Name: The BEST Cheesy Texas Toast You'll Make
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices Texas Toast or thick white bread; 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

A warm, crispy slice of Cheesy Texas Toast is the perfect companion for pasta dishes, soups, or enjoyed all on its own. This simple yet irresistible side dish combines the richness of butter, the punch of garlic, and the gooey goodness of melted cheese on thick, hearty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Texas Toast recipe is a game-changer for quick meals and entertaining alike. It takes just minutes to prepare with minimal ingredients yet delivers maximum flavor. The outside gets perfectly crisp while the inside stays soft, and the cheesy topping forms a beautiful golden crust. It’s versatile enough to complement nearly any meal, and kids and adults alike will reach for seconds. Best of all, you likely already have the ingredients in your kitchen!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Texas Toast or thick white bread serves as the foundation for this recipe. The extra thickness is key—it provides the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior. If you can’t find Texas Toast, any thick-cut bread will work, though a white bread with some substance gives the most authentic result.
Cheese transforms this from ordinary garlic bread to something special. A cheddar and mozzarella blend offers the perfect combination of flavor and meltability, but you can customize based on what you have. Sharp cheddar adds tang, while mozzarella provides that Instagram-worthy cheese pull.
Butter creates the rich base that gives the toast its irresistible flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown exterior. Unsalted butter works best so you can control the seasoning, but salted butter can be used in a pinch—just be mindful when adding any additional salt.
Garlic adds that classic aromatic punch that makes this toast so addictive. Fresh minced garlic provides the most vibrant flavor, but garlic powder (about ¼ teaspoon) can substitute when you’re in a hurry. Though optional, garlic elevates the toast from good to memorable.

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
Place bread slices on a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter and minced garlic (if using).
Brush the butter mixture evenly on both sides of each bread slice.
Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the top of each slice.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings of Cheesy Texas Toast. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to cook, for a total time of 17 minutes. Each slice contains approximately 250 calories, making it a reasonable side dish for most meals.

Variations

Herb Lover’s Texas Toast: Add 1 tablespoon of mixed fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano to the butter mixture.

Spicy Texas Toast: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne over the cheese before baking.

Italian Texas Toast: Use Italian bread, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the butter, and top with a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Bites: Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes before adding the toppings, then bake as directed for perfect appetizers.

Breakfast Texas Toast: Top with cheese and bake as directed, then add a fried egg on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Cheesy Texas Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best quality, allow the toast to cool completely before storing.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Frozen Cheesy Texas Toast will remain good for up to 1 month.

Reheating from Refrigerated: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Microwaving is possible but will result in a softer texture – use 20-30 second intervals to prevent sogginess.

Reheating from Frozen: Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until hot and crispy. No need to thaw first!

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Texas Toast ahead of time?

You can prepare the bread with butter and garlic up to a day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Add the cheese and bake just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

What’s the difference between Texas Toast and regular bread?

Texas Toast is typically twice as thick as standard sandwich bread, usually cut to a thickness of about 3/4 to 1 inch. This thickness is what gives it the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior when toasted.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich. For the closest result to the original recipe, use a stick margarine rather than a spread from a tub.

My cheese isn’t browning properly. What am I doing wrong?

If your cheese isn’t browning, try placing the toast under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on it as it can burn quickly under the direct heat.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Prepare as directed, then cook in an air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp. This method yields extra-crispy results.

Is Cheesy Texas Toast the same as garlic bread?

While similar, Cheesy Texas Toast distinguishes itself with its thickness and the addition of cheese on top. Traditional garlic bread is often made with French or Italian bread and may not include cheese.

What cheese melts best for Texas Toast?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and young cheddar melt beautifully. For the best flavor and melt combination, a blend of mozzarella with a sharper cheese like cheddar or Gruyere works wonderfully.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Be aware that plant-based cheeses have different melting properties, so you may need to adjust cooking time slightly.

What should I serve with Cheesy Texas Toast?

This versatile side pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or grilled meats. It’s particularly excellent alongside spaghetti, lasagna, chili, or a hearty tomato soup.

Why is my Texas Toast soggy in the middle?

This typically happens if the bread is too fresh or if you’ve applied too much butter. Using day-old bread or toasting the bread lightly before adding toppings can help prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

Cheesy Texas Toast is proof that the simplest recipes are often the most satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a side dish that transforms an ordinary meal into something special. The combination of crispy, buttery bread and melted cheese creates the perfect comfort food that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite pasta, using it to soak up a hearty soup, or enjoying it as a quick snack, this Cheesy Texas Toast is sure to become a regular in your cooking repertoire. Make it once, and you’ll understand why this humble bread has earned its place at dinner tables everywhere.