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These mouthwatering Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns mix fluffy bread with velvety cream cheese inside and a fragrant garlic butter outside. Every mouthful offers an amazing mix of crunchy and smooth textures, from the crisp outer layer to the soft middle, making an addictive snack that perfectly blends savory and sweet notes.
Key Ingredients
- Sweet dinner rolls: Soft and airy, with slight sweetness. Try King's Hawaiian rolls for their fluffy texture and gentle sweet notes.
- Cream cheese: Go for full-fat at room temp so it'll mix smoothly and give you that dreamy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings thick sweetness and creaminess to your fillings and custards, making everything extra luxurious.
- Fresh garlic: Pick tight, fragrant cloves and mince them finely for bold flavor that won't take over the whole dish.
- Quality butter: Grab unsalted so you can control the saltiness while getting that wonderful buttery richness.
- Fresh parsley: Look for vibrant green bunches and chop them small for a pop of freshness that lifts the whole dish.
- Large eggs: Let them come to room temp for better mixing, which helps make your custard smooth and well-combined.
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it fresh for better taste and melting - it adds a wonderful nutty, savory element.
- Paprika: Brings lovely color and subtle depth. Pick sweet or smoky depending on what you like.
- Fine sea salt: Works magic on both the sweet and savory parts, lifting flavors without being too harsh.
Cooking Steps
- Bread Preparation:
- Cut rolls with a sharp bread knife, keeping the bottom intact. Make even cuts for better filling. Handle them gently so they don't fall apart.
- Filling Creation:
- Whip cream cheese until it's totally smooth before adding the condensed milk. Blend carefully but completely for the right consistency. Fill your piping bag slowly to keep air bubbles out.
- Custard Development:
- Mix everything in the right order, making sure the garlic spreads evenly. Stir until it's perfectly smooth. Keep the temperature just right for an even coating.
- Final Assembly:
- Dunk buns carefully and let extra drip away. Place them with room between each for even browning. Sprinkle plenty of cheese on top for that perfect crust.
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A Korean baker friend told me to sprinkle just a tiny bit of sugar into the garlic mix - it makes the caramelization turn out amazing.
Stunning Serving Ideas
Dish up these fragrant buns while they're still warm so the cream cheese stays perfectly gooey inside. Put them on a wooden board or fancy plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley and maybe an extra drizzle of that garlic butter. They should look shiny and golden-brown outside, with tempting peeks of the creamy filling through the cuts.
Keeping Them Fresh
These buns taste best right after baking, but you can keep them good with proper storage. Let them cool completely, then put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat them again, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until they're heated all the way through. Don't use the microwave - it'll make the bread tough and the filling too hot.
Tasty Twists
Play with this Korean fusion treat while keeping what makes it special. Make a hot version by mixing Korean red pepper flakes into the garlic butter. Try a herby take with fresh basil and oregano in the custard. Some folks mix in caramelized onions with the filling, while others top it with crunchy bacon bits. For something fancy, add a touch of truffle flavor.
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These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns bring together the best of Asian and Western baking styles. The combo of soft bread, creamy filling, and aromatic garlic makes an unforgettable treat that works for breakfast, snacks, or alongside dinner. Serve them at casual get-togethers or fancy brunches, and you'll always get smiles and people asking how you made them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- They taste best warm, but you can get everything ready and just pop them in the oven right before you want to eat them.
- → Why dry out the rolls first?
- Letting the rolls sit out helps them soak up more of that tasty garlic butter mixture without turning mushy.
- → Can I use regular dinner rolls?
- You can, but sweet rolls or brioche give you that amazing sweet-savory combo that makes these buns special.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Keep them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 2 days. Warm them up gently before eating.
- → Why make multiple cuts in each roll?
- The cuts give you more space for cream cheese filling and let the garlic butter soak in better throughout the bun.