If you have a soft spot for sweet, savory, and cheesy treats all wrapped up in fluffy bread, then this Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a warm, buttery roll bursting with creamy, lightly sweetened cream cheese and drenched in a garlicky, honeyed sauce that perfectly balances richness and a hint of spice. It’s a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that transform simple ingredients into an irresistible snack or dessert. Whether you’re craving a comforting bite or an impressive dish to share, this recipe will brighten up any table and bring a whole new level of joy to your baking adventures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, perfectly harmonizing to create the signature flavors and textures that make this Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe so addictive. Each component plays a crucial role, from the soft rolls providing structure to the luscious cream cheese filling and the vibrant garlic butter sauce that ties everything together.
- 6 small round bread rolls: Brioche or dinner rolls work beautifully for that soft, slightly sweet base that complements the fillings.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This forms the creamy, smooth center that adds richness and a touch of tang.
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: A little sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
- 1 tbsp milk (optional): Use it to smooth out the cream cheese filling if needed.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a luscious, golden base for the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic packs a punch, giving the sauce its bold, aromatic essence.
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and helps caramelize the bread when baked.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: This might seem unusual, but it ensures the sauce stays creamy and rich during baking.
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the flavor and adds a lovely splash of color.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Binds the sauce ingredients and helps it set while baking.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper to keep the bread from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked rolls every time.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar. If you like a silkier texture, add the optional tablespoon of milk here and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Transfer this luscious filling into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with one corner snipped off – it will make filling your rolls so much easier and more precise.
Step 3: Score the Rolls Like a Flower
Take each bread roll and carefully cut it into six equal wedges, slicing like a flower but stopping before you cut all the way through the bottom. This technique allows the bread to open up beautifully when baked, creating those perfect nooks to hold the cream cheese and garlic sauce.
Step 4: Pipe in the Cream Cheese
Now the fun part! Pipe the cream cheese filling right into the center of each roll and gently squeeze some between the wedge sections. This ensures every bite is filled with that rich, dreamy cream cheese you’re craving.
Step 5: Whisk Together the Garlic Butter Sauce
In another bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, honey or sugar, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, and salt. Whisk those ingredients together until fully incorporated – this sauce is the heart of the Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that also bakes into the bread.
Step 6: Coat the Rolls in the Garlic Butter Sauce
Gently dip each filled roll into the garlic butter sauce, making sure to cover every inch, or if you prefer, spoon the sauce generously over the tops and sides. This step ensures the bread soaks up all that buttery, garlicky goodness and gets beautifully golden in the oven.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Irresistible
Arrange the rolls on your prepared baking sheet and bake them for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch closely as they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese filling sets, unlocking that perfect balance between crispy edges and soft, indulgent centers.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
The final and most exciting step is to serve your Korean Garlic Cheese Bread warm. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in, and the combination of warm bread, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and savory sweet garlic sauce is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a dash of finely chopped chives can add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. For a little unexpected heat, try a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This bread is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, pickled vegetables, or a light soup. These additions add balance and make your meal feel even more complete without competing with those bold garlic and cheese flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe as part of a brunch spread or alongside a charcuterie board with an assortment of meats and cheeses. Cutting each roll apart to individually plate makes it easier for guests to enjoy and showcases those gorgeous layers of cheese and garlic sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Korean Garlic Cheese Bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save these for longer, you can freeze the bread before baking or after it’s cooled. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to a month. To bake from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat and revive that freshly baked taste, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This will crisp up the outside and warm the cream cheese filling without drying the bread.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread aside from brioche or dinner rolls?
Absolutely! While brioche or dinner rolls are ideal for their soft texture and mild sweetness, you can experiment with other soft breads like Hawaiian rolls or even a small crusty bread if you prefer a chewier texture.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the garlic butter sauce?
If you don’t have mayonnaise on hand, you can try using Greek yogurt or sour cream to keep the sauce creamy, though the flavor and texture might be slightly different. Mayonnaise helps emulsify the sauce and adds richness.
How sweet is this Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe? Can I adjust the sweetness?
The sweetness is subtle and balanced with the savory garlic butter sauce and creamy cheese. Feel free to adjust the honey or sugar to your taste, especially if you prefer it less sweet or more pronounced in flavor.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day before and keep it refrigerated. Just let it come to room temperature before piping into the bread for smoother application.
What’s the best way to serve this bread to guests?
Serve Korean Garlic Cheese Bread warm, accompanied by small plates or a shared platter. Cutting them into wedges before baking makes them easy to share, and adding simple garnishes like parsley or a side of pickled vegetables enhances both the flavor and presentation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe—it’s a comforting hug in food form with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy night in or impressing friends with a unique snack, this recipe brings warmth and joy straight to your kitchen. Give it a try and watch how quickly these golden, garlicky beauties disappear!
Print
Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Korean Garlic Cheese Bread is a delightful fusion treat featuring soft, fluffy bread filled with sweetened cream cheese and coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This recipe yields beautifully golden, cheesy, and garlicky bread that’s perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 6 small round bread rolls (brioche or dinner rolls work well)
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (optional, for smoother texture)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk (if using) until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off for easier filling.
- Cut the rolls: Carefully cut each bread roll into 6 wedges, like a flower shape, ensuring not to cut all the way through so the bread remains intact at the base.
- Fill the bread: Pipe the cream cheese filling into the center of each roll and between the cut wedges, ensuring good distribution of the creamy filling.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, honey or sugar, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, and salt until well combined to make a rich garlic butter sauce.
- Coat the rolls: Either dip each cream cheese-filled roll into the garlic butter sauce or generously spoon the sauce over the top and sides of each roll, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake: Place the coated rolls on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm for a deliciously gooey and fragrant treat.
Notes
- Choosing brioche or soft dinner rolls enhances the bread’s richness and softness.
- The optional milk in the cream cheese filling makes it smoother and easier to pipe.
- You can adjust the sweetness by using honey or sugar in the garlic butter sauce depending on your taste preference.
- Be careful not to cut the bread rolls all the way through to keep the filling inside when baking.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best creamy and crispy contrast experience.
