With the tantalizing aroma of buttery garlic wafting through my kitchen, it suddenly hit me—Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are not just a recipe; they are an experience waiting to unfold. These delightful treats boast a soft, pillowy exterior that embraces a rich, slightly sweet cream cheese filling, making them the perfect indulgence for any food lover. What makes this recipe even better? They come together in no time, ideal for spontaneous gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Plus, the creamy garlic custard bath delivers a unique twist that elevates traditional garlic bread to a whole new level. Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of irresistible flavors? Let’s dive in!
Why are Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns irresistible?
Soft, Fluffy Texture: Each bun features a pillowy exterior that’s perfectly complemented by a creamy and sweet filling.
Unique Flavor Combo: The fusion of garlicky custard and a hint of sweetness in the cream cheese creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps, these buns are perfect for last-minute gatherings or a cozy night at home.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or bread types, like brioche or homemade buns, to personalize your treat.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These buns are sure to wow family and friends, whether served as an appetizer or paired with delicious soups and salads.
Get ready to savor these delightful bites! If you’re seeking more comfort flavors, try the Garlic Parmesan Chicken or Pumpkin Goat Cheese Risotto for a fulfilling meal.
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns Ingredients
For the Buns
• King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls – The ideal base for these buns, ensuring a sweet flavor and soft texture.
• Cream Cheese – Adds a rich, creamy filling; try mascarpone for a similar silky texture!
For the Cream Cheese Filling
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Sweetens the filling; reduce the amount for a less sweet option.
• Salt – Essential for enhancing flavor and balancing the sweetness of the filling.
For the Custard
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness to the custard; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Egg – Binds the custard; can be omitted for a cholesterol-free version.
• Milk – Serves as the liquid base; alternatives like almond or oat milk work well too!
• Garlic – The star flavor of the custard; using fresh garlic will maximize flavor depth.
• Parsley – Offers fresh herbal notes to the custard; can switch it out for chives if desired.
• Paprika – Adds color and a hint of spice; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
• Parmesan Cheese – Optional topping for a savory finish; substitute with other hard cheeses if you like.
Transform your kitchen with these Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns for a delightful culinary adventure!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking. This ensures your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns will rise beautifully and develop that golden color. While the oven heats, gather your parchment paper and baking sheet, preparing to line it for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Take the King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls and make four shallow cuts on the top of each roll, creating sections while ensuring they remain attached at the bottom. This step helps the buns hold the delicious cream cheese filling and allows for better absorption of the garlic custard later. Leave the rolls to dry out for about 2 hours at room temperature for optimum structure.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine room-temperature cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt. Blend them together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Transfer this luscious filling into a piping bag—it’ll make filling the rolls a breeze! Trust me, the richness inside each bun will make them irresistible.
Step 4: Fill the Rolls
Carefully insert the piping bag into the cuts of each roll and fill them generously with the cream cheese mixture. Ensure the filling gets into all the nooks and crannies, providing a delightful surprise when bitten into. The buns should feel plump after being filled, setting the stage for the next mouthwatering layers of flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together unsalted butter, an egg, milk, sweetened condensed milk, minced garlic, salt, chopped parsley, and paprika until completely combined and frothy. This garlic custard will enhance the flavor of your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns and give them a delightful buttery finish. Set aside the custard for a moment as you prepare for dipping.
Step 6: Dip the Rolls
Taking each filled roll, dip them one at a time into the garlic custard mixture, ensuring to coat both sides. Be quick—only a brief dip is needed to prevent sogginess. Once dipped, place each roll on your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart to allow for even cooking and expansion.
Step 7: Add Extra Flavor
If desired, take the remaining garlic from the custard mixture and brush it on top of the dipped buns to amplify the garlicky aroma and flavor. This step not only enhances the taste but also creates a visually appealing finish. Your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns will be bursting with flavor from every angle!
Step 8: Sprinkle Parmesan
For a final touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the rolls. This optional step adds a savory crust that complements the bun beautifully as they bake. The cheese will melt and integrate with the garlic custard, creating a heavenly aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the buns as they bake; they should puff up and turn a lovely golden brown color, releasing an enticing aroma. When done, the Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns will look irresistible and will be fully cooked through, ready for savoring!
Make Ahead Options
These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the cream cheese filling up to 3 days in advance—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. Additionally, the rolls can be cut and dried out up to 24 hours ahead; this helps them maintain their structure when filled. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the rolls with the cream cheese mixture, dip them in the garlic custard, and bake as directed for just as delicious results. This strategy not only saves time but also means you can enjoy these delectable buns with minimal last-minute effort!
How to Store and Freeze Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
Room Temperature: Store leftover buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer preservation, refrigerate the buns in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the oven to regain their fluffiness.
