Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen. Now, imagine that bread infused with a rich, garlicky butter and oozing with a luscious, slightly sweet cream cheese filling. That’s exactly what you get with Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread—a popular street food from South Korea that has taken the world by storm.

This unique bread is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a soft, fluffy interior, a golden, crispy crust, and a creamy, tangy filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean baked goods or just discovering them, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s the ultimate comfort food—ideal for brunch, an afternoon snack, or even a fun appetizer for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors – The contrast between the garlicky, buttery topping and the slightly sweet cream cheese filling makes each bite irresistible.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture – The bread itself is incredibly light and airy, making it the perfect base for all the delicious toppings.
• Fun and Unique – If you love trying new and exciting recipes, this Korean-style garlic bread is a must-make!
• Great for Any Occasion – Serve it as an indulgent snack, a side dish, or even a show-stopping appetizer for parties.
• Easy to Customize – You can tweak the filling, the amount of garlic, or even add herbs and spices to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp condensed milk
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg

How to Make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Making homemade bread from scratch is a rewarding experience, and this recipe keeps it simple. Start by combining the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour in the warm milk while stirring, then add the softened butter and egg. Mix everything together until a rough dough forms.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can let it do the work for you! Once the dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Bread

Once the dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 4–6 equal portions and shape them into round balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for expansion. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the buns have puffed up, bake them for about 15–18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the bread is baking, let’s make that irresistible cream cheese filling! Simply mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before mixing.

Scoop the mixture into a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off) and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, condensed milk, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, and egg. This combination creates a rich, flavorful topping that takes this bread to the next level.

Step 5: Assemble the Garlic Bread

Now for the fun part! Once your bread rolls have cooled slightly, carefully slice each bun into 6 sections, but don’t cut all the way through—you want the bottom to stay intact so the bread holds together.

Pipe the cream cheese filling into the gaps between the slices, making sure each section gets a generous amount. Then, dip the entire bread into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off before placing the bread back on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake Again for the Final Touch

Return the assembled bread to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, just until the garlic butter sets and the tops become slightly crisp. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread warm for the best experience!

Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Yeast – If your yeast has been sitting in the pantry for a while, check if it’s still active before using it.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Using softened butter and room-temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth, even mixture.
• Let the Bread Cool Slightly – If the bread is too hot when assembling, the cream cheese may melt too much and lose its texture.
• Don’t Skip the Second Bake – This step ensures the garlic butter fully infuses into the bread, making it extra flavorful.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Bread, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a more savory version, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling or omit the condensed milk from the garlic butter.
• Experiment with Herbs – While parsley is traditional, you can try adding oregano, chives, or even a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor.
• Use a Stand Mixer for Kneading – If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, it can save time and effort while achieving a perfectly smooth dough.
• Soft vs. Crispy Bread – If you prefer a softer bread, bake it for the lower end of the time range. For extra crispiness, let it bake a few minutes longer.
• Make-Ahead Option – You can prepare the bread rolls in advance and store them at room temperature for a day before assembling with the cream cheese and garlic butter.
• Serving Suggestion – Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. This bread is at its most delicious fresh out of the oven!

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 3 days and reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore its crispiness. You can also freeze the bread for up to 1 month—just thaw and warm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Bread?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made soft bread rolls. Just follow the steps for adding the cream cheese filling and garlic butter, then bake as instructed.

Can I Make This Without Sugar?

The sugar balances the flavors, but you can reduce it if you prefer a more savory version. Just keep in mind that the slightly sweet contrast is what makes this bread unique!

What Can I Serve This With?

This bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with soups, salads, or even as a side dish for pasta dinners.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread, you might also enjoy:

• Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion
• Baked Garlic Bread Dip: A Comforting, Cheesy Delight

Final Thoughts

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for bread lovers. Whether you’re baking from scratch or using store-bought rolls, this recipe is simple, fun, and incredibly delicious. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

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