Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Combines creamy, savory flavors with satisfying garlic aroma
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Doesn’t require advanced baking skills—simple to assemble
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Strikes a balance between soft interior and crisp exterior
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Customizable with herbs, spices, or extra cheeses
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Great as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to soup or salad
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Bread:
1 loaf soft white bread (e.g. brioche or milk bread)
unsalted butter, melted
salt
Cream Cheese Filling:
cream cheese, softened
garlic, minced
green onions, finely chopped
parsley (optional), chopped
black pepper
salt
red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping:
unsalted butter, melted
minced garlic
parsley, chopped
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
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Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, parsley (if using), black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Slice the bread: Using a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts about 1–2 inches apart, being careful not to cut all the way through the loaf—this forms pockets for the filling.
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Stuff the bread: Spread or spoon the cream cheese mixture into each slice, making sure each “pocket” is filled generously.
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Brush the outside: Mix melted butter with a little salt and brush the exterior of the loaf.
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Wrap and bake: Place the stuffed loaf on a baking sheet and wrap it loosely in aluminum foil to help it remain moist. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
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Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
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Apply garlic topping: While the bread bakes, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley for the topping. Once the loaf is done, brush this garlic butter over the hot loaf and return it to the oven for 2–3 more minutes to infuse flavor.
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Cool and serve: Let the bread rest a few minutes, then slice and enjoy while warm.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6–8 pieces
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Prep Time: ~20 minutes
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Cook Time (including finishing): ~30 minutes
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Total Time: ~1 hour
Variations
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Spicy version: Stir in jalapeño slices or sriracha into the cream cheese filling
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Cheesy variation: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the filling
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Herbed twist: Mix in dried oregano, thyme, or basil
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Protein boost: Add cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or diced ham
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Veggie addition: Finely chop bell pepper, mushrooms, or spinach and fold into the filling
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Different breads: Try sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free loaves
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Mini versions: Use slider buns or smaller rolls instead of a full loaf
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Wrap the leftover bread tightly using foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Freezing: You may freeze the unbaked stuffed loaf (wrapped well) for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
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Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat in an oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 10 minutes, until warm and slightly crisp again.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes. You can experiment with brioche, milk bread, challah, or even sandwich loaves. Softer breads with good structure work best so the filling doesn’t ooze out.
2. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. The cream cheese mixture can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator until assembly.
3. What if I don’t like strong garlic flavor?
You can reduce the amount of garlic in both the filling and topping, or omit the topping entirely. You could also substitute with a milder allium like green onion or chive.
4. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as written it contains no meat products. Be sure any butter or added ingredients (if you modify) comply with your dietary preferences.
5. Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes—use a gluten‑free bread. Ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the filling and baking process.
6. How long does the loaf stay fresh after baking?
It’s best enjoyed the same day, but leftovers stored in the fridge will stay acceptable for up to 2 days.
7. Can I add other cheeses?
Yes. Mix in mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite melty cheese into the cream cheese mixture for extra richness.
8. Should I wrap in foil the whole baking time?
Initially yes (for the first part) to retain moisture. Then you uncover to allow the top to crisp and brown.
9. When should I apply the garlic topping?
After the loaf is mostly baked and crisp. Brush on garlic butter, then return for a few minutes to meld flavors without burning.
10. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Don’t overstuff the pockets. Also, slicing but not cutting fully through helps maintain structure. Wrapping loosely in foil during early baking reduces direct heat stress.
Conclusion
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is a delightful fusion of creamy, savory, and garlicky flavors with a comforting bread base. It’s elegant enough for sharing, yet simple enough for a cozy snack. With flexibility for customization and relatively short active prep time, it’s a recipe worth trying again and again.
