Korean Cream Cheese Garlic: 5 Minute Magic

Name: Korean Cream Cheese Garlic: 5 Minute Magic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 4 medium dinner rolls; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup butter (melted); 1 egg; 2 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped); Parmesan cheese (optional)

by Fatima Garcia

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1 de August de 2025

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Korean cream cheese garlic bread has completely stolen my heart, and I know it’ll steal yours too! I first tried this delightful street food on a trip to Seoul, and the combination of sweet, creamy cheese, savory garlic, and soft, fluffy bread was pure magic. The aroma alone, a rich blend of baked garlic and sweet cream, was enough to make my mouth water. This easy Korean cream cheese garlic bread recipe brings that incredible taste right into your kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Korean Cream Cheese Garlic

An explosion of flavor: It’s the perfect balance of sweet cream cheese and savory garlic butter.
Super speedy prep: You can whip up this delicious treat in just 15 minutes.
Family favorite guaranteed: Even picky eaters will devour this cheesy goodness.
Budget-friendly delight: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
Infused with authentic flavor: Experience the true garlic cream cheese Korean style.
A crowd-pleaser for any occasion: Perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
Satisfyingly soft and gooey: The creamy center is pure comfort food.
Taste the difference of garlic cream cheese Korean style with every bite.

Ingredients for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Gathering the right Korean cream cheese garlic ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible treat. You’ll need four medium dinner rolls that are soft and fluffy, as they form the perfect base. For the luscious filling, have 4 ounces of softened cream cheese ready, along with 2 tablespoons of sugar for a touch of sweetness, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream to make it extra smooth and decadent. The magic of the garlic butter coating comes from 1/2 cup of melted butter, one egg, 2 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of finely minced garlic for that bold punch, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a hint of freshness. If you love extra flavor, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended!

How to Make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Ready to dive into the delicious process of how to make Korean cream cheese garlic bread? It’s simpler than you think! We’ll start by getting our oven nice and hot, then prepare that luscious cream cheese filling, and finally create that irresistible garlic butter bath that makes this bread so famous.

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take your four soft dinner rolls and place them on the prepared sheet. Now, carefully cut each roll into 6 to 8 wedges, making sure not to cut all the way through to the bottom. You want them to stay connected at the base, like a blooming flower.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and mix until well combined. Next, pour in the heavy cream and continue mixing until you have a luscious, silky smooth filling. This creamy component is key to that signature sweet and rich center.
Step 3: Fill the Rolls
Transfer your glorious cream cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a sturdy zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works perfectly too! Gently pipe the cream cheese filling into each wedge of the prepared rolls, filling them generously. You want a good amount of that sweet cheese in every bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, one egg, and 2 tablespoons of milk until they’re well combined into a smooth custard. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and the 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. This fragrant mixture is what gives our bread that irresistible savory, garlicky crust. It smells amazing!
Step 5: Coat and Bake
Now for the final touch before baking: Dip each filled roll into the garlic butter mixture, making sure the custard seeps down into all those little wedges. Place the coated rolls back onto the baking sheet. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the tops now for an extra layer of flavor and crispiness. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy. This is how you’ll achieve the perfect Korean cream cheese garlic bread texture.

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic: 5 Minute Magic - Korean Cream Cheese Garlic - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Want to elevate your Korean cream cheese garlic bread game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a huge difference in achieving that perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness. These tips will help you nail this popular Korean street food every time.

Ensure your dinner rolls are soft and slightly stale – this helps them absorb the garlic butter mixture without getting soggy.
Don’t skip softening the cream cheese; it makes for a much smoother filling and prevents lumps.
For an extra punch of flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the cream cheese filling.
Baking time is crucial; keep an eye on them as ovens vary, and you want them golden, not burnt.

What’s the secret to perfect Korean cream cheese garlic bread?

The real secret to the best Korean cream cheese garlic bread is the balance between the sweet, creamy filling and the savory garlic butter soak. Using fresh, finely minced garlic in the butter mixture is key for that authentic punch. Also, don’t overbake; you want the inside creamy and the outside golden and slightly crisp.

Can I make Korean cream cheese garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls with the cream cheese filling a few hours ahead of baking. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature. For longer prep, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come closer to room temperature before dipping in the garlic butter and baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Korean cream cheese garlic bread?

A common pitfall is over-cutting the rolls, which can cause the filling to ooze out too much. Be sure to cut only about three-quarters of the way down. Another mistake is using cold cream cheese, making it lumpy. Always use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling, and don’t overbake, or the bread will dry out.

Best Ways to Serve Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

This delightful treat is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other dishes to make a complete meal. For a truly authentic experience, try serving it alongside a light, savory Korean dish like Bibimbap or a simple stir-fry. The creamy, garlicky sweetness of the bread cuts through richer flavors beautifully. If you’re looking for a more casual spread, think of it as an elevated side dish for grilled meats or a hearty soup. Don’t forget that serving it warm is key to enjoying the gooey cheese center and crisp exterior, making it a perfect complement to almost any meal, especially something like a Korean garlic cheese stuffed bread appetizer.

Nutrition Facts for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

When you’re indulging in this delicious Korean treat, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Each serving of this decadent bread offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 530 kcal
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 347mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Even though this easy Korean cream cheese garlic bread is so tempting to eat all at once, knowing how to store leftovers is super helpful. Once the bread has cooled completely, store any remaining portions in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Reheating is simple: pop individual pieces in a toaster oven or regular oven at around 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. You can also use an air fryer for a quick crisp-up!

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

What is Korean cream cheese garlic bread?

Korean cream cheese garlic bread is a beloved South Korean street food that takes soft dinner rolls and infuses them with a sweet, creamy cream cheese filling. These rolls are then dipped in a savory garlic butter mixture and baked until golden brown and delightfully crisp. It’s a truly unique combination of sweet and savory that has captured taste buds worldwide.

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

While the classic recipe calls for soft dinner rolls, you can experiment with other types of bread. Brioche buns or even thick slices of challah bread can work, but they might change the texture and how well the filling stays contained. The goal is a soft bread that can hold the creamy filling and soak up the garlic butter. For more bread inspiration, check out these delicious bread recipes.

How do I make Korean cream cheese garlic bread spicier?

If you enjoy a little heat, you can easily add a kick to your Korean cream cheese garlic bread. For a spicy cream cheese filling, mix a teaspoon or two of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, you can add some finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter dip before baking. You might also enjoy this spicy chicken recipe for another flavorful option.

What is the best way to get the garlic flavor to really come through?

To ensure that robust garlic flavor shines, always use fresh, finely minced garlic for the garlic butter mixture. Garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch, but fresh garlic offers a much more intense and authentic taste. You can also let the minced garlic sit in the melted butter for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For more tips on enhancing flavors, explore our guide on cooking techniques.

Variations of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love exploring different twists on this popular Korean street food! One exciting variation is creating a spicy Korean cream cheese garlic bread by adding a touch of gochujang or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese filling. For those who prefer a sweeter profile, you can amp up the sugar or even add a drizzle of honey to the garlic butter for an extra sweet Korean cream cheese garlic bread experience. You could also try an air fryer method for an even crispier exterior, or experiment with different types of soft bread like brioche buns. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives! If you’re interested in other Korean dishes, you might like this Korean BBQ recipe.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia