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Cheesy Texas Toast
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meal, Cheesy Texas Toast is your answer. This golden, buttery bread topped with a rich layer of melted cheese is pure indulgence. Whether you serve it with pasta, steak, soup, or a simple salad, every bite offers that irresistible combination of crispy edges, soft centers, and gooey, cheesy goodness. The recipe is simple, but the flavor is unforgettable—perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Texas Toast
There’s something truly special about this classic Southern favorite. Thick slices of Texas toast are slathered in garlic butter and topped with a generous blend of cheeses that melt into a bubbling, golden crust. What makes it stand out is the contrast between the crisp outside and the pillowy inside. It’s also versatile—you can use it as a base for mini pizzas, pair it with chili, or enjoy it as a snack straight out of the oven. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make perfect Cheesy Texas Toast, you don’t need anything fancy—just simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of thick-sliced Texas toast bread (8 to 10 slices)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat
How to Make Cheesy Texas Toast
This recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to make it step by step:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This helps the bread crisp up evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. The butter should be smooth and easy to spread. This mixture will soak into the bread, giving it that signature flavor and golden crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Mixing different types of cheese creates the perfect balance of stretch, flavor, and crispness when baked. Mozzarella gives that classic gooey pull, cheddar adds depth, and Parmesan enhances the aroma with a touch of saltiness.
Step 4: Assemble the Toast
Place the slices of Texas toast on the prepared baking sheet. Spread a thick, even layer of garlic butter over each slice, covering all the corners for maximum flavor. Then, sprinkle the cheese mixture generously on top of each slice. If you’re feeling bold, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a more golden finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let the toast cool for a minute or two. The cheese will set slightly, making it easier to handle. Serve warm alongside pasta, lasagna, or barbecue dishes—or enjoy it on its own for a quick cheesy snack. Every bite is a perfect mix of buttery, crispy, and melty textures.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Texas Toast
1. Use thick bread: Authentic Texas toast is about twice as thick as regular sandwich bread. It holds up better under butter and cheese without getting soggy.
2. Don’t skip the butter: The garlic butter is what gives this toast its signature richness and helps the cheese melt evenly.
3. Mix your cheeses: Blending multiple cheeses enhances flavor and texture. You can even add Monterey Jack, provolone, or pepper jack for variety.
4. Toast both sides: For extra crunch, you can lightly toast one side of the bread before adding the toppings.
5. Customize it: Add bacon bits, chopped chives, or jalapeño slices for your own creative twist.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Texas Toast is incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect companion to classic comfort meals like spaghetti, meatloaf, or chili. For a Southern-inspired dinner, serve it with fried chicken or collard greens. You can even turn it into a meal by topping each slice with marinara sauce and pepperoni for quick mini pizzas. For breakfast, it pairs wonderfully with scrambled eggs and sausage.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving—it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Texas Toast is the definition of simple comfort food done right. It’s buttery, garlicky, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinners, parties, or casual get-togethers, this easy recipe never disappoints. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again—it’s that good.