection. Give them a try and let your kitchen be the most popular place in the house!

Final Thoughts

This Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe is more than just a fun baking idea. It brings together soft bread, sweet cream cheese, and rich garlic butter in one unforgettable bite. If you’re making it for your family or guests, the smell alone will fill your kitchen with warmth.

The best part? You can make this bakery-style bread at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. It’s a great choice when you want something special without too much effort.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and let others know how it turned out. And if you liked it, please share it with friends who enjoy baking or exploring new flavors.

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a soft bun filled with sweet cream cheese and coated in garlic butter. Baked until golden and crispy outside with a creamy inside, this Korean street food is easy to make at home and perfect for snacks, brunch, or parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Bread, Snack

Cuisine: Korean

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Buns

• 6 soft dinner rolls unsweetened is better

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 200 g cream cheese softened
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Garlic Butter Coating

• 100 g unsalted butter melted
• 5 garlic cloves finely minced
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp parsley chopped

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Piping bag (or zip-lock bag)
• Baking tray
• Oven

Method

 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Put this mixture into a piping bag (or zip-lock bag). Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mix

1. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, milk, honey, egg, and parsley until well mixed.

Step 4: Slice the Buns

1. Take each bun and cut it into 6 parts like petals. Do not cut all the way down, keep the bottom joined.

Step 5: Fill the Buns

1. Use the piping bag to fill the cream cheese mixture into each cut of the buns. Try to fill evenly.

Step 6: Coat the Buns

1. Dip each bun into the garlic butter mix or brush it on all sides. Make sure the whole bun is coated well.

Step 7: Bake the Buns

1. Place the buns on the prepared tray. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a little crispy.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Remove from the oven. Let the buns cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
   

Notes

• Use soft cream cheese. Cold cream cheese will not mix smooth.
• If your buns are already sweet, add less sugar to the filling.
• Always use fresh garlic for best taste.
• Do not cut the buns fully. Leave the bottom joined.
• Warm the bread in the oven to keep it crispy. Do not use microwave.
• Soft milk buns or brioche buns give the best result.
• You can make the garlic butter mix a day before and keep it in the fridge.