Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns

This hearty Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns recipe combines the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with savory garlic butter for an addictive treat that's become my weekend baking obsession. The contrast between creamy cheese filling and garlicky exterior creates a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more.

I first made these buns for a neighborhood potluck last summer and they disappeared within minutes. Now my family requests them for movie nights and Sunday brunches alike—they've become our signature comfort food.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls create the perfect base with their natural sweetness complementing the savory elements
• Cream cheese provides a rich creamy center that melts slightly when baked
• Sweetened condensed milk adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the garlic
• Fresh garlic delivers bold flavor and transforms these rolls into something extraordinary
• Parmesan cheese creates a crispy golden crust when baked

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the rolls

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and allowing your Hawaiian rolls to dry out for about 2 hours if possible. This crucial step helps them absorb the custard without becoming mushy. Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.

Create the cuts

Using a sharp serrated knife, make four cuts into each roll going about 75% down without cutting through the bottom. These cuts should divide each roll into 8 wedges while keeping everything connected at the base. Take your time with this step for the best presentation.

Make the cream cheese filling

In a mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk and a pinch of salt. Beat until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag for easy filling. The filling should be soft but not runny.

Fill the rolls

Pipe the cream cheese mixture generously into each cut of your rolls. Ensure you get filling into all the crevices for maximum flavor in every bite. Dont worry if some overflows slightly as this creates delicious crispy edges when baked.

Prepare the garlic custard

Whisk together melted butter, egg, milk, sweetened condensed milk, minced garlic, salt, parsley and paprika until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be smooth and aromatic with visible specks of herbs throughout.

Dip and coat

Carefully dip each filled roll into the garlic butter mixture, giving it just enough time to absorb some liquid without falling apart. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with a bit of space between each roll to allow for proper browning.

Add final touches

Scoop up remaining garlic pieces from your custard mixture and distribute them evenly over the tops of the rolls. Then sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a beautiful golden crust when baked.

Bake to perfection

Place the rolls in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Watch closely toward the end as they should be golden brown but not burnt. The cheese filling will be hot and slightly melted.

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My favorite part of this recipe is watching guests take their first bite. The surprise of the sweet cream cheese hidden inside the savory garlic exterior always brings smiles to the table. My daughter now helps pipe the filling as our special baking ritual together.

Make Ahead Options

These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of baking. Simply prepare everything through the dipping stage, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, add your parmesan topping, and then bake as directed. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.

Storing and Reheating

These buns are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the rolls soggy and tough. The cream cheese filling may separate slightly when reheated but will still taste delicious.

Flavor Variations

While the classic recipe is perfect as is, you can customize these buns to your taste preferences. Try adding a tablespoon of honey to the cream cheese filling for extra sweetness, or incorporate herbs like chives or dill for a different flavor profile. For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of gochujang or sriracha to the garlic butter mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses in the filling such as mascarpone for extra richness or goat cheese for tanginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these buns as part of a larger Korean inspired meal alongside bulgogi or bibimbap. They also make an excellent accompaniment to soups and stews, or as an impressive appetizer for gatherings. For a complete brunch spread, pair them with a fresh fruit salad and scrambled eggs. The sweet and savory combination works particularly well with a light salad dressed with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the buns up to the point of baking and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. The cream cheese filling can also be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for Hawaiian sweet rolls?

If Hawaiian sweet rolls aren't available, you can use brioche dinner rolls, potato rolls, or any soft dinner roll. The sweetness of Hawaiian rolls creates the signature flavor contrast, but other soft rolls will still yield delicious results.

→ How should I store leftover buns?

Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave individual buns for 15-20 seconds until heated through.

→ Can I freeze these cream cheese garlic buns?

Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. For unbaked buns, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time. For baked buns, cool completely before freezing and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

→ What's the best way to cut the rolls without cutting all the way through?

Use a sharp serrated knife and cut about 75% down into the roll. You can place chopsticks or wooden spoons alongside the roll as guides to prevent cutting all the way through. Work slowly and carefully for the best results.

→ Can I make these buns less sweet?

Yes, you can reduce the sweetness by using less sweetened condensed milk in both the filling and custard. For a more savory version, you could also add more garlic and herbs to the butter mixture and use unsweetened condensed milk.