Korean Cream Cheese Garlic: 1 Magical Bite

Name: Korean Cream Cheese Garlic: 1 Magical Bite
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 soft white bread loaf; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp minced garlic (additional); 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

by Fenna Saul

July 26, 2025

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Korean cream cheese garlic has become my absolute obsession, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! It’s this incredible combination of soft, pillowy bread stuffed with a tangy cream cheese filling and slathered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. My first encounter with Korean cream cheese garlic bread was at a bustling night market, and the aroma alone was intoxicating. Each bite was a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness. This easy Korean cream cheese garlic recipe brings that amazing street food experience right into your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Korean Cream Cheese Garlic

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to fall in love with this flavor explosion:

An irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will have your taste buds singing
Prep time is a breeze, making it perfect for weeknight cravings or quick entertaining
It’s surprisingly budget-friendly, using simple ingredients to create something truly special
This garlic cream cheese Korean recipe is incredibly family-friendly; even picky eaters adore it!
The soft bread and gooey filling offer a comforting texture that’s pure indulgence
It’s a fantastic way to explore the popular world of Korean street food at home
This garlic cream cheese Korean recipe is adaptable, allowing you to customize the sweetness and spice
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as impressive as it tastes

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Ingredients

Gathering these Korean cream cheese garlic ingredients is the first step to culinary bliss. You’ll need a soft white bread loaf, like a brioche or milk bread, for that perfect tender crumb. For the star filling, we’ll use 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly. For the irresistible garlicky coating, you’ll want 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, combined with 4 cloves garlic, minced. We’ll also add an extra 1 tbsp minced garlic for an intense garlic punch. Freshness is key, so have 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley ready. Finally, season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat.

How to Make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic

Let’s get this delicious bread party started! Making these Korean cream cheese garlic buns is simpler than you might think.

Step 1: Grab your soft white bread loaf. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the loaf into wedges, making sure not to slice all the way through to the bottom crust. I like to go about three-quarters of the way down. This creates little pockets for all that creamy goodness!
Step 2: Time for the creamy filling. In a medium bowl, combine the 8 oz softened cream cheese with the 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and beautifully green. The aroma of fresh herbs already smells amazing!
Step 3: Now for the garlic butter magic! In a small bowl, whisk together the 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 4 cloves minced garlic, the additional 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and the optional 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. This mixture is the soul of the recipe, so be generous!
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your scored bread loaf on a baking sheet. Generously brush or spoon that garlicky butter mixture all over the bread, making sure to get into all those nooks and crannies. You want every bite infused with that savory, buttery garlic flavor.
Step 5: Carefully spoon or pipe the prepared cream cheese filling into the cuts you made in the bread. Don’t be shy – pack it in there! This is what makes how to make Korean cream cheese garlic so rewarding; you get that perfect cream cheese to bread ratio.
Step 6: Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is gloriously golden brown and toasted, and the cream cheese filling is warm, bubbly, and slightly melted. The smell filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!

Pro Tips for the Best Korean Cream Cheese Garlic

Want to elevate your Korean cream cheese garlic game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:

Use a good quality, soft white bread like milk bread or brioche – it makes the texture infinitely better.
Don’t skip softening the cream cheese; it ensures a smooth, lump-free filling that pipes easily.
Be generous with the garlic butter! It’s the foundation of that signature savory flavor.
For an extra layer of flavor, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter mixture.

What’s the secret to perfect Korean cream cheese garlic?

The real secret to an authentic Korean cream cheese garlic experience lies in the balance. Ensuring your cream cheese filling isn’t too sweet and your garlic butter is robust and buttery creates that addictive sweet-savory profile everyone loves.

Can I make Korean cream cheese garlic ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and the garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature slightly before assembling and baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Korean cream cheese garlic?

A common pitfall is cutting through the bottom of the bread, causing the filling to leak. Also, avoid overmixing the cream cheese filling, which can make it too runny. Lastly, ensure your oven is properly preheated for that perfect golden crust.

Best Ways to Serve Korean Cream Cheese Garlic

This incredible bread is so versatile! It’s perfect on its own as a snack, but I love serving it as a side dish. Imagine this:

Enjoy it as a delightful appetizer when friends come over. The gooey cheese and garlicky aroma are always a hit!
Pair it with a light salad for a satisfying lunch. The richness of the bread balances a fresh, crisp salad beautifully.
Serve it alongside Korean BBQ or fried chicken for an authentic Korean street food cream cheese garlic experience. It’s the perfect complement to savory mains.

This bread is so comforting and delicious, it really shines on its own or as a flavorful addition to any meal.

Nutrition Facts for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic

This delightful treat offers a satisfying flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown per serving, keeping in mind that individual results may vary:

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Korean Cream Cheese Garlic

Once your delicious Korean cream cheese garlic has cooled down a bit, proper storage is key to maintaining its amazing texture and flavor. I like to let it cool completely on a wire rack. For storing leftovers, place the cooled bread in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This method works great if you plan to reheat it soon. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy that melted cheese garlic bread Korean inspiration whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating is super simple! For refrigerated leftovers, you can pop them back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, just until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again. If reheating from frozen, bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. An air fryer also works wonders for reheating, giving it a nice crisp edge!

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Cream Cheese Garlic

What is Korean cream cheese garlic?

Korean cream cheese garlic is a wildly popular Korean street food that takes soft, pillowy bread and fills it with a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese mixture. It’s then slathered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce and baked until golden and irresistible. Think of it as the ultimate savory-sweet, cheesy garlic bread experience with a delightful Korean twist!

Why is Korean cream cheese garlic popular?

Its popularity stems from a perfect storm of deliciousness! The combination of textures—soft bread, gooey cheese, and crispy edges—is incredibly satisfying. Plus, the irresistible sweet and savory garlic flavor profile appeals to almost everyone. It’s also visually appealing and has become a viral sensation on social media, making it a must-try for foodies everywhere.

Can I use a different type of bread?

While soft white bread like milk bread or brioche is ideal for that classic texture, you can experiment! A challah bread or even a soft baguette could work, though the cooking time might vary. Just ensure it’s soft enough to absorb the garlic butter and hold the cream cheese filling.

How do I make it spicy?

To add a kick to your Korean cream cheese garlic, simply add some gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture. You can also add a bit of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the cream cheese filling for a spicy cream cheese garlic experience.

Variations of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love experimenting with these fun twists on Korean cream cheese garlic!

Spicy Korean Cream Cheese Garlic: For those who love a kick, add a teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or a dash of sriracha to the cream cheese filling. This creates a delightful spicy Korean cream cheese garlic that’s wonderfully addictive.
Sweet Korean Cream Cheese Garlic: If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the sugar in the cream cheese filling slightly or drizzle a little honey over the top before baking for an extra sweet treat.
Air Fryer Version: Short on time? You can make Korean cream cheese garlic in the air fryer! Cut the bread into smaller portions, fill, and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Savory Herb Boost: Mix finely chopped chives or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese into the cream cheese filling for an added layer of savory complexity.