Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with this incredibly easy recipe for Crispy Korean Garlic Basil Bread! This addictive snack, a popular street food in Korea, elevates the humble loaf into something truly special. The combination of garlicky, buttery goodness, fragrant basil, and perfectly crisp bread is utterly irresistible. Forget bland toast – this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, making it the perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a satisfying meal on its own.
Imagine the aroma of sizzling garlic butter mingling with the fresh scent of basil. This recipe takes just minutes to prepare and uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight snack or a fun weekend project. Ready to transform ordinary bread into an extraordinary treat? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Immersion blender
- Saucepan
- Oven
Ingredients
- Korean garlic
- Basil
- Cream cheese: 1 cup
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Lemon juice: 1-2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter
- Full cream milk: 1/2 cup
- Large egg: 1
- Parmesan cheese
- One-day-old bread
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Make the Garlic Basil Mixture
- Crush garlic using an immersion blender until fine. Add sugar, salt, unsalted butter, milk, and basil leaves. Blend until a smooth, light green mixture is achieved. Add an egg and mix well.
Step 2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat 1 cup of cream cheese until soft. Add sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well. The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted depending on the cream cheese brand.
Step 3. Assemble the Bread
- Use one-day-old bread (80-100 grams each). Avoid using freshly baked bread as it's too soft.
- Cut the bread into eight pieces. Spread the cream cheese mixture onto the bread. Top with the garlic basil mixture and parmesan cheese.
Step 4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Read more: Gochujang Korean BBQ Rice Bowl: 15-Minute Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the cream cheese mixture based on the brand's flavor.
- Adding cream to the cream cheese mixture makes it softer and more spreadable. The consistency can be adjusted to your liking.
- Use one-day-old bread for best results; freshly baked bread is too soft.
- You can use brioche or sweet dough instead of regular bread.
- The ideal bun weight is 50 grams, but traditional Korean garlic bread can be larger (80-120 grams).
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other herbs besides basil?
Absolutely! Try parsley, oregano, or even chives for a different flavor profile.
2. What kind of bread works best?
A sturdy loaf like a baguette or sourdough is ideal for achieving that crispy texture. Avoid overly soft breads.
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the garlic butter mixture for extra heat.
This Crispy Korean Garlic Basil Bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The simple yet satisfying flavors will have everyone asking for more. So grab your favorite loaf of bread and get ready to enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make treat!