If you’re looking for the kind of appetizer that disappears before dinner even starts, this cream cheese garlic bread is the one.
Made with rich cream cheese, buttery garlic, and golden, fluffy bread, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. It’s the kind of comfort food that satisfies from the very first bite.
Whether you’re planning a cozy pasta night, hosting friends, or just want a crave-worthy snack, this cream cheese garlic bread delivers every time.
Even better? It comes together in under 30 minutes; no fuss, no fancy tools, just irresistible flavor.
Tested and perfected in home kitchens, this cream cheese garlic bread is a must-try for anyone who loves a gooey, garlicky twist on a classic.
One bite and you’ll see why so many can’t get enough of this cream cheese garlic bread recipe.
Why This Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe Stands Out
There’s garlic bread... and then there’s cream cheese garlic bread—a buttery, savory masterpiece inspired by the viral Korean street food sensation.
This isn’t just a trend. Cream cheese garlic bread takes everything you love about classic garlic bread and elevates it with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling that melts into the bread as it bakes.
The result? A golden, crispy top with a soft, tender center and delicious pockets of creamy garlic flavor in every bite. It’s indulgent, comforting, and shockingly easy to make.
Despite looking bakery-worthy, this cream cheese garlic bread comes together in minutes—no special tools, no complicated steps.
Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself, cream cheese garlic bread is the kind of recipe that turns heads and keeps people coming back for more.
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Ingredients
For the Bread Base:
- French baguette or Italian loaf
- Cream cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
For the Garlic Butter:
- Butter
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Bread options: While a baguette or Italian loaf works perfectly, you can also use dinner rolls, slider buns, or even a round sourdough loaf for a different presentation.
- Cheese alternatives: For a tangier flavor, substitute goat cheese for half the cream cheese. Dairy-free? Try a plant-based cream cheese.
- Herb variations: Substitute basil, oregano, or rosemary for the parsley depending on what you have on hand.
- Dietary needs: For a keto version, use a keto-friendly bread recipe or hollowed-out zucchini boats instead of bread.
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice your bread crosswise into 1-inch thick slices without cutting all the way through the bottom crust.
- Prepare your cream cheese filling by mixing cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Make the garlic butter by melting butter, cooking minced garlic until fragrant, then adding parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Assemble the Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
- Spread the cream cheese mixture between each bread slice, being careful not to tear the bread.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top and sides, making sure it gets between all the slices.
- Sprinkle extra parmesan on top if desired for a more golden crust.
- Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil, leaving the top exposed for browning.
Bake and Serve
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Mix the filling and garlic butter and prep the bread slices.
- Assemble the Cream Cheese Garlic Bread: Fill each bun with cheese mixture and brush with garlic butter.
- Bake and Serve: Bake until golden, let cool briefly, and serve warm.
Equipment For Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
- Bread knife: A serrated knife makes clean cuts without squishing the bread.
- Pastry brush: Silicone brushes work best for getting butter into all the nooks and crannies.
- Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet prevents butter from dripping into your oven.
- Parchment paper: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
Expert Cooking Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
- Soften cream cheese properly: For the smoothest filling, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
- Don't rush the garlic: When cooking garlic in butter, keep the heat low to infuse the butter with flavor without burning the garlic.
- Even spreading: Use a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) to pipe the cream cheese mixture into the bread slices for cleaner, more even distribution.
- Make ahead option: You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and garlic butter up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Just bring to room temperature before assembling.
Recipe Variations
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
For an authentic Korean version:
- Cut the bread into quarters before filling
- Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar into the cream cheese filling for that signature sweet-savory contrast
- Dip the entire bread into the garlic butter mixture (with 1 beaten egg added)
- Sprinkle with additional sugar before baking
Cheesy Pull-Apart Version
- Use a round loaf of sourdough or Italian bread
- Cut a grid pattern into the top, being careful not to cut through the bottom
- Fill the grid with the cream cheese mixture and butter for an impressive pull-apart centerpiece
Stuffed Garlic Knots
- Use refrigerated pizza dough, cut into strips
- Flatten each strip, add a small amount of cream cheese filling
- Roll up, tie into knots, then brush with garlic butter before baking
Storage
Fridge Storage
- Store leftover cream cheese garlic bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave which can make the bread soggy.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze before baking: Prepare the bread through assembly, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- To bake from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze after baking: Individual slices can be wrapped and frozen. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
My Grandmother’s Secret Touch
When I was a child, Sunday afternoons meant the warm scent of garlic, butter, and fresh bread swirling through my grandmother’s tiny kitchen. Her cream cheese garlic bread wasn’t just food—it was an experience. Soft, golden bread with a creamy, savory center that seemed to melt on your tongue. Everyone in the family would sneak seconds before dinner was even served.
