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These indulgent Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns combine the comfort of soft bread with a luxurious cream cheese filling and aromatic garlic butter coating. Each bite delivers an exciting contrast of textures and flavors, from crispy exterior to creamy center, creating an irresistible treat that bridges sweet and savory perfectly.
Essential Ingredients
- Sweet dinner rolls: Pillowy and soft, with a touch of sweetness. King's Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their light texture and slight sweetness.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for a smooth, creamy texture that blends easily.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a silky richness and sweetness to both fillings and custards, creating a luscious consistency.
- Fresh garlic: Finely minced, aromatic, and firm cloves provide a punch of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Quality butter: Unsalted butter allows for precise seasoning control while adding a rich, creamy depth.
- Fresh parsley: Choose bright green parsley, finely chopped, for a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Large eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more evenly, ensuring a smooth custard texture and proper binding in recipes.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers superior flavor and melts beautifully, adding a nutty, savory touch.
- Paprika: Provides a warm color and subtle depth of flavor. Use sweet or smoked, depending on your preference.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances both sweet and savory components, balancing flavors without being too aggressive.
Culinary Choreography
- Bread Preparation:
- Score rolls carefully with a sharp serrated knife, maintaining connected base. Create uniform cuts for even filling distribution. Handle gently to maintain structure.
- Filling Creation:
- Beat cream cheese until completely smooth before adding condensed milk. Mix thoroughly but gently to maintain proper texture. Fill piping bag carefully to avoid air pockets.
- Custard Development:
- Combine ingredients in precise order, ensuring garlic is evenly distributed. Whisk until completely smooth. Maintain proper temperature for even coating.
- Final Assembly:
- Dip buns carefully, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange with space between each for proper browning. Top generously with cheese for perfect crust formation.
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My Korean baker friend taught me to add a tiny pinch of sugar to the garlic mixture - it helps achieve perfect caramelization.
Perfect Presentation
Serve these aromatic buns while still warm, allowing the cream cheese to maintain its perfect molten state. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board or elegant serving platter, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional garlic butter drizzle if desired. The golden-brown exterior should glisten slightly, with hints of the creamy filling visible through the cuts.
Storage Solutions
While these buns are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, proper storage can maintain their quality. Store completely cooled buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the bread tough and the filling too hot.
Creative Adaptations
Transform this Korean fusion creation while maintaining its essence. Create a spicy version by adding Korean red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. Develop an herb-infused variation using fresh basil and oregano in the custard. Some bakers incorporate caramelized onions into the filling, while others add crispy bacon bits to the topping. Consider a truffle-scented version for extra luxury.
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These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns represent the perfect marriage of Asian and Western baking traditions. The combination of tender bread, creamy filling, and aromatic garlic creates an irresistible treat that works equally well for breakfast, a snack, or a dinner accompaniment. Whether served at a casual gathering or elegant brunch, these buns consistently deliver smiles and requests for the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- While best served warm, you can prepare the rolls up to assembly, then bake just before serving.
- → Why dry out the rolls first?
- Drying the rolls at room temperature helps them better absorb the garlic butter custard without becoming too soggy.
- → Can I use regular dinner rolls?
- Yes, but brioche or sweet rolls work best to achieve the signature sweet-savory balance.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- → Why make multiple cuts in each roll?
- The cuts create more surface area for the cream cheese filling and allow better absorption of the garlic butter custard.