Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are a famous street food delight! These buns are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and filled with a sweet and savory cream cheese mixture. They’re then dipped in a rich garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection!

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 200g cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
• For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • 100g unsalted butter (melted)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
  • 1 egg (beaten)
• For the Buns:
  • 6 milk bread rolls

Directions

• Prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag and set aside.
• In a separate bowl, prepare the garlic butter sauce by combining melted butter, minced garlic, condensed milk, honey, chopped parsley, and a beaten egg, stirring well.
• Slice each bun into six sections like a flower, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through.
• Pipe the cream cheese filling between the sections, making sure to distribute it evenly.
• Dip each filled bun into the garlic butter sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
• Arrange the buns on a lined baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 250mg

The Origin of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns

While garlic bread has been a staple in Western cuisine for centuries, South Korea has taken it to a new level by adding cream cheese and using a milk bread base. This fusion of flavors was first popularized by bakeries in South Korea, where innovation in bread-making has led to the creation of some of the most visually appealing and delicious pastries. These buns quickly became a hit in cafes and street markets, leading to their widespread popularity both domestically and internationally. The garlic butter sauce used in this recipe is slightly sweetened, which enhances the overall taste and makes these buns stand out from other variations of garlic bread.

Why These Buns Are So Popular

One of the main reasons why these buns have gained such immense popularity is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The contrast between the crispy, golden-brown exterior and the creamy, tangy-sweet interior makes every bite satisfying. The unique flavor combination of creamy, slightly sweet filling and rich, garlicky butter glaze creates an irresistible taste. The outside of the bun becomes golden and crispy after baking, while the inside remains soft and fluffy, offering a delightful texture. Additionally, these buns are versatile and customizable, allowing for the addition of herbs, spices, or different types of cheese to suit personal preferences.

How Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns Differ from Other Garlic Breads

Many people wonder how these buns compare to traditional garlic bread. Unlike classic garlic bread, which is often made with baguettes or ciabatta and topped with garlic butter, this Korean variation uses a sweeter, milkier bread base. Traditional garlic bread is made with rustic, crusty bread, whereas these buns use soft and airy milk bread for a lighter texture. The addition of sweetened cream cheese gives them a slight dessert-like quality, making them both sweet and savory. Instead of simply spreading garlic butter on top, these buns are dipped in a rich garlic butter sauce, ensuring the flavor soaks into every bite, creating a more indulgent and flavorful experience.

The Role of Each Component in the Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The foundation of the recipe, milk bread, is light, airy, and slightly sweet, allowing it to absorb the garlic butter mixture well without becoming too soggy. The slightly sweetened cream cheese filling adds richness and a creamy texture that complements the crispy exterior of the bun. The garlic butter mixture is what gives these buns their distinct flavor, with the addition of condensed milk and honey creating a slightly sweet contrast to the savory garlic.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic recipe is already incredibly delicious, there are several ways to customize these buns to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicier kick.
• Cheesy Twist: Mix some shredded mozzarella or parmesan into the cream cheese filling for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Herb-Infused Buns: Adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil to the garlic butter sauce can create a more aromatic and complex flavor.
• Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free butter, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based milk bread to make a fully vegan version of these buns.

Best Ways to Serve Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns

These buns can be enjoyed in multiple ways, whether as a standalone snack or as part of a larger meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With Coffee or Tea: The slightly sweet and savory combination pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside pasta, soup, or a salad to add a unique twist to your meal.
• As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties and gatherings, these buns make an excellent appetizer that will impress guests.
• With a Dip: Pair them with a side of marinara sauce or extra cream cheese dip for an even richer experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), proper storage and reheating will help maintain their texture and flavor.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: To bring back the crispy texture, reheat the buns in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is fairly simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result.

• Overloading the Filling: Adding too much cream cheese can make the buns overly heavy and difficult to bake evenly.
• Not Mixing the Garlic Butter Properly: Ensure that all ingredients in the garlic butter sauce are well combined to get an even coating.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: If the oven is too hot, the outside may burn before the inside is fully warmed through. If it’s too low, the buns won’t crisp up properly.
• Using the Wrong Type of Bread: Using regular white bread or dinner rolls instead of milk bread can result in a drier, less flavorful bun.

Conclusion

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are a delicious and unique twist on traditional garlic bread, combining the best of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Their soft, fluffy texture, crispy golden exterior, and rich filling make them a favorite treat for food lovers worldwide. Whether you’re making them as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish, these buns are sure to impress.