Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Andrea Riddle

28 Feb, 2023

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that has taken the world by storm. Originating from South Korea, this popular street food has quickly become a favorite for its unique combination of flavors and textures. Unlike traditional garlic bread, this version is filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and then drenched in a rich, buttery garlic sauce before being baked to golden perfection.

The Bread:

The foundation of this recipe is a soft, slightly sweet bread that’s perfect for absorbing the rich garlic butter. The bread is typically made from scratch, ensuring a fluffy, tender texture that complements the creamy filling and savory garlic sauce.

The Cream Cheese Filling:

At the heart of this dish is the sweet cream cheese filling. This mixture is smooth and slightly sweet, providing a delicious contrast to the savory garlic butter. The filling is piped into the bread, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.

The Garlic Butter:

What sets this bread apart is the generous coating of garlic butter. Made from melted butter, minced garlic, and a hint of sweetness from sugar, this sauce infuses the bread with a rich, aromatic flavor that’s incredibly addictive. The addition of parsley adds a touch of color and freshness.

Why It’s So Popular:

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is beloved for its perfect balance of flavors. The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy elements makes it an irresistible treat. It’s also visually appealing, with its golden-brown crust and oozing cream cheese filling. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or even a dessert, this bread is sure to satisfy any craving.

How It’s Enjoyed:

This bread is best served warm, straight from the oven, when the cream cheese is soft and the garlic butter is fragrant. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, or it can be enjoyed on its own as a decadent treat. The simplicity of the ingredients and the richness of the flavors make it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and savory flavors. Its easy preparation and delicious outcome make it a favorite among home cooks and food lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: This recipe masterfully combines sweet, savory, and creamy elements. The slightly sweet bread contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory garlic butter, while the cream cheese filling adds a delightful hint of sweetness that ties everything together.

Irresistible Texture: The bread is soft and fluffy on the inside, with a golden, slightly crispy exterior. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the tender crumb, the creamy filling, and the buttery garlic coating.

Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a satisfying breakfast, or an indulgent side dish, this bread fits the bill. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Bread:

Warm Water (1½ cups): The warm water helps activate the yeast, ensuring that the bread rises properly and achieves a soft, fluffy texture.
Active Dry Yeast (1 teaspoon): Yeast is the leavening agent that causes the dough to rise, giving the bread its light and airy structure.
All-Purpose Flour (4½ cups, spooned & leveled): Flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure and body to the bread.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Sugar not only adds a slight sweetness to the dough but also helps to feed the yeast, enhancing the fermentation process.
Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt balances the sweetness and strengthens the gluten in the dough, contributing to a more structured crumb.
Egg (1 large, beaten, optional for egg wash): The egg wash gives the bread a beautiful golden-brown sheen and adds a slight richness to the crust.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the filling, cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the bread's soft crumb.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): The sugar in the filling sweetens the cream cheese, creating a luscious contrast to the savory garlic butter. This balance of sweet and savory is what makes this bread so addictive and enjoyable.

For the Garlic Butter:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Butter is the foundation of the garlic sauce, imparting a rich, luxurious flavor that soaks into the bread, making it irresistibly moist and tender.
Whole Milk (½ cup, or half & half): Milk adds creaminess to the garlic butter mixture, making the sauce smoother and helping it to coat the bread evenly.
Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): A touch of sugar in the garlic butter adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor of the garlic and balances the richness of the butter.
Garlic (2 tablespoons, minced, or to your preference): Garlic is the key flavor in this sauce, bringing a robust, aromatic punch that makes the bread incredibly savory and flavorful.
Dry Parsley Flakes (1½ tablespoons, or to your preference): Parsley adds color and a hint of freshness to the garlic butter, balancing the richness with a slight herbal note.
Eggs (2 large): Eggs help bind the garlic butter mixture together, ensuring that it adheres well to the bread, while also adding a bit of richness.
Kosher Salt (for sprinkling): A final sprinkle of salt enhances all the flavors in the bread, emphasizing the sweetness, savory notes, and richness of the butter and cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1½ cups warm water (around 90-110°F) with 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with ¼ cup granulated sugar. Use a spatula or mixer to blend until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter:

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix 1 cup melted unsalted butter with ½ cup whole milk (or half & half), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, and 1½ tablespoons dry parsley flakes. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside.

Assemble the Bread:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Add the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log.
Prepare for Baking: Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pieces and place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg (if using) for a golden finish.

Bake the Bread:

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
Apply Garlic Butter: While the bread is baking, reheat the garlic butter mixture if needed. Once the bread is done, immediately brush the warm garlic butter generously over the top of each piece.

Serve and Enjoy:

Cool Slightly: Let the bread cool slightly on a wire rack to set the filling and prevent it from being too gooey.
Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of kosher salt if desired. Enjoy the bread warm as a snack, side dish, or indulgent treat!

Serving Suggestions:

For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm slices of this bread alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The creamy, garlic-infused bread pairs perfectly with a hot beverage, making it a delightful start to your day.
As a Snack: Enjoy a slice or two as a satisfying snack. Its rich and savory flavor makes it an irresistible choice for an afternoon treat.
As a Side Dish: This bread complements a variety of meals. Pair it with a hearty soup or stew, such as a Korean beef stew or a light vegetable soup, for a comforting and filling meal.
For Entertaining: Impress your guests by serving this bread as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. Its attractive presentation and delicious taste make it a crowd-pleaser.

Variations

Alternative Fillings: Experiment with different fillings to suit your taste. Try adding herbs like chives or dill, or incorporate other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor twist.
Extra Savory or Spicy: For an extra kick, mix chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the garlic butter. You can also include finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to add heat.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter and a vegan cream cheese alternative. Substitute the eggs with a vegan egg wash (a mixture of plant-based milk and a bit of flour) or simply skip the egg wash for a beautiful crust.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the yeast and other ingredients are gluten-free as well to keep the bread entirely gluten-free.

Storing and Reheating:

Storing:

Room Temperature: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep the bread fresh and soft.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will help maintain its texture and prevent it from drying out.

Reheating:

Oven: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore the bread’s crispy exterior and soft interior.
Microwave: For a quicker option, use the microwave. Heat the bread on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the bread chewy.