Of course! Cheesy Texas Toast is the ultimate comfort food – garlicky, buttery, cheesy, and gloriously crispy. It’s deceptively simple to make and far superior to the frozen kind.
Here’s a comprehensive guide, from a classic recipe to variations and pro tips.
The Classic Cheesy Texas Toast
This recipe yields 4 generous slices, perfect as a side for pasta, soup, or salad.
Ingredients:
· 4 slices thick-cut Texas Toast or Italian bread (about 1-inch thick)
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
· 2 cloves garlic, minced very fine or pressed
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· A pinch of black pepper
· 1 cup shredded cheese (a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack is classic)
· 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toast the Bread (First Stage): Preheat your oven broiler on high, or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Broil or bake for 1-2 minutes per side, just until lightly golden and dry to the touch. This prevents a soggy center.
- Butter and Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the top of each slice of toast. Make sure to get all the way to the edges.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend evenly over the buttered bread. For extra decadence, top with the grated Parmesan.
- Melt and Bubble: Return the baking sheet to the oven.
· If broiling: Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching VERY closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden spots.
· If baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes, until the cheese is perfectly melted. - Serve Immediately: Let cool for a minute before serving. It’s best hot and crispy!
Why This Recipe Works & Pro Tips
· The Bread is Key: True “Texas Toast” is key. It’s a thick-sliced white bread that holds up to the butter and cheese without getting mushy. If you can’t find it, a good, sturdy Italian or French bread loaf cut into 1-inch slices is the next best thing.
· Softened Butter is a Must: Softened butter is easy to mix and spread. If your butter is cold, you can gently melt it, but let it cool slightly so it doesn’t make the bread greasy.
· Don’t Skip the Pre-Toast: This crucial step ensures your toast stays crispy on the bottom and doesn’t turn into a soggy mess.
· Watch it Like a Hawk Under the Broiler: The broiler works fast and can burn the cheese in seconds. Never walk away once it’s under the heat.
Flavor Variations to Try
The basic recipe is a perfect canvas for creativity.
· Three-Cheese Garlic Toast: Use a blend of Mozzarella, Provolone, and Asiago.
· Pizza Toast: Add a thin layer of pizza sauce under the cheese and top with mini pepperoni slices before baking.
· Herb & Parmesan: Add 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning and an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to the garlic butter.
· Spicy Jalapeño Popper: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped pickled jalapeños and 1 tbsp of real bacon bits into the cheese topping.
· “Everything Bagel” Toast: Add 1-2 teaspoons of “Everything Bagel” seasoning to the garlic butter.
Air Fryer Cheesy Texas Toast
The air fryer makes incredibly quick and crispy toast.
- Prepare the garlic butter and cheese as directed.
- Place the bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches.
- Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 3-4 minutes, until the first side is lightly toasted.
- Flip the slices over. Spread with the garlic butter and top with cheese.
- Air fry for another 2-4 minutes at 320°F (160°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What to Serve With Cheesy Texas Toast
It’s the ultimate sidekick for so many dishes:
· Pasta: Spaghetti, Lasagna, Baked Ziti
· Soups & Stews: Tomato Soup, Chili, Minestrone
· Salads: As a crouton substitute on a Caesar salad, or alongside a hearty Chef’s salad.
· Grilled Meats: Steak, Chicken, or Pork Chops.
· As an Appetizer: Cut into strips and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade, gloriously cheesy creation