Korean-Style Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Gather all ingredients.

In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and 1 cup of flour. Let rest for 30 minutes.

Add 2 cups of flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using an electric mixer with a dough hook, beat until the dough is smooth, elastic, and tacky (but not sticky), about 5 minutes. Adjust with more flour if needed.

Briefly knead the dough before transferring it to a lightly greased bowl.

Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours. Fold the dough with wet fingers 5 to 6 times at the 30-minute and 60-minute marks to develop gluten structure.

Transfer the dough to a work surface, press flat to release excess air, and divide into 6 equal portions using a bench scraper. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.

Place the dough balls onto a Silpat®-lined baking sheet, gently pressing down. Lightly dust with remaining flour.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool to room temperature (around 30 minutes). Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

While the rolls cool, prepare the cream cheese filling. Mix cream cheese, sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne, parsley, green onions, and heavy cream together until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, salt, parsley, and egg for the coating.

Return the cooled rolls to the lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make 6 cuts on each roll, cutting about 90% of the way through.

Dip the cut rolls into the garlic butter, ensuring the slits are well-coated. You can use your hands or a pastry brush.

Pipe or spread 1/6 of the cream cheese mixture into each roll, filling the slits. Coat each roll once more in the garlic butter mixture and top with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven until beautifully browned, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve and enjoy the delightful creation!