Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a delicious South Korean street food made with soft dinner rolls, filled with sweet cream cheese and garlic butter custard. This dish is golden and crunchy on the outside while creamy and soft on the inside, making it a perfect treat. It’s quick and easy to make, taking just 15 minutes with simple ingredients.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 medium dinner rolls

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup butter (melted)

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (or garlic paste)

• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

• Parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the rolls on the sheet.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy.

3. Add sugar to the cream cheese and mix well.

4. Pour in heavy cream and continue mixing until smooth.

5. Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag (or a plastic bag with a corner cut off).

6. Cut the rolls into 6 to 8 wedges, ensuring they stay connected at the base. Pipe the cream cheese mixture into each wedge.

7. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, and egg. Add garlic and parsley, and mix until smooth.

8. Dip the filled rolls into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring the butter seeps into the wedges.

9. Place the rolls back on the baking sheet and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.

10. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 530 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 42g

• Saturated Fat: 25g

• Cholesterol: 154mg

• Sodium: 347mg

• Potassium: 175mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 10g

• Vitamin A: 1679 IU

• Vitamin C: 7mg

• Calcium: 153mg

• Iron: 2mg

Origin and Popularity of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread, often referred to as “Korean garlic bread,” first rose to fame in South Korea’s bustling streets and food markets. It has since become a global phenomenon, making its way to many Western countries. The dish gained widespread popularity in the early 2020s, partly due to social media influencers and food enthusiasts showcasing it online. The recipe combines two beloved food elements: garlic bread, which is adored worldwide, and cream cheese, known for its creamy texture and slight tanginess. Together, these components create a balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and bold.

The success of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread can also be attributed to the increasing global fascination with Korean food, which has been widely praised for its diverse flavors and unique textures. The dish captures the essence of Korean street food culture, which is all about creating memorable eating experiences with simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Korean food trends such as the popularity of Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, and kimchi have all contributed to the global attention and love for this dish.

What Makes Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Unique?

Unlike traditional garlic bread, which is typically made with a baguette or thick slices of bread, Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is made using soft dinner rolls that are light and airy. This soft bread acts as the perfect vessel for the creamy and flavorful filling that is at the heart of this dish. The cream cheese mixture, which is combined with sugar and heavy cream, provides a subtle sweetness that complements the garlicky and buttery topping.

Another distinctive feature of this dish is the garlic butter custard. After the dinner rolls are filled with the cream cheese mixture, they are dipped into a rich garlic butter sauce, adding another layer of flavor. The garlic butter is infused with parsley, giving it a vibrant green color and fresh flavor that further elevates the dish. The result is a golden, crispy exterior with a creamy center that oozes out with every bite.

How to Make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread: Tips and Tricks

While the recipe for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is relatively simple, there are a few key tips and tricks that can help ensure you achieve the perfect result. First, it’s important to use soft, fluffy dinner rolls. These rolls should have a light texture so that they can easily hold the cream cheese filling and garlic butter without becoming too soggy or dense.

Another tip is to ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy mixture that will fill the rolls perfectly. If you’re short on time, you can soften the cream cheese in the microwave by heating it for about 20 seconds in short bursts.

When it comes to the garlic butter, be sure to use freshly minced garlic or garlic paste for the most intense flavor. If you’re looking for a more intense garlic taste, feel free to add more garlic to suit your preferences. Similarly, while Parmesan cheese is optional, it can add an extra burst of flavor and a deliciously crispy top if you choose to sprinkle it over the bread before baking.

Serving Suggestions for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, especially those that feature bold flavors, such as Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or kimchi dishes. The rich and savory garlic butter complements the heat of spicy dishes, making it a great accompaniment to balance out the flavors.

Additionally, the dish can be enjoyed on its own with a side of dipping sauce. A simple marinara sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing would go beautifully with the garlic bread. The sweetness of the cream cheese filling and the richness of the garlic butter make it versatile enough to be served at any time of day, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

For an extra touch, try serving Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a cold beer. The combination of the savory bread and the cool drink is perfect for a casual gathering or a laid-back meal with friends and family.

Nutritional Benefits and Considerations

While Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. A single serving of this dish contains around 530 calories, with 42 grams of fat, including 25 grams of saturated fat. The high fat content comes from the combination of butter, cream cheese, and the egg used in the recipe. The bread itself provides 32 grams of carbohydrates, making it a rich and satisfying treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Despite its indulgent nature, Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread does offer some nutritional benefits. It provides 8 grams of protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth, and 2 grams of fiber to support digestion. Additionally, the bread contains important micronutrients, including calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. The addition of parsley adds a boost of vitamin K and antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health.

If you’re looking to make this dish a bit healthier, there are a few substitutions you can try. For example, you could use whole grain dinner rolls instead of traditional white rolls to increase the fiber content. You can also opt for light cream cheese or reduced-fat butter to cut down on the overall fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

In conclusion, Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is an irresistible and innovative twist on a classic favorite. Its combination of soft rolls, creamy cheese filling, and savory garlic butter custard makes for a unique and delicious treat that is sure to impress. The dish’s crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior offer a delightful contrast of textures that is hard to resist. Whether you’re a fan of garlic bread or simply looking for something new to try, Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Its easy preparation and universal appeal make it a perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings with friends and family.