If you’re craving a warm, gooey treat that perfectly balances savory garlic with sweet, melty cheese, then this Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Originating from the streets of South Korea, this delightfully fluffy bread stuffed with creamy cheese and drenched in a flavorful garlic butter sauce is utterly addictive. Every bite bursts with rich textures and harmonious flavors that make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a standout snack or dessert. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to whip up for family and friends.

Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right for this Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe is simple yet crucial. Each one plays a special role in creating the perfect combination of taste, texture, and inviting color that makes this bread irresistible.

6 small round bread rolls: Brioche or dinner rolls work best for their soft, pillowy crumb that holds the filling well.
8 oz cream cheese: Softened to creamy perfection to create the rich, luscious filling.
2 tbsp powdered sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the garlic’s bold flavor.
1 tbsp milk (optional): Helps smooth out the cream cheese filling for easier piping.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melted and combined with garlic for a fragrant sauce that soaks into the bread.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic packs a punch of aroma and savory depth.
2 tbsp honey or sugar: Sweetens the garlic butter sauce, enhancing the overall harmony of flavors.
2 tbsp mayonnaise: Adds a creamy, tangy finish to the sauce for extra richness.
1 tbsp chopped parsley: Offers a pop of vibrant color and subtle herbal brightness.
2 eggs, beaten: Helps bind the garlic butter sauce and gives a beautiful golden color when baked.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.

How to Make Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface that makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your delicious Korean Garlic Cheese Bread won’t stick during baking.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If you want your filling even silkier, stir in a tablespoon of milk. Transfer this luscious mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off for easy filling later.

Step 3: Slice the Bread Rolls

Take each bread roll and carefully cut it into six wedges, like petals of a flower, but don’t cut all the way through. This flower-like design is key to holding the cream cheese filling and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it bakes.

Step 4: Fill with Cream Cheese

Pipe your smooth cream cheese filling into the center of each roll and between each cut wedge. The cream cheese will melt slightly while baking, giving you gooey pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, honey or sugar, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, and salt. This sauce is the magic that turns simple bread into a mouthwatering masterpiece bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Coat the Filled Rolls

Dip each cream cheese-filled roll directly into the garlic butter sauce, or generously spoon the sauce on top and sides. Make sure each roll is well-coated to soak up those garlicky, buttery flavors as it bakes to golden perfection.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Place your soaked rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The heat melds all the flavors together while giving the bread a beautifully crisp, golden exterior and deliciously soft center.

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy

The moment these rolls come out of the oven is simply heavenly. Serve them warm so that glorious cream cheese filling is oozy and the garlic butter sauce is at its aromatic peak.

How to Serve Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit more fresh chopped parsley or even some finely shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the top just before serving for extra cheesiness and a fresh pop of color that makes the dish look as great as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Korean Garlic Cheese Bread pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. It also works beautifully alongside soups such as creamy tomato or spicy Korean stews.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these bread rolls in a rustic wooden basket lined with a colorful cloth for a cozy, inviting look. For a party, place them on a platter surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like chili mayo or ranch to add a fun twist and variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. After that, it’s best to refrigerate to keep the cream cheese filling fresh, but the bread is most delicious when freshly baked.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked, filled rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them fully in the fridge before baking as per recipe instructions.

Reheating

To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This method restores the crispy outside and gooey inside perfectly, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche or dinner rolls are ideal for their softness and shape, you can experiment with other sturdy, slightly sweet breads. Just make sure they are soft inside and can hold the filling well without falling apart.

What if I don’t have mayonnaise for the garlic butter sauce?

If you’re out of mayonnaise, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of Greek yogurt or additional melted butter. The sauce will still be delicious, but mayonnaise adds a unique creamy tang that complements the garlic nicely.

Is there a vegan version of Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe?

Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives, and swap eggs with a flax or chia seed egg substitute. The flavor and texture won’t be identical but it still makes a tasty vegan-friendly version.

Can I make the cream cheese filling sweeter or less sweet?

The powdered sugar amount can be adjusted according to your sweet tooth. Start with 2 tablespoons and add a little more if you prefer a sweeter filling, or reduce if you want it more savory.

How long can I prepare this recipe in advance?

The best flavor and texture come from baking and serving fresh, but you can prepare the filling and filled rolls a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe is a delightful treat that combines sweet, savory, and cheesy elements into one amazing bite. It’s fun to make, impresses guests every time, and satisfies cravings in the most comforting way. I can’t recommend it enough—grab these simple ingredients and enjoy the magic of this irresistible bread for yourself!