Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns Recipe

Introduction to Recipe

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are an irresistible combination of soft, fluffy bread filled with a creamy, garlicky filling and topped with savory garlic butter. These buns are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors, making them a delightful snack or appetizer for any occasion. With their light and airy dough, creamy filling, and buttery garlic topping, these buns are a fusion of delicious flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a cozy Korean bakery.

The combination of cream cheese and garlic provides a rich and indulgent experience, while the garlic butter topping adds an extra layer of flavor that is simply mouthwatering. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon treat or serving them at a party, these buns are sure to impress.

For more savory bread and bun recipes, check out Korean Bakery Recipes or Delicious Garlic Bread Recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns: Savory, Creamy & Irresistible

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 buns
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are a savory and decadent treat, featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a creamy, garlicky filling. The buns are topped with a flavorful garlic butter glaze and sprinkled with fresh parsley for an irresistible, aromatic finish. Perfect for serving at gatherings, as a snack, or alongside any meal, these buns will have everyone asking for more!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• A pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix until well combined.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.

• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Once the dough begins to come together, knead it on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

• While the dough is rising, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and set aside.

3. Shape the Buns:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and roll each into a ball.

• Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a small disc, about 3-4 inches in diameter.

• Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each dough disc. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching the seams to seal the bun.

• Place each filled dough ball seam-side down on a greased baking sheet or in a parchment-lined baking dish.

4. Let the Buns Rise:

• Cover the buns with a clean towel and let them rise for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until they have puffed up.

5. Bake the Buns:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Once the buns have risen, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the buns are golden brown.

6. Make the Garlic Butter Topping:

• While the buns are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.

7. Add the Garlic Butter Topping:

• As soon as the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush them generously with the prepared garlic butter topping while they are still warm.

8. Serve:

• Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, soft, and bursting with creamy, garlicky goodness!

Notes

Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Dough Variations: If you’d like a slightly sweeter version, you can reduce the amount of salt in the dough and add a bit more sugar.

Filling Alternatives: You can experiment with different fillings such as adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bacon to the cream cheese filling for more variation.

Garlic Butter: For extra richness, add a bit of parmesan cheese to the garlic butter mixture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean, Asian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns Recipe

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir everything together until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook to make this process easier. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the dough is rising, make the cream cheese filling. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

3. Shape the Buns

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a disc shape using your hands or a rolling pin. Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each disc, then fold the edges over and pinch to seal the filling inside. Shape each bun into a ball again, making sure the filling is completely enclosed.

4. Second Rise

Arrange the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each bun. Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up and are nearly doubled in size.

5. Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen, bake them for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to ensure they don’t overcook.

6. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping

While the buns are baking, make the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.

7. Brush the Buns with Garlic Butter

Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Be generous with the garlic butter to ensure each bun is flavorful and aromatic.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Let the buns cool slightly before serving. These buns are best served warm, fresh from the oven, so enjoy them while they’re still soft and gooey with the creamy filling.

Advanced Techniques

1. Use a Stand Mixer

If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook to knead the dough. This will save you time and effort and result in a smooth, elastic dough that is perfect for making fluffy buns.

2. Add Cheese to the Filling

For an extra cheesy twist, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the cream cheese filling. This will make the buns even more indulgent and give them an extra gooey, cheesy center.

3. Customize the Filling

You can get creative with the cream cheese filling by adding other ingredients like cooked spinach, sautéed onions, or even some crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Feel free to play around with different herbs and spices to make the filling suit your tastes.

4. Use a Baking Dish for a Different Look

Instead of baking the buns separately on a sheet, try placing them in a round baking dish, so they bake together into one large bread. This creates a tear-and-share style bread, perfect for serving at gatherings or family meals.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Storage

To store leftover buns, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, they may begin to dry out, so it’s best to eat them within a couple of days for the best texture.

2. Freezing

These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Wrap each bun in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. Reheating

To reheat frozen buns, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Dairy-Free Version

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You can also use dairy-free butter and milk to make the dough and the garlic butter topping. Many plant-based cheeses melt similarly to dairy cheese and work perfectly in this recipe.

2. Vegan Version

For a vegan option, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter. You can also substitute the egg in the dough with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). This will keep the buns light and fluffy while ensuring they are fully vegan.

3. Gluten-Free Version

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour you use is a one-to-one substitute for regular flour and contains xanthan gum to provide structure to the dough.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic in the cream cheese filling. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the fresh garlic. However, fresh garlic adds a bolder, more aromatic flavor, so we recommend using fresh garlic if possible.

Can I make the buns without the cream cheese filling?

Absolutely! If you prefer a simpler version, you can skip the cream cheese filling and just make garlic buns. Brush the dough with the garlic butter topping before baking, and enjoy a soft, garlicky bread that’s still delicious.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns offer a mouthwatering blend of soft, pillowy bread filled with creamy garlic cheese and topped with a rich garlic butter glaze. These buns are perfect for anyone who loves savory, garlicky treats with a touch of indulgence. Whether you make them for breakfast, a snack, or serve them at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to add your favorite ingredients to the filling, making each batch a unique creation. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these irresistible garlic buns fresh from the oven!