If you’ve never experienced the magic that is Korean Garlic Cheese Bread, you’re in for a seriously delightful treat. This iconic Korean street snack combines fluffy dinner rolls, a luscious sweetened cream cheese filling, and a decadent garlic butter bath. Baked until the exterior is gorgeously golden and the center melts into a creamy dream, this recipe creates a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s the perfect snack or appetizer for friends and family who love sweet, savory, and most importantly, garlicky cheese moments!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Korean Garlic Cheese Bread uses simple supermarket staples that work together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays a vital role in building that signature soft, oozy, and aromatic bite. Here’s what makes the magic happen:
- Soft dinner rolls: The light texture of these rolls serves as the perfect base to soak up all that garlic butter and hold the creamy filling.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Silky cream cheese transforms into a sweet, tangy center that perfectly balances the savory notes in each bite.
- Powdered sugar (2 tbsp): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the cream cheese, making the flavor pop.
- Heavy cream (1 tbsp): Makes the cream cheese filling ultra-smooth and easily pipeable.
- Large egg (1, beaten): Binds the garlic butter mixture and helps create a shiny, golden finish.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Forms the rich backbone of the garlic coating and ensures every bite is extra satisfying.
- Milk (2 tbsp): Helps the garlic butter mixture fully soak into the bread for that signature texture.
- Mayonnaise (1 tbsp): Brings a subtle tang and richness, making the garlic butter extra creamy.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The true star ingredient, providing that irresistible aroma and punchy flavor.
- Chopped parsley (1 tbsp): Infuses the rolls with a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Rounds out all the flavors for a perfectly balanced bite.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a gentle warmth and savory depth to the garlic butter.
How to Make Korean Garlic Cheese Bread
Step 1: Make the Sweet Cream Cheese Filling
Start by taking your softened cream cheese and mixing it with the powdered sugar and heavy cream. Blend everything together until completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. The heavy cream makes this mixture extra fluffy and easy to pipe — don’t skip it! Once blended, transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off, so you’ll be ready to fill those rolls with ease.
Step 2: Slice the Rolls
This is the fun part that gives Korean Garlic Cheese Bread its iconic look. Take each soft dinner roll and use a sharp knife to make six deep cuts, like you’re dividing the top into flower petals. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom; you want the rolls to stay intact, creating little pockets ready for the filling.
Step 3: Fill with Cream Cheese
Now, take your piping bag and generously squeeze the sweet cream cheese mixture into each cut you made in the rolls. Don’t be shy with the filling — you want each wedge to be luxuriously stuffed, so every bite is bursting with creamy goodness!
Step 4: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, melted butter, milk, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. This gorgeously rich and aromatic mixture will become the bread’s golden garlicky shell. Be sure everything is well combined, so the flavors meld seamlessly.
Step 5: Coat the Rolls
One by one, either dip the stuffed rolls into the garlic butter mixture or carefully spoon it over every surface, ensuring every nook and cranny is thoroughly coated. There’s no such thing as too much — the more the better for that luscious Korean Garlic Cheese Bread shine and flavor!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your prepared rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray. Pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are deeply golden and the cream cheese filling is warmed through. The transformation is incredible – your kitchen will smell heavenly, and the rolls will have an irresistible gooey center with a crisp, buttery exterior.
How to Serve Korean Garlic Cheese Bread
Garnishes
Once your Korean Garlic Cheese Bread emerges from the oven, sprinkle them with a bit of extra chopped parsley for a fresh contrast or dust lightly with parmesan for an extra cheesy kick. A pinch of flaky sea salt or some minced chives can also add a gourmet feel. The final garnish not only adds color but wakes up the flavors!
Side Dishes
This bread might steal the show on its own, but it’s fantastic with a crisp salad tossed in sesame vinaigrette or alongside a simple bowl of tangy kimchi. Try pairing with tomato soup for a fun East-meets-West lunch, or serve next to grilled vegetables to balance that creamy, garlicky richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange Korean Garlic Cheese Bread on a large platter with an artful scattering of fresh herbs or edible flowers. Cut each roll into smaller wedges for bite-sized appetizers, or serve them in individual mini baskets for a street-food vibe. You can even wrap a batch in parchment and twine for a beautiful homemade gift!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare), let the bread cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. The texture will stay lovely and creamy, while the garlicky flavors meld and intensify a bit overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Korean Garlic Cheese Bread freezes surprisingly well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To restore the bread to its fresh-from-the-oven perfection, reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. The bread will regain its crispy outside and gooey center. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought garlic bread instead of dinner rolls?
It’s not quite the same! Soft dinner rolls are key to that signature pillowy texture. Store-bought garlic bread is usually firmer and pre-seasoned, which can overpower the delicate balance of flavors in homemade Korean Garlic Cheese Bread.
How do I keep the rolls from falling apart when cutting?
Use day-old or slightly firm dinner rolls and take care not to cut all the way through. A sharp serrated knife works best, letting you create deep cuts without squishing the bread.
What if I want extra cheesy bread?
Mix a little shredded mozzarella into the cream cheese filling, or sprinkle some on top before baking for beautiful melty cheese pulls. This adds extra gooeyness and makes the bread even more indulgent.
Can I make Korean Garlic Cheese Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the filled rolls a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just brush with the garlic butter before baking for fresh, warm bread whenever you’re ready to serve.
Is there a vegan or dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based cream cheese and butter, use almond or oat milk, and try vegan mayo. The result is surprisingly close in taste and texture, so everyone can enjoy these delicious rolls!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Korean Garlic Cheese Bread enough — it’s intensely flavorful, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Make a batch for your next get-together or a cozy night in, and you’ll see just how quickly it disappears. Give it a try, and let the cheesy, garlicky happiness begin!
Print
Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Korean Garlic Cheese Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. Soft dinner rolls are stuffed with a creamy garlic-infused cheese mixture and baked to golden perfection, making for a delightful snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Additional:
- 6 soft dinner rolls
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice each dinner roll into six wedges without cutting all the way through. Pipe the cream cheese mixture into the cuts.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: Whisk together beaten egg, melted butter, milk, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Rolls: Dip or spoon the garlic butter mixture over each roll.
- Bake: Place rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–15 minutes until golden and heated through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly firm rolls for better shape retention.
- Add shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
- Adjust garlic to taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
