If you have a soft spot for sweet, savory, and irresistibly gooey treats, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe. This delightful snack is the perfect harmony of buttery garlic goodness paired with creamy, melty cheese tucked inside a tender, fluffy bread roll. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is unique, bringing the vibrant street food flavors of Korea right into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring solo, this recipe is bound to become one of your new favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe is a joy because you only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures, from the soft bread base to the luscious filling and that irresistible garlic butter glaze.
- Small round bread rolls: Brioche or dinner rolls work best for their soft, fluffy texture and slight sweetness.
- Cream cheese: Provides the rich, smooth filling that melts perfectly inside the bread.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a light sweetness to the cream cheese, creating a wonderful contrast to the savory garlic.
- Milk (optional): Helps achieve an even smoother cream cheese filling if desired.
- Unsalted butter: The base of the garlic butter sauce, giving the bread that signature rich and delicious coating.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for that punch of flavor that makes this snack unforgettable.
- Honey or sugar: Balances the savory garlic with a touch of sweetness, making every bite addictive.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the garlic butter sauce.
- Chopped parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs add richness and help set the garlic butter glaze when baked.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
How to Make Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and filling
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep ensures your rolls bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that perfect golden crust. While the oven is warming, whip up the cream cheese filling by beating together the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar. If you want a silkier texture, add a touch of milk. Transfer this heavenly mixture to a piping bag or a handy ziplock with a small corner cut off to make filling the bread easier.
Step 2: Slice the rolls like a flower
This step is where your bread starts taking the iconic Korean Garlic Cheese Bread shape. Take each small round roll and cut it into six wedges, like slicing a flower, but be sure not to cut all the way through. The base should remain intact so the pieces stay connected, ready to hug the creamy filling inside. This delicate slicing creates those irresistible little pockets where the flavors concentrate.
Step 3: Fill the bread with creamy goodness
Pipe the cream cheese filling right into the center and between the sections of each pre-sliced roll. Don’t be shy about getting that lovely filling nestled between every wedge. This step guarantees every bite bursts with melty, luscious cheese that’s balanced perfectly against the bread’s soft crumb.
Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together your melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, honey or sugar, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, and a pinch of salt. This luxurious garlic butter sauce is where the magic happens, blending sweetness, creaminess, and a punch of garlic into a glossy glaze that will coat each roll beautifully.
Step 5: Coat and bake your bread
You can either dip each filled roll directly into the garlic butter sauce or generously spoon the sauce over the tops and sides of every roll. Placing these bread beauties on your lined baking sheet, then pop them into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for that stunning golden color and a set, bubbly surface. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering!
Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy
Once they come out of the oven, these brimming rolls are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the garlic butter is still delightfully soft. Grab a plate, pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and dive into this comforting Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe experience.
How to Serve Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by sprinkling a little extra chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions on top. A light dusting of parmesan cheese or a few red pepper flakes can add extra layers of flavor and a pop of color that makes this dish feel even more special and festive.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh salads like mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette, or a simple bowl of pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. A bowl of hot soup, such as Korean kimchi jjigae or a mild pumpkin soup, also makes an excellent companion, turning this snack into a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual rolls on rustic wooden boards with a ramekin of extra garlic butter sauce for dipping. You can also arrange several rolls in a circular pattern on a large platter, making a beautiful and shareable centerpiece for gatherings. For a casual touch, wrap them in parchment for picnics or lunchboxes—they hold up beautifully and stay fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to two days. Keeping them covered well prevents the bread from drying out while maintaining the gooey cheese inside.
Freezing
You can freeze the filled rolls before baking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you are ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual. This is a great way to prepare ahead for unexpected cravings or guests.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through and the cheese inside becomes soft again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy — reheating this way preserves the delightful flaky crust and melty center.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or dinner rolls work best because of their soft, slightly sweet texture, you can experiment with other soft round breads that hold shape well. Avoid overly crusty bread, as it won’t provide the same tender bite and gooey filling experience.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the garlic butter sauce?
If you want to skip mayonnaise, you can try substituting with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or simply omit it and add a little extra butter and honey. Mayonnaise contributes to the creamy texture but is not strictly mandatory.
How can I make the cream cheese filling smoother?
Adding a tablespoon of milk while beating the cream cheese and powdered sugar helps achieve a silkier, more pipeable filling. Warming the cream cheese slightly before mixing can also help, but don’t overdo it or it will become too runny.
Can I make Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe vegan?
You can try vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives, along with egg substitutes like flax eggs. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but the overall concept can definitely be adapted for a vegan-friendly version.
What’s the best way to enjoy Korean Garlic Cheese Bread?
It’s simply ideal fresh and warm straight from the oven. Pair it with tea or coffee for a cozy snack, or serve as a fun appetizer during gatherings. The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors makes it irresistible anytime.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to delight your taste buds and impress everyone around you, this Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe is all you need. It’s a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that feels decadent without being complicated. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it your own cozy comfort food staple. Trust me, each warm, gooey bite is pure happiness on a plate.
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
Description
Korean Garlic Cheese Bread is a delightful fusion treat featuring soft, fluffy bread rolls filled with a sweet cream cheese center, dipped in a rich garlic butter sauce, and baked to golden perfection. These cheesy, garlicky, and slightly sweet morsels make a perfect snack or appetizer, delivering an irresistible blend of savory and sweet flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Bread
- 6 small round bread rolls (brioche or dinner rolls work well)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (optional, for smoother texture)
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 to prepare for baking the bread rolls.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, and add milk if desired for a smoother texture. Mix until completely smooth, then transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off for easy filling.
- Slice the Bread Rolls: Cut each small bread roll into 6 wedges, similar to cutting a flower shape, but be sure not to slice all the way through the bottom. This allows the bread to hold its shape while opening up for filling.
- Fill the Bread with Cream Cheese: Pipe the cream cheese filling generously into the center and in between each wedge section of the bread rolls to ensure a cheesy surprise in every bite.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, honey or sugar, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, and salt until fully combined. This sauce adds a rich, savory, and slightly sweet glaze to the bread.
- Coat the Filled Bread Rolls: Dip each filled bread roll into the garlic butter sauce or spoon the sauce generously over the top and sides to thoroughly coat them with the flavorful mixture.
- Bake the Bread: Arrange the coated bread rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese filling is set and warm.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve the Korean garlic cheese bread warm to enjoy the melty cheese and rich garlic flavor at their best.
Notes
- Use brioche or soft dinner rolls for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness of the filling or butter sauce according to taste by varying sugar or honey.
- Ensure not to cut the bread rolls fully through to maintain structure while filling.
- Serve immediately after baking for optimal gooey cheese and crisp top.
- The mayonnaise in the butter sauce helps achieve a creamy and rich texture when baked.
