Easy Korean cream cheese garlic bread is the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, all packed into a soft and fluffy bun. This popular Korean bakery treat has become a worldwide sensation, and for good reason — it’s irresistible. With its golden, crisp crust, creamy sweet cheese center, and rich garlic butter coating, this bread is perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a quick meal. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare at home with store-bought buns, giving you bakery-quality results in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
This bread is everything you want in a comfort snack. It’s soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and loaded with a luscious combination of sweetened cream cheese and buttery garlic coating. It’s a versatile dish — perfect for entertaining, family dinners, or treating yourself to something special. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can easily adjust the sweetness, garlic intensity, or even add extra herbs and cheese to make it your own.
Ingredients
To make this irresistible bread, you’ll need:
6 store-bought kaiser or brioche buns (about 4 ½ inches in diameter)
3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Cream cheese filling:
8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp powdered sugar
Garlic butter coating:
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
5 tbsp heavy cream (or whipping cream)
3 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp dried parsley flakes (or 4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley)
1 large egg
¼ tsp salt
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
Make the filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag and cut off the tip for easy filling.
Make the garlic butter: Melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan. Stir in the garlic, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, parsley, egg, and salt until well combined.
Prepare the buns: Slice each bun into six even sections, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom.
Fill the buns: Pipe the cream cheese filling into the slits of each bun, filling them about halfway. Reserve about ¼ of the filling for topping.
Coat the buns: Dip each bun into the garlic butter mixture until fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Top and bake: Add dollops of the remaining cream cheese filling on top of each bun, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and lightly crisp.
Serve: Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips
Opt for brioche buns if you prefer a richer flavor and softer texture.
For a bolder garlic taste, add 1–2 extra cloves of garlic to the butter mixture.
Use parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.
Soften your cream cheese fully for a smoother filling with no lumps.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheesy twist: Add mozzarella or cheddar to the filling for extra gooeyness.
Spicy version: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the garlic butter.
Sweeter option: Add more powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for dessert-style bread.
Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based cream cheese, butter, and cream for a vegan-friendly version.
Bread swap: Kaiser rolls can be used as a substitute if brioche buns aren’t available.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature: Best eaten fresh, but can be kept in an airtight container for 1 day.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300˚F for 5–7 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze baked buns for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 661 kcal
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Protein: 19 g
Fat: 42 g
Saturated Fat: 25 g
Cholesterol: 238 mg
Sodium: 823 mg
Sugar: 11 g
Calcium: 269 mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Pair with pasta or grilled meats for a hearty dinner.
Enjoy alongside hot soup for the perfect comfort food combo.
Add to a brunch spread with eggs, fruits, and coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
1. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the filling and garlic butter a day in advance. Assemble and bake right before serving for the best results.
2. What kind of bread works best?
Brioche buns are ideal for their soft, slightly sweet texture, but Kaiser rolls also work well.
3. Can I use fresh garlic instead of jarred?
Definitely! Freshly minced garlic gives a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
4. Is this bread sweet or savory?
It’s the perfect balance of both — creamy sweet filling with savory, garlicky butter.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 300˚F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.
Conclusion
Thank you for giving this Easy Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread a try! I hope it brings as much happiness to your table as it has to mine. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion — from casual snacking to a stunning side dish for guests. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of this wonderful food-loving community. Enjoy every bite!
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Easy Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Easy Korean cream cheese garlic bread combines a golden, crisp crust with a sweet cream cheese filling and rich garlic butter coating. Perfect for snacks, brunch, or dinner sides, this bakery-style bread is quick and simple to make at home.
Ingredients
6 store-bought kaiser or brioche buns (about 4 ½ inches in diameter)
3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Cream cheese filling:
8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp powdered sugar
Garlic butter coating:
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
5 tbsp heavy cream (or whipping cream)
3 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp dried parsley flakes (or 4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley)
1 large egg
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
Make the filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag and cut off the tip for easy filling.
Make the garlic butter: Melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan. Stir in the garlic, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, parsley, egg, and salt until well combined.
Prepare the buns: Slice each bun into six even sections, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom.
Fill the buns: Pipe the cream cheese filling into the slits of each bun, filling them about halfway. Reserve about ¼ of the filling for topping.
Coat the buns: Dip each bun into the garlic butter mixture until fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Top and bake: Add dollops of the remaining cream cheese filling on top of each bun, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and lightly crisp.
Serve: Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Use brioche buns for a softer, richer flavor.
Add 1–2 extra garlic cloves for a stronger taste.
For a vegan option, substitute plant-based butter, cream, and cream cheese.
Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain texture — reheat in the oven at 300˚F.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 661 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Protein: 19 g