Few things are as pleasing as pulling warm, golden garlic bread out of the oven, and this Pioneer Woman recipe captures it!
Start with a fresh loaf of French or Italian bread—nothing beats how the crust crisps up under the broiler.
For the spread, I mix softened butter with finely minced garlic and a sprinkle of kosher salt to enhance the flavors.
You can really customize this too! Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top for some indulgence.
Broiling it for just a few minutes at the end takes it to the next level with crispy edges that pair heavenly with soups, pasta, or just about anything!
How to Make Pioneer Woman Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French Bread
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Green Onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Butter
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Ensure the rack is set in the middle position.
Step 2:
Slice the French loaf in half lengthwise.
Then, cut each half so you have manageable pieces.
Step 3:
In a bowl, mix the cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and green onions.
Add a dash of salt to taste.
Step 4:
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant for about a minute.
Step 5:
Spread the cheese mix generously over each bread piece.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Cheese Mixture
You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
This enhances the flavors and makes the final step quicker.
Bread Choice
Using a sturdy French loaf is key.
You’ll want bread that can hold all that cheesy goodness without getting soggy.
Garlic Flavor
For a stronger garlic flavor, you can infuse the butter with additional minced garlic.
Additionally, a small amount of garlic powder can boost the taste.
Even Cooking
When baking, make sure the bread pieces are evenly spaced in the oven.
This helps them cook uniformly so that every piece is just right.
Storage
Keep leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
This keeps the bread fresh and delicious for next-day enjoyment!
What to Serve with Garlic Bread
When you’re serving garlic bread, there’s an entire world of flavors you can explore!
Classic Pairings
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless pairing with garlic bread; the rich, meaty sauce perfectly matches with the bread’s garlicky goodness.
A side of carefully toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that flavorful tomato sauce.
Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad, with its crunchy romaine, Parmesan cheese, and zesty dressing, makes a wonderful companion to garlic bread.
The balance of textures complements the bread’s crispiness beautifully.
Fresh and Light Options
Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a fresh choice, featuring juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella drizzled with balsamic.
The flavors meld nicely, and garlic bread provides the perfect complementary crunch.
Tomato Basil Soup
For something warm and inviting, try serving garlic bread with Tomato Basil Soup.
The bread’s crisp edges offer a lovely contrast to the soup’s smooth tanginess.
Unique and Delicious Combos
Garlic Shrimp
Consider pairing garlic bread with a dish of garlic shrimp. The garlic undertones in both make them sing together harmoniously.
The shrimp’s delicate texture pairs excellently with the hearty bread.
Grilled Vegetables
A side of grilled vegetables can bring an unexpected twist to your garlic bread experience.
The smoky, charred pieces add depth and create a balanced meal that is both wholesome and satisfying.
You’ll love the vibrant mix of flavors these dishes create!
Variations and Substitutions
You can use different types of cheeses based on personal preferences or availability in your area.
Different Cheeses
Try mixing in Gouda or provolone for a twist on the traditional cheddar and Monterey Jack combination.
Red Pepper
If you like a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
This will give your garlic bread an exciting bit of heat!
Whole Wheat
Another popular substitution is using a multigrain or whole wheat loaf instead of traditional French bread.
This can add a nutty flavor and provide additional health benefits with extra fiber.
Dairy-Free Choices
Consider using vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free cheeses if you want a vegan-friendly option.
These products are now more accessible and can create a satisfying garlic bread without animal products.
Fresh Herbs
For a refreshing twist, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley along with the green onions.
They can add fragrance and color, making your garlic bread visually appealing and aromatic.
Garlic Powder
If you’re out of fresh garlic, try garlic powder as a substitute; it still gives that essential garlic flavor without compromising the taste.
How to Store Leftover Garlic Bread
One simple way to store leftover garlic bread is by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil.
Keeping it well-wrapped helps to stop it from drying out!
If you plan to devour it within a day or two, leaving it at room temperature is perfectly fine.
Long-Term Storage
For longer-term storage, the freezer becomes your best buddy.
Place the garlic bread in an airtight container or a ziplock freezer bag.
This method keeps it fresh for up to three months, letting you enjoy delicious garlic bread whenever you fancy!
Prevent Sogginess
To keep your garlic bread nice and crispy, using a paper bag can be effective.
Unlike plastic, a paper bag allows moisture to escape, reducing the chance of sogginess.
Have you ever tried storing it this way?
Bread Box Storage
Using a bread box at room temperature is a great option too.
Your garlic bread will stay protected from direct sunlight and air.
This adds an extra layer of freshness, keeping it tasty and ready for your next meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Large Pieces of Garlic
You might be tempted to use big chunks of garlic, but this can lead to uneven flavors in your garlic bread.
Smaller pieces allow for a more even distribution, ensuring every bite is just right.
Overloading with Cheese
Piling on too much cheese can overpower the other flavors and make the bread greasy.
Try using a balanced amount of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan to maintain that delicious harmony.
Ignoring the Butter
It’s easy to skimp on butter, but it really ties all the ingredients together.
Make sure to use real butter and spread it generously to achieve the perfect texture and taste.

Pioneer Woman Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French Bread
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Green Onions chopped
- 1/4 cup Butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Ensure the rack is set in the middle position.
- Slice the French loaf in half lengthwise.
- Then, cut each half so you have manageable pieces.
- In a bowl, mix the cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and green onions.
- Add a dash of salt to taste.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant for about a minute.
- Spread the cheese mix generously over each bread piece.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.