Cheesy Texas Toast is the ultimate side dish that can elevate any meal with its crispy, buttery, and cheesy goodness. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple bread into a flavorful delight, perfect for pairing with pasta, soup, or enjoying as a snack. The garlic butter spread and melted cheese make each bite irresistibly satisfying, and it’s quick enough for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Texas Toast is incredibly versatile and easy to make. The crispy edges, paired with the creamy, melted cheese, make it a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty soup, a fresh salad, or your favorite pasta dish, it’s a guaranteed hit at any table. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can experiment with different cheeses or seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of thick-sliced bread (Texas toast or any sturdy white bread)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano (optional), and salt.
- Mix until the ingredients are well blended. This garlic butter mixture will serve as the base for your toast, infusing it with rich flavor.
2. Spread the Garlic Butter
- Lay the slices of bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup).
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over each slice of bread, ensuring an even layer across each piece.
3. Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each slice of bread. You can use a single cheese or a combination, such as mozzarella for gooeyness and cheddar for a sharp flavor.
- Ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed to make sure each bite is cheesy and delicious.
4. Bake the Toast
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown around the edges and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For extra crispiness, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Once the toast is golden and the cheese is bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the Cheesy Texas Toast warm alongside your favorite dishes.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Texas Toast
- Bread Choice: While Texas toast is ideal due to its thickness, any sturdy bread works well. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to support the garlic butter and cheese without getting soggy.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are great choices. Mix and match for your perfect flavor profile.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a twist, you can add toppings like chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your Cheesy Texas Toast with a bowl of hearty soup, a fresh salad, or alongside your favorite pasta dish. It’s also a great appetizer for a casual gathering.
- Make it a Snack: Enjoy it on its own as a comforting snack, perfect with a hot drink like coffee or tea.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Conclusion
This Cheesy Texas Toast is the perfect side dish for almost any meal. With its crispy texture, buttery garlic spread, and gooey cheese, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Quick to prepare and highly versatile, it’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy!