As I walked through the bustling streets of Seoul, the irresistible aroma of fresh baked goods wafted through the air, pulling me towards a vibrant stall. Among the array of treats, the Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns caught my eye—soft, fluffy rolls filled with sweet cream cheese and coated in a savory garlic butter custard. This recipe brings that beloved street food right into your kitchen, offering a delightful blend of flavors that makes it a perfect crowd-pleaser. With quick prep and endless customization options, these mouthwatering buns are not only fun to make but a delicious twist on traditional garlic bread. Ready to indulge in this fusion of sweet and savory? Let’s get baking and transform your next meal into something truly special!
Why are Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns special?
Irresistible Combination: These buns unite sweet cream cheese with savory garlic, creating a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious rolls ready to impress at any dinner or gathering.
Customizable Options: Experiment with different fillings or toppings, like adding herbs or spicy elements, to make these buns uniquely yours!
Perfect for Sharing: They make an excellent appetizer or side dish, pairing beautifully with comfort foods such as Baked Mac Cheese or Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
Viral Sensation: Join the trend that’s taking social media by storm, and be the star of your next party with a recipe that everyone will rave about!
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns Ingredients
For the Buns
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – Soft and slightly sweet, these are the perfect base; allow to dry out at room temperature for 2 hours for best results.
- Cream Cheese – Provides that creamy, indulgent filling; substitute with mascarpone or ricotta for a fun twist.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds moisture and sweetness; reduce the amount if you prefer less sweetness.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor; using kosher or sea salt works best here.
For the Garlic Custard
- Unsalted Butter – Necessary for a rich custard; avoid using salted butter to control the saltiness level.
- Milk – Adds richness; any milk (dairy or non-dairy) can be used for this recipe.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together; omitting it may alter the texture of your custard.
- Garlic – The star flavor of the custard; fresh minced garlic is ideal for maximum flavor.
- Parsley – Offers a touch of freshness and color; feel free to substitute with green onions or chives if preferred.
- Paprika – Adds depth to the custard and a lovely hue; it’s optional, so you can omit if you like.
For the Topping
- Parmesan Cheese – This topping delivers a delicious crunch and flavor; try other cheeses like mozzarella or nutritional yeast for dairy-free options.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed, allowing your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns to bake perfectly. Using a reliable oven thermometer can help you achieve the desired temperature. While the oven heats, take a moment to gather your baking sheet lined with parchment paper, setting the stage for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Carefully cut each Hawaiian sweet roll into 8 sections using a sharp serrated knife, making sure not to separate the rolls completely. This creates a beautiful spiky look while keeping them intact for filling. Next, leave the cut rolls out to dry at room temperature for about 2 hours, as this will help them maintain their structure during the dipping process.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt using a hand mixer or food processor until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is key to your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns. Once finished, transfer the filling into a piping bag for an easy and mess-free way to fill the rolls later on.
Step 4: Fill the Rolls
Now, carefully pipe the cream cheese filling into each of the filled roll segments, ensuring that each section receives a generous portion of that delightful mixture. Depending on your preference, adjust the amount of filling as needed. You’ll want to see those rolls puff up slightly as they absorb the filling, enticing you with their deliciousness.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, egg, milk, sweetened condensed milk, minced garlic, remaining salt, chopped parsley, and paprika until all ingredients are well combined. The custard mixture should be smooth and creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the savory garlic essence that will envelop your buns.
Step 6: Dip the Rolls
Take each filled roll and briefly dip it into the garlic custard mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Let any excess custard drip off before placing the rolls on the prepared baking sheet. This step is crucial for achieving that mouthwatering garlic flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet cream cheese filling.
Step 7: Garnish the Buns
After all the rolls are on the baking sheet, use a brush to apply the leftover garlic custard over the tops of the rolls, enhancing their flavor and appearance. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of parmesan cheese on top, which will add a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor once baked. This final touch elevates your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns to culinary perfection.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and fragrant, with a crispy exterior. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent any over-browning. When they’re finished baking, let them cool briefly before serving to fully enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Make Ahead Options
These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and the garlic custard up to 24 hours in advance; simply store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can cut the Hawaiian rolls and let them dry out on the countertop for a couple of hours, ensuring they hold up beautifully during the dipping process. When you’re ready to bake, simply fill the rolls with the cream cheese mixture, dip them in the custard, and bake as instructed. This approach allows you to enjoy mouthwatering, homemade buns with minimal effort during busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
These delightful buns deserve the perfect companions to create a truly memorable meal experience.
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Creamy Mushroom Risotto: The richness of the risotto offers a comforting contrast to the flavor-packed buns, making every bite a hearty delight.
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Spicy Kimchi Salad: A refreshing side, the tangy crunch of kimchi cuts through the richness, balancing flavors beautifully while adding a kick.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: Pairing these buns with buttery, succulent shrimp enhances the savory garlic notes while infusing your meal with a touch of elegance.
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Asian Slaw: Crunchy, colorful slaw with sesame dressing provides a refreshing texture and digestively satisfying element alongside the soft, creamy buns.
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Teriyaki Chicken: Sweet and savory chicken adds a wonderful flavor harmony, uplifting the bun experience with its bold, satisfying essence.
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Sesame Noodles: Tangy, nutty noodles add a delightful chewiness that complements the soft buns, making for an enjoyable, diverse textural journey.
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Chilled Cucumber Soup: A cool soup brings a lightness that contrasts perfectly with the warm, cheesy buns, making every mouthful refreshingly delicious.
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Iced Lemon Green Tea: Serve a glass of this refreshing drink to cleanse the palate, enhancing the overall experience of your flavorful meal.
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Mango Sticky Rice: End your meal on a sweet note with this delightful dessert, where the sweet richness pairs harmoniously with the savory elements of your feast.
Expert Tips for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
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Use a Serrated Knife: A sharp serrated knife easily slices through the rolls without crushing them, maintaining their fluffy texture.
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Dry Out the Rolls: Allow the Hawaiian sweet rolls to dry at room temperature for 2 hours; this helps them hold their shape during the custard dip.
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Infuse Garlic Flavor: Let the minced garlic sit in the custard mixture for a few minutes before using; this enhances its flavor and aroma significantly.
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Watch Your Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the buns during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they reach the perfect golden brown without burning.
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Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the cream cheese filling for a unique twist on these Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns—endless possibilities await!
How to Store and Freeze Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
Room Temperature: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, allowing the flavors to develop further without losing freshness.
Fridge: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container; this helps to maintain the texture while preventing spoilage.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the filled buns wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months; defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Restore the crispy texture by reheating the buns in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes; enjoy them warm for the best taste!
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful buns to match your taste preferences!
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Flavor Twist: Mix in herbs like basil or cilantro into the cream cheese for an unexpected burst of flavor.
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Cheesy Delight: Swap out the parmesan for mozzarella or cheddar, providing a melty, gooey topping that adds to the comfort factor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of crushed red pepper or a spoonful of sriracha to the custard for a tantalizing heat.
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Sweet Option: For a sweeter twist, include a tablespoon of vanilla extract in the cream cheese filling; it makes these buns even more indulgent.
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Alternate Rolls: Instead of Hawaiian rolls, try brioche or homemade slider buns for a different texture experience.
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers in the cream cheese filling for added nutrition and color.
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Nutty Surprise: Blend in some toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts for an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft buns.
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Savory Substitution: Replace garlic with caramelized onions in the custard to create a sweet-savory flavor profile, reminiscent of a gourmet onion bread.
For those who love variety, these tweaks truly make these buns your own. Perfect as a side for comforting dishes like Broccoli Potato Cheese or as a standout appetizer at gatherings!
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns Recipe FAQs
What type of rolls should I use for the buns?
Absolutely! Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are perfect due to their soft and slightly sweet flavor, but feel free to experiment with brioche or homemade sliders for a different twist. Just ensure they’re soft enough to soak up the custard!
How should I store leftover Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns?
You can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week, ensuring the container is sealed properly to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap the filled buns tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just defrost them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I do if my buns end up too soggy?
If you find your buns soggy, it may be due to not allowing the rolls to dry enough before dipping. Next time, dry them for at least 2 hours at room temperature, and aim for a gentle dip in the custard mixture to avoid oversaturation.
Can I make these buns dairy-free?
Very! You can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free options like mascarpone or ricotta alternatives. Additionally, use non-dairy milk and a dairy-free cheese for topping, ensuring everyone can enjoy these scrumptious buns!
What should I do if I am allergic to garlic?
If you’re allergic to garlic, feel free to omit it from the custard entirely. You can add other seasonings or flavored oils, like infused olive oil, or herbs like rosemary for a delightful twist without the garlic.
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns: Comfort in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully cut each Hawaiian sweet roll into 8 sections without separating completely.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Pipe the cream cheese filling into each filled roll segment.
- Whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, sweetened condensed milk, minced garlic, salt, parsley, and paprika.
- Dip each filled roll into the garlic custard mixture and let excess drip off.
- Brush leftover garlic custard over the tops and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
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