But what made it so unforgettable was a simple, humble trick she swore by—a step she never skipped, no matter how rushed the day was.
Just before spooning in that rich cream cheese filling, she’d take her homemade garlic butter and gently brush it across the warm bread. “Not too much,” she’d whisper, “just enough to kiss it with flavor.” That thin layer would soak slightly into the crust, infusing the entire loaf with a deep, garlicky richness from the inside out.
As it baked, the aroma would fill the room with that unmistakable smell—comfort, care, and just a little bit of magic. The tops would crisp, the cream cheese would soften, and each slice tasted like home.
It’s a detail you might overlook, but trust me: this garlic butter base is the heart of truly unforgettable cream cheese garlic bread. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a memory passed down, bite by bite.
So the next time you make cream cheese garlic bread, try adding this secret touch. You’ll not only taste the difference—you’ll feel it.
FAQ
What is a Korean cream cheese garlic bun called?
Korean cream cheese garlic bread (or "Cream Cheese Garlic Bread" in Korean bakeries) is a popular street food also known as "Cream Cheese Garlic Bun" or "CCGB" for short. This trendy treat features a soft bun cut like a flower, filled with sweetened cream cheese, then dipped in a garlic-egg-butter mixture before baking until golden. It perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors in one delicious package.
How to make cream cheese garlic spread?
To make cream cheese garlic spread for your homemade cream cheese garlic bread, mix softened cream cheese with minced garlic, grated parmesan, a splash of olive oil, and fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor. Blend until smooth and creamy. This versatile spread works perfectly between bread slices or as a delicious dip for crackers and vegetables.
What kind of cheese to put on garlic bread?
The best cheeses for cream cheese garlic bread include cream cheese as the base, complemented by mozzarella for its melty, stretchy texture, and parmesan for sharp flavor depth. Other excellent options include provolone, fontina, or gruyere for complexity. For Korean-style cream cheese garlic bread, use plain cream cheese with a touch of sugar. Always choose full-fat cheese for the richest, most satisfying results.
Is cream cheese good on bread?
Cream cheese is excellent on bread, creating a rich, smooth base for both sweet and savory applications. For cream cheese garlic bread, it provides the perfect creamy texture that melts slightly when baked while holding its shape. Unlike harder cheeses that simply top the bread, cream cheese can be spread between slices, creating pockets of delicious creaminess that complement the garlic butter perfectly.
Let This Cream Cheese Garlic Bread Be the Start of Something Delicious
This cream cheese garlic bread isn’t just a side; it’s the star that steals the spotlight. The way that warm, garlicky butter seeps into every crevice of the soft bread, paired with that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese filling, creates a bite so good, it’s almost impossible to stop at one.
Whether you serve it at a cozy family dinner or bring it out as an appetizer for guests, cream cheese garlic bread has a way of turning any moment into something special. And the best part? You can make it your own. Toss in fresh herbs, try a spicier cheese blend, or even drizzle it with a touch of honey for a Korean-style twist. It’s the kind of recipe that invites creativity—and rewards it every single time.
If you loved this cream cheese garlic bread, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other feel-good favorites. For a quick and guilt-free dessert, don’t miss the Healthy Brownie in a Mug—perfect for those late-night chocolate cravings. Or, if you’re after something naturally sweet and comfortingly nostalgic, try the Moist & Delicious Date Cake Recipe. Both are simple, satisfying, and pair beautifully with your favorite warm beverage.
Have you tried making cream cheese garlic bread at home yet? I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Share your favorite variations in the comments below, and be sure to rate the recipe if it found a place in your kitchen.
Because sometimes, it’s the simplest dishes—like this cream cheese garlic bread; that bring the most joy.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Bread knife Serrated knife for clean cuts
- Pastry brush Silicone brush recommended
- Baking sheet Rimmed to catch butter drips
- Parchment paper For easy cleanup
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette or Italian loaf
- 8 oz Cream cheese Softened
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup Grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon Chopped chives or green onions
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ cup Butter Melted
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley Chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheet.
- Slice bread without cutting through the bottom.
- Combine cream cheese, cheeses, herbs, and seasonings.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic, then mix in herbs.
- Spread cream cheese mix between slices.
- Brush garlic butter over top and sides.
- Wrap in foil, bake 15 minutes.
- Remove foil, bake 5–7 more minutes.
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
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