Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered the bustling streets of Seoul or admired viral bakery treats online, Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread will surely have caught your eye — and now, your kitchen can smell just as dreamy. This incredible combination of pillowy-soft brioche, creamy cheesecake-like filling, and garlicky, buttery glaze elevates a humble bun into a sensational snack or side. Every bite surprises with rich sweetness, umami garlic, and a lusciously tangy center. Whether you’re in need of comfort food or want to impress with an Instagram-worthy bake, Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread will have you (and your lucky guests) reaching for one more piece, every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread recipe stand out is its simplicity — every ingredient works beautifully to balance flavor, texture, and golden color. Gather these pantry staples and enjoy how each one brings something special to the table!

• Brioche Buns: These soft, slightly sweet buns are the heart of the bread; their tenderness holds up perfectly to all the luscious fillings.
• Cream Cheese: The main attraction in the filling; make sure it’s softened, so it whips creamy and smooth for perfect piping.
• White Sugar: Brings the touch of sweetness you expect from this Korean classic, balancing the tang and savoriness.
• Butter: Essential for that iconic garlic glaze; unsalted butter is ideal to control your seasoning.
• Minced Garlic: The star of the show, infusing every bite with irresistible aroma and deep flavor; fresh garlic works best!
• Milk: Adds a silky richness to the garlic custard, making it light yet decadent.
• Mayonnaise: Surprisingly, it adds to the creaminess while lending a subtle zing that’s signature to the bread’s flavor profile.
• Dried Parsley: Speckles each bun with color while giving a lovely herbaceous lift.
• Egg: Binds the custard, giving the bread its beautiful golden hue as it bakes.

How to Make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Step 1: Whip Together the Cream Cheese Filling

Begin by combining softened cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir or beat them together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is silky smooth. Once blended, transfer the mixture into a piping bag — this will make filling your brioche buns a breeze. Pop it in the fridge while you prep everything else, and get ready for the magic to start!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

In a small pan over medium-low heat, melt a portion of your butter and add the minced garlic. Gently cook until the garlic turns fragrant, keeping a watchful eye to avoid any browning. This step infuses your butter with robust garlic flavor, which is the soul of authentic Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread.

Step 3: Melt the Remaining Butter

Take the rest of your butter and melt it completely — a quick spin in the microwave or a gentle nudge on the stovetop will do. Make sure no solids remain; this ensures your garlic custard is smooth and evenly coats your buns.

Step 4: Mix Up the Garlic Butter Custard

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). In a clean bowl, whisk together your sautéed garlic-butter mixture, the newly melted butter, milk, mayonnaise, more sugar, parsley, and a beaten egg. Stir until everything is homogenous. This step is the secret behind that rich, custardy soak that distinguishes Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread from all other breads.

Step 5: Slice the Brioche Buns

Carefully carve each brioche bun into six equal wedges, but don’t cut all the way through — the base should stay connected. This method creates little pockets for the luscious cream cheese filling to nestle into, without the buns falling apart.

Step 6: Pipe in the Cream Cheese

Place your buns on a clean board. Take your prepared piping bag and generously fill each wedge section with the cream cheese mixture, making sure each slice gets its fair share. Repeat until all buns look full and picture-perfect.

Step 7: Dip the Buns in Garlic Custard

One by one, gently dip each cream cheese-stuffed bun in the garlic butter custard, ensuring every inch is coated. Lay them out on a tray lined with baking paper — this helps snag any drips and makes cleanup easy.

Step 8: Add a Finishing Dollop of Cream Cheese

For that classic Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread aesthetic, pipe an extra little swirl of cream cheese right in the center of each bun. Not only does it look irresistible, but it also guarantees a creamy bite right in the middle!

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the buns are puffed, lightly crisped, and gorgeously golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen is like a hug in bread form. Once done, let the buns cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

These beauties are their absolute best when served warm, when the centers are pillow-soft and the garlicky custard is just set. Prepare for a chorus of wowed faces as you share your homemade Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread!

How to Serve Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Garnishes

For that bakery-level finish, a light dusting of dried parsley or even finely chopped fresh herbs gives a pop of color and freshness. Some fans love an extra sprinkle of parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes for a little zing — don’t be shy to make it your own!

Side Dishes

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with almost anything. Serve it alongside a hot bowl of tomato soup, a crisp salad with Asian-inspired dressing, or a platter of roasted veggies. It’s also a crowd-pleasing addition to any brunch spread or holiday feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving each bread on a pretty plate with a drizzle of honey or a scattering of microgreens. For gatherings, you can halve the buns for shareable “petals” or present an entire platter stacked high for party-style snacking. However you choose, these golden buns always steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer keeping, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to three days. The bread may firm up a bit, but a gentle reheat revives it beautifully.

Freezing

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread freezes surprisingly well. Let the baked buns cool completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw exactly what you need for an easy treat any time — they’ll keep well for one month.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked texture, unwrap the bread and warm it in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 8 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual buns, though the crust may not stay quite as crisp. Warm, garlicky cream cheese bread whenever you please — it’s pure bliss!

FAQs

Can I make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread without brioche buns?

Absolutely! While brioche delivers the classic flavor and texture, you can substitute with any soft, slightly sweet roll — just avoid breads that are too dense or crusty. Adjust your baking time as needed for the best results.

Why is mayonnaise used in the garlic custard?

Mayonnaise might sound surprising, but it brings extra creaminess, a slight tang, and helps emulsify the custard mixture. It’s a secret ingredient that truly helps achieve that signature Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread flavor!

How do I prevent my buns from getting soggy?

The key is not to oversaturate the bread and to bake at the recommended temperature so the custard sets quickly. A lined tray and letting the bread cool briefly before serving helps preserve the perfect texture.

Can I make any part of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can prep the cream cheese filling and even the garlic butter custard a day ahead; just keep them refrigerated. When ready to eat, assemble just before baking for the freshest flavor and texture.

Is this bread best served warm or cold?

While Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is delicious at room temperature, it truly shines when warm. The filling is softer, the bread’s fluffiness lingers, and that garlicky aroma is totally irresistible when freshly baked.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about how easy and gratifying it is to make this bakery-style Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread at home — truly, it never lasts long in my kitchen! If you’ve never tried making it yourself, now’s the time. Whip up a batch, share it with friends and family, and watch these golden buns work their magic. Happy baking!

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