Freezer: Freeze the baked buns in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen buns directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore delightful variations of these buns—each bite brings a world of flavors to your table!
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Bread Swap: Use brioche sliders or homemade buns for a richer bread experience. This change can make each bite even more indulgent.
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Cheese Exploration: Experiment with fillings like cheddar or goat cheese. Each cheese brings its unique characteristics, enhancing the flavor profile.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for a fiery twist. This delightful kick will surprise your taste buds!
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Sweet Twist: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or sweet peppers into the cream cheese filling for a burst of color and unexpected flavor.
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Savory Herb Blend: Infuse the custard with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch. Fresh herbs can add a beautiful depth to the garlic flavor.
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Garlic Lovers Bonus: Mix extra minced garlic into the custard for heightened garlicky goodness. For garlic enthusiasts, this is an absolute must-try!
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Nutty Addition: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before baking. This gives your buns a nutty aroma and a delightful crunch.
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Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free option, like cashew cream, for a lighter alternative that’s still rich and creamy.
Pair these Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns with a savory dish like Garlic Herb Roasted for a complete meal or enjoy them alongside a warm bowl of soup. Happy baking!
Expert Tips for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
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Drying Rolls: Allow King’s Hawaiian rolls to dry out for at least 2 hours. This helps ensure they maintain structure and avoid sogginess when filled.
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Cutting Technique: Use a serrated knife with gentle sawing motions. This prevents squishing the rolls, allowing for better filling and custard absorption.
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Flavorful Filling: For a more intense garlic flavor, mix minced garlic directly into the cream cheese filling. This adds depth and complexity to your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns.
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Custard Dipping Time: Be careful not to soak the rolls in the custard mixture too long. A quick dip is all you need to prevent the buns from becoming overly soggy.
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Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to swap out the cream cheese for other creamy options like mascarpone or goat cheese. This can make your buns uniquely flavorful!
What to Serve with Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
Imagine gathering around the table, sharing delightful bites of warmth and flavor, all elevated by the perfect pairings.
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Simple Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers balances the rich flavors of the buns, bringing a light, crisp contrast to each bite.
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Creamy Tomato Soup: Dip the buns into a velvety soup for a comforting meal that complements the garlicky richness with tangy sweetness.
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Spicy Kimchi: Adding a spicy tang, kimchi lends a fermented crunch that beautifully contrasts the creamy filling, honoring the buns’ Korean roots.
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Garlic Butter Pasta: A bowl of buttery garlic spaghetti echoes the buns’ flavors, making for a deliciously aromatic duo that celebrates all things garlic.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: The cool, refreshing taste of cucumbers dressed in vinegar and sesame oil can brighten any heaviness, enhancing the overall meal experience.
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Asian-inspired Sweet Chili Sauce: A drizzle of this sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that pairs stunningly with the creamy garlic buns.
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Iced Green Tea: The cool and refreshing tea offers a slight bitterness that cleanses the palate after each richly filled bun, balancing your meal.
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Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae: As a sweet ending, a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce makes for an indulgent contrast to the savory buns.
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Lemonade: A chilled glass of lemonade provides a zesty and refreshing finish that perfectly complements the savory garlic flavors in each bite.
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls, look for ones that are soft and have minimal dark spots. It’s best to select rolls that haven’t been overly squished or damaged to ensure they hold up well when being cut and filled.
How should I store leftover Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns?
Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have more buns than you can enjoy in that time, refrigerate them for up to a week—be sure to warm them up in the oven to restore that delightful fluffiness before serving!
Can I freeze the Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns?
Yes! To freeze them, bake the buns first, then let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until firm. Once set, transfer the buns to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
What if the cream cheese filling turns out lumpy?
No worries! If your cream cheese filling has lumps, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing it with sweetened condensed milk and salt. Use a mixer or a sturdy whisk to blend until smooth; this should help achieve that creamy texture you’re aiming for. If clumps persist, consider using a sieve or a food processor to blend it to perfection!
Are Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions?
This recipe is not gluten-free or vegan due to the use of Hawaiian rolls and cream cheese. If you or your guests have gluten or dairy allergies, consider substituting branded gluten-free buns and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The flavor might vary slightly, but it’s certainly possible to tailor these buns to accommodate dietary needs!
Irresistible Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make four shallow cuts on top of each King's Hawaiian roll.
- Combine cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and salt in a bowl and blend until smooth.
- Fill each roll with the cream cheese mixture using a piping bag.
- Whisk together unsalted butter, egg, milk, sweetened condensed milk, garlic, salt, parsley, and paprika to make the garlic custard.
- Dip each filled roll into the garlic custard quickly and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush remaining garlic from the custard on top of the buns.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the rolls if using.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
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