Prepare to be amazed by this homemade Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread, a viral sensation that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. This recipe guides you through creating the ultimate version of the popular Korean street food, featuring soft brioche buns filled with a sweet cream cheese filling and drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a truly indulgent treat that looks as incredible as it tastes.
Originating from the streets of South Korea, this “six-sided garlic bread” (yook-jjok-ma-neul-bbang) has taken the world by storm. Its unique combination of a tangy, sweet cream cheese center and an aromatic, herby garlic butter crust creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Forget your standard garlic bread; this recipe elevates it to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor Fusion: The balance of sweet cream cheese and savory garlic butter is simply divine.
- Bakery-Quality Results: Simple, clear steps ensure you achieve a soft, custardy center and a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior.
- Visually Stunning: The unique six-cut wedge design makes for an impressive presentation, perfect for sharing with guests or on social media.
- Perfectly Indulgent: It’s the ultimate comfort food, ideal as a rich snack, a decadent appetizer, or even a special breakfast treat.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
Achieving the perfect balance of flavors comes down to using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.
For the Bread Buns:
- Brioche Buns: Their soft, rich, and buttery texture is the ideal vessel. If you can’t find them, soft dinner rolls or challah buns are great alternatives.
For the Sweet Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the signature sweetness that contrasts with the savory garlic butter.
- Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream makes the filling extra smooth and pipeable.
For the Garlic Butter Glaze:
- Unsalted Butter: The rich, fatty base of our glaze.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the best aroma and flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the sauce cling to the bread and creating a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Condensed Milk: Adds a subtle sweetness and creamy consistency to the glaze. You can substitute with a mix of milk and sugar if needed.
- Dried Parsley: For that classic garlic bread look and a hint of herby freshness.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Step-by-Step
Follow these instructions carefully to assemble and bake your stunning garlic bread buns. It’s easier than it looks!
Step 1: Prepare the Buns
Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice each brioche bun into six equal wedges. Be sure to cut almost all the way through but leave the bottom intact so the bun holds together. This creates the signature pockets for the cream cheese filling and allows the garlic butter to seep into every crevice.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the mixture until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Stream in the heavy cream and continue to beat until the filling is light and has a pipeable consistency. Transfer the filling to a piping bag for easy and clean application.
Step 3: Fill the Buns
Carefully open the wedges of each bun. Pipe the sweet cream cheese filling generously into each of the six crevices. Don’t be shy here; a well-stuffed bun is key to the experience!
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Glaze
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the minced garlic, egg, condensed milk, dried parsley, and salt until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and emulsified.
Step 5: Dunk and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take each filled bun and carefully dunk it into the garlic butter glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides, top, and bottom. Place the coated buns onto the prepared baking sheet. For an extra kick of flavor, you can drizzle any remaining glaze over the tops.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the cream cheese is slightly melted. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
Pro Tips for Bakery-Quality Results
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for the smoothest filling and glaze.
- Don’t Over-Bake: Keep a close eye on the buns. You want the tops to be crispy and golden, but the inside should remain soft and custardy.
- Serve Immediately: This bread is at its absolute best when served warm and fresh from the oven.
- Add Cheese: For an extra savory touch, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese over the buns before baking. This makes them even more decadent, much like these amazing mozzarella-stuffed pretzels.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to get creative!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or finely chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter for a spicy version.
- Herbaceous Twist: Mix fresh chives or basil into the cream cheese filling for a fresh, herby flavor.
- Everything Bagel: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for an extra layer of savory flavor and crunch. If you love savory baked goods, you should also try our fantastic fluffy dinner rolls.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place the buns in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, until the exterior is crispy and the center is warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prepare the components ahead of time! The cream cheese filling and garlic butter glaze can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, it’s recommended to assemble and bake the bread right before serving.
The key to a crispy top is the egg in the garlic butter glaze, which helps create a golden-brown crust. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F (190°C) and bake until the top is visibly crisp and golden. A quick 1-2 minute broil at the end can add extra crispiness, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Yes, its signature flavor profile comes from the unique combination of sweet and savory. The cream cheese filling is sweetened with sugar, and the garlic butter glaze often contains condensed milk or honey, which contrasts wonderfully with the garlic and butter.
It is incredibly rich and is often enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetizer. It can also be served alongside a creamy soup, a fresh salad, or a simple pasta dish to balance its indulgent flavor.
Soft, rich brioche buns are the best choice as they absorb the garlic butter beautifully while remaining fluffy inside. If you can’t find brioche, soft dinner rolls or challah buns are excellent substitutes.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love exploring other savory favorites. For a comforting weeknight meal, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders recipe is always a hit. Or, for a classic Italian dish, try this incredible Ragu alla Bolognese (coming soon).
Share Your Masterpiece!
We are so excited for you to try this amazing Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread recipe! It’s a fun and rewarding bake that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see your results!
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread: The Ultimate Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a serrated knife, slice each brioche bun into 6 equal wedges, cutting down but leaving the bottom connected.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the heavy cream and beat again until light and pipeable. Transfer to a piping bag.
- Pipe the cream cheese filling into the crevices of each bun.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, egg, condensed milk, dried parsley, and salt to create the garlic butter glaze.
- Dip each filled bun entirely into the garlic butter glaze, ensuring it's fully coated. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
This bread is best served immediately for the perfect texture contrast.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
