Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Soft, golden, and bursting with flavor, Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a bakery-style treat that’s sweet, savory, and incredibly addictive. Originating from South Korea, this viral street food sensation features fluffy bread rolls filled with sweet cream cheese and soaked in a rich garlic butter sauce before being baked to crispy, golden perfection. It’s a must-try fusion delight that satisfies every craving in one bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Savory Combo – The perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and slightly sweet.
Crispy Outside, Soft Inside – Baked to perfection for the ultimate texture.
Bakery-Style at Home – Recreate the viral Korean street food in your own kitchen.
Perfect for Sharing – A fun and delicious appetizer, snack, or brunch dish.
Customizable – Add herbs, cheese, or a spicy kick to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Rolls (or use store-bought):

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 egg

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp condensed milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
• Salt to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or whisk and spatula
• Baking sheet
• Piping bag or zip-top bag
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Bread Dough (Skip if using store-bought rolls)

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, butter, and egg. Mix and knead until dough is smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer).
3. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down and divide into 6–8 balls. Shape into smooth rounds.
5. Place on a baking sheet and let rise again for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cream until smooth and pipeable.
2. Transfer to a piping bag or plastic bag with a corner snipped off.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, honey, mayo, condensed milk, egg, and parsley.
2. Add a pinch of salt to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread

1. Use a serrated knife to cut each bread roll into 6 or 8 wedges—but don’t cut all the way through (like a blooming flower).
2. Pipe cream cheese into each cut, filling generously.
3. Dip or brush the entire roll with the garlic butter sauce, making sure to coat inside the cuts as well.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

1. Return the stuffed and coated rolls to the baking sheet.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until crispy and golden on the outside.
3. Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips for the Best Korean Garlic Bread
Use Softened Cream Cheese – For a smooth, easy-to-pipe filling.
Don’t Skip the Egg – It gives the sauce its signature glossy, golden finish.
Dip Well – Ensure every crevice is soaked in garlicky butter for maximum flavor.
Use Day-Old Rolls – Slightly firm bread works best to hold the filling.
Serve Warm – The gooey cream cheese and garlic butter are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Serving Suggestions
As a Snack or Appetizer – A crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
With Soup – Try it with creamy tomato or potato soup.
For Brunch – A unique, indulgent twist for your breakfast table.
As a Side – Pairs well with salads or pasta.
With Coffee or Tea – A perfect sweet-savory combo.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze individually wrapped rolls. Thaw in fridge and reheat before serving.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 8–10 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Air Fryer: 5 minutes at 330°F for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this without mayonnaise?
Yes—just increase the butter slightly or substitute with sour cream.

2. Can I make the bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the rolls a day ahead and assemble just before serving.

3. Can I make this with store-bought bread?
Yes—use brioche buns, dinner rolls, or any soft bread roll.

4. Is it very sweet?
It has a sweet-savory balance. You can reduce honey or condensed milk for less sweetness.

5. What kind of cheese can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta can work in a pinch, but cream cheese gives the classic texture.

Final Thoughts
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is one of those magical dishes where every bite is a delightful surprise—crisp, creamy, sweet, and savory all at once. Whether you’re serving it at a party, brunch, or just treating yourself, this fusion favorite is bound to impress and satisfy. Get ready to fall in love with every pull-apart piece!

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your golden garlic bread creations.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Korean Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Roll – 8 rolls):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 310mg

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