Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Texas Toast is simple to make but packed with flavor. The rich, buttery base complements the melty, gooey cheese, creating a perfect balance of textures. It’s the kind of dish that can elevate any meal, from pasta to a casual barbecue, or even serve as a satisfying snack on its own. The best part? It’s customizable—whether you want to add garlic, herbs, or a mix of cheeses, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your taste. Plus, it’s super easy and quick to make, making it the ideal dish for a busy weeknight or casual get-together.
Ingredients
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8 slices of thick-cut Texas toast (or any thick-cut white bread)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for garlic flavor)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
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In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic (if using), oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and spreadable.
3. Assemble the Toast:
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Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each slice of Texas toast. Be generous with the butter for a rich flavor.
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Place the buttered side of the bread facing up on a baking sheet. This helps the bread get crispy while the cheese melts.
4. Add the Cheese:
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Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of each slice of toast. Feel free to mix in any other cheeses you like, such as Parmesan or provolone, for extra flavor.
5. Bake the Toast:
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Bake the cheesy Texas toast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. If you like your toast extra crispy, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes—just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.
6. Serve:
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Once baked, remove the toast from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
7. Enjoy:
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Serve your Cheesy Texas Toast alongside your favorite meal, or enjoy it on its own as a delicious snack.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings (2 slices per person)
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 12-15 minutes
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Total time: 17-20 minutes
Variations
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Garlic Bread: Add more garlic to the butter mixture for an extra garlicky kick, or add a pinch of garlic powder on top of the cheese before baking.
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Spicy Texas Toast: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a layer of sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese for a spicy version.
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Herbed Toast: Mix fresh herbs, like basil, thyme, or rosemary, into the butter mixture for added flavor.
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Cheese Lovers: Mix in a variety of cheeses such as Parmesan, provolone, or gouda for a more complex cheese profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover Cheesy Texas Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked toast for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
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Reheating: Reheat leftover Cheesy Texas Toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to get the cheese bubbling again. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may not be as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?
Yes, you can use any thick-cut bread you like. However, Texas toast is ideal because of its thickness and ability to hold the cheese and butter without getting too soggy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cheesy toast in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Can I make this with just one type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use only mozzarella for a more classic cheesy texture, or go with cheddar for a sharper taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese.
How do I make the toast extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispy toast, you can broil the toast for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Can I make this without garlic?
Yes, you can easily make this without garlic. Just skip the minced garlic in the butter mixture, and it will still be delicious with the cheese and buttery toast.
Can I use this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! You can easily double or triple the recipe to make more slices of Cheesy Texas Toast. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you’re making a larger batch.
Conclusion
Cheesy Texas Toast is a simple yet indulgent side dish that everyone will love. With its buttery, crispy toast and gooey, melted cheese, it’s the perfect complement to pasta dishes, soups, or even served as a snack on its own. It’s quick to make, easily customizable, and sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a holiday feast, this Cheesy Texas Toast is sure to be a crowd favorite!
Cheesy Texas Toast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 17-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Texas Toast is a simple yet indulgent side dish that combines thick, buttery toast with melted cheese. With crispy edges and gooey cheese, this recipe is perfect for beginners and can easily elevate any meal. Serve it alongside pasta, grilled meats, or enjoy it as a delicious snack. Customize it with your favorite cheese or seasonings for a dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Toast:
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8 slices of thick-cut Texas toast (or any thick-cut white bread)
For the Garlic Butter:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for garlic flavor)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese:
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven to ensure even baking.
-
-
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
-
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic (if using), oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
-
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Assemble the Toast:
-
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on one side of each slice of Texas toast.
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Place the buttered side of the bread facing up on a baking sheet to help it get crispy while the cheese melts.
-
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Add the Cheese:
-
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of each slice of toast. You can mix in other cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for extra flavor.
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Bake the Toast:
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
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For extra crispy toast, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes (watch it closely to prevent burning).
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Serve:
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Once baked, remove the toast from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
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Enjoy:
- Serve your Cheesy Texas Toast alongside pasta, grilled meats, or enjoy it as a snack!
Notes
For a stronger garlic flavor, add more garlic to the butter mixture or sprinkle garlic powder on top of the cheese before baking.Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese.You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme for an extra burst of flavor.
