Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, offering a twist on the traditional garlic bread. You’ll love how the fluffy bread soaks up the garlicky butter while the cream cheese filling adds a rich and slightly sweet surprise in every bite. It’s easy to prepare at home and will wow your family or guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 package cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Garlic Butter:

• 12 tablespoons butter

• 1 head of garlic, minced or crushed into a paste

• 2 tablespoons condensed milk

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 3 tablespoons parsley, cilantro, or scallions, minced

Topping:

• Panko bread crumbs

• Coarse salt

• 1 round loaf of sourdough bread (about 6 inches in diameter)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. For the cream cheese filling: beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the sugar and heavy cream. Transfer to a piping bag or set aside.

3. For the garlic butter: melt the butter in a large bowl, then add garlic, condensed milk, and honey. Stir in the egg and minced herbs, whisking until fully combined.

4. Slice the sourdough bread into 8 wedge-shaped sections without cutting all the way through the bottom.

5. Pipe or spread the cream cheese filling between each bread section evenly.

6. Brush the garlic butter generously into all the crevices of the bread, making sure it soaks through. Turn the loaf upside down in the bowl of garlic butter to let it absorb, then let excess drip off.

7. Sprinkle the top with panko bread crumbs and a little coarse salt.

8. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and crisp. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings.

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 15–20 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Try using different herbs such as chives or basil for a unique flavor.

• Substitute brioche or milk bread for a slightly sweeter base.

• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy twist.

• Use flavored cream cheese, like chive or garlic, instead of plain.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bread a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving.

2. What type of bread works best?

Sourdough is traditional, but any round loaf with a sturdy crust, like milk bread or brioche, works well.

3. Can I make it less sweet?

Simply reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling and skip the honey in the garlic butter.

4. Is this dish very garlicky?

Yes, but you can adjust the garlic amount to suit your preference. Roasted garlic also gives a milder flavor.

5. Can I freeze it?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the assembled bread (before baking) and bake it straight from frozen, adding extra cook time.

6. How do I stop the bread from getting soggy?

Don’t over-soak it in the garlic butter mixture. Let the excess drip off before baking.

7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, though full-fat gives the creamiest filling. Low-fat works but may be slightly less rich.

8. What can I serve this with?

It’s delicious on its own, but it pairs well with soups, salads, or as part of an appetizer spread.

9. Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used for convenience.

10. How do I make it vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian, as it uses no meat products.

Conclusion

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a show-stopping appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With its rich cream cheese filling, garlicky butter coating, and crunchy topping, it’s a dish that brings comfort and a touch of novelty to the table. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating your family, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Print