Korean Cream Cheese Garlic

This decadent Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread transforms an ordinary loaf into something extraordinary. The combination of creamy, garlicky filling and buttery topping creates a pull-apart masterpiece that's become wildly popular both in Korean bakeries and home kitchens worldwide.

The first time I made this bread was for a potluck dinner, and it disappeared within minutes. Now, whenever friends come over, they specifically request my "garlic cheese bread" before they even arrive at my door.

Ingredients

• For the Bread:
• Soft white bread: Choose brioche or milk bread for their tender, pillowy texture that balances the rich filling
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness while allowing you to control salt content. European butter contains more butterfat for superior flavor
• Salt: Enhances all other flavors and creates perfect balance

• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• Cream cheese: Forms the luscious base. Always let it soften properly at room temperature for smooth mixing
• Fresh garlic cloves: Provide essential aromatic flavor. Look for firm bulbs with tight skin
• Green onions: Contribute mild onion flavor and beautiful color specks throughout the filling
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich filling with herbaceous notes and visual appeal
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat that complements the cream cheese
• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavors in the filling
• Red pepper flakes: Offer customizable heat level. Korean cuisine often features this sweet-spicy element

• For Topping:
• Unsalted butter: Creates a golden finish when baked
• Minced garlic: Infuses aromatic flavor into every bite
• Fresh parsley: Adds color contrast and fresh flavor note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Mix Ingredients. Start by ensuring your cream cheese is completely softened to avoid lumps. Combine it with the minced garlic, green onions, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together until perfectly incorporated. The texture should be smooth enough to spread but firm enough to stay in place.

Add Heat:

This optional step personalizes your bread to your taste preferences. Korean cuisine often balances richness with subtle heat. Incorporate red pepper flakes gradually, tasting as you go to achieve your ideal spice level.

Prepare the Bread:

Preheat Oven. Setting your oven to 350°F creates the perfect environment for melting the filling while crisping the bread exterior without burning. Allow at least 10 minutes for proper preheating.

Slice the Bread:

This critical step requires attention to detail. Use a sharp serrated knife and cut diagonally about three quarters of the way through the loaf, creating 1 to 2 inch spaces between cuts. The connected base keeps everything intact while creating perfect pockets for filling.

Stuff the Bread:

Take your time with this step. Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to spread the filling generously into each cut section. Push the filling all the way to the bottom of each pocket for maximum flavor in every bite.

Brush with Butter:

The melted butter and salt mixture enhances browning and creates a beautiful golden exterior. Use a pastry brush to apply evenly, getting into all the nooks and crannies between slices.

Bake the Bread:

Wrap in Foil. This step protects the bread from drying out while allowing the filling to heat through completely. Wrap loosely to allow some steam to escape while retaining moisture.

Bake:

The two stage baking process ensures perfect texture. The initial covered bake melts the filling while the uncovered portion creates the desirable golden exterior. Watch carefully during the final minutes to prevent burning.

Prepare Garlic Topping:

Timing is important here. Prepare this mixture while the bread bakes so it’s ready to apply immediately when the bread comes out. The residual heat helps infuse the garlic flavor.

Finish Baking:

This final brief bake melds the fresh garlic flavor with the bread without burning the garlic. The heat activates the aromatic compounds in both the garlic and parsley.

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I became obsessed with perfecting this recipe after visiting Seoul and tasting it at a small neighborhood bakery. The owner showed me her secret was using cream cheese at room temperature and letting the filled bread rest for 10 minutes before baking to allow the flavors to meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you make the cream cheese filling smooth?

Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. Use a spatula or mixer to combine all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

→ Can I use another type of bread?

Yes, brioche or milk bread works best, but any soft white bread with a fluffy texture is suitable.

→ How do I keep the bread moist during baking?

Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil for the first part of baking to retain moisture, then bake uncovered to achieve a golden crust.

→ Is the red pepper flakes optional?

Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional. Add them for extra spice or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

→ Can I prepare this bread ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and slice the bread in advance. Assemble and bake fresh for the best flavor and texture.