One of my favorite items to order at Korean bakeries (such as Paris Baguette) has always been the iconic salty and sweet garlic bread. Their garlic bread is unique to traditional garlic bread with its soft, buttery, milky and extra fluffy brioche buns. Moreover, the cream cheese filling is slightly sweetened compared to store-bought garlic bread rolls. Instead of spending $5 per single garlic bread, I decided to DIY at home following this recipe I received from my auntie (an expert home baker who also happens to sell some of her baked goods to friends). My favorite part of baking at home? It allows me to customize the flavors and enjoy this trendy treat any time I crave its complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
For the bread:
- 4 large bread rolls (such as hot dog buns or similar)
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
For the filling:
- 100g cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the coating:
- 100g unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions:
Prepare the bread:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Slice each bread roll horizontally, but not all the way through, leaving them attached at the bottom.
- In a bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley (if using).
- Spread the garlic butter mixture generously inside each bread roll, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
Prepare the filling:
- In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Divide the filling equally among the bread rolls, spreading it over the garlic butter mixture.
Coat the bread:
- In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in honey and mayonnaise until well combined.
- Generously brush the buttery garlic-honey mixture over the top and sides of each bread roll.
Bake the bread:
- Place the prepared bread rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy on the outside.
Optional: Add cheese topping
- If desired, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top of each bread roll during the last few minutes of baking, until melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the Korean garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve warm and enjoy the deliciously cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Tips:
- You can adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk and sugar according to your taste.
- Experiment with different types of bread rolls or buns to find your favorite texture and flavor combination.
- Serve Korean garlic bread as a delightful snack or as a side dish with soups or salads for a complete meal experience.