Cheesy Texas Toast is the ultimate comfort food side dish—crispy, buttery, and loaded with gooey melted cheese. I love how it pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, soups, or even just as a quick snack. The thick-cut bread holds all the flavor and crunch I’m craving when I want something hearty and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes only minutes to prepare and delivers so much flavor. The combination of garlic butter and melted cheese on thick slices of bread is irresistible. It’s a perfect side dish that works with so many meals or can even stand on its own. I also appreciate that I can make it in the oven or even use an air fryer if I’m in a hurry. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Thick slices of Texas toast or any thick-cut white bread
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Salted butter, softened
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Garlic powder or freshly minced garlic
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Dried parsley or Italian seasoning (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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I mix the softened butter with garlic powder (or minced garlic) until smooth.
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I spread a generous layer of the garlic butter on each slice of bread.
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I sprinkle both mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over each slice.
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I place the slices on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
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For extra crispiness, I broil the toast for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
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I garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley or Italian seasoning before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 slices of Cheesy Texas Toast and takes about 15 minutes from start to finish—5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking. It’s perfect for feeding 3 to 4 people as a side dish.
Variations
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I sometimes use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick.
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For a garlic-lovers’ version, I double up on the garlic or use roasted garlic in the butter.
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When I want a more herby touch, I mix Italian seasoning or chopped fresh parsley right into the butter.
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For a gluten-free version, I simply swap the bread for a gluten-free thick-sliced loaf.
storage/reheating
To store leftovers, I let the toast cool completely and then place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. I keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the toast is hot and crispy again. I avoid using the microwave since it tends to make the toast soggy.
FAQs
How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?
I make sure to bake it on a rack or preheated tray and serve it immediately. Broiling for a minute or two at the end also helps crisp it up.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, I use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but I prefer shredding my own cheese because it melts more smoothly.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Definitely. I air fry the slices at 370°F (188°C) for about 5–6 minutes, checking frequently so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble the toast and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 12 hours. When I’m ready, I bake it fresh.
What’s the best bread for Cheesy Texas Toast?
I always go for thick-cut white bread or Texas toast-style loaves. The thicker the better—it holds the butter and cheese without getting soggy.
Conclusion
Cheesy Texas Toast is simple, quick, and outrageously satisfying. I find myself coming back to this recipe again and again because it’s just that good. Whether I serve it with dinner, enjoy it as a snack, or customize it with different toppings, it never fails to hit the spot.
PrintCheesy Texas Toast
Cheesy Texas Toast is a quick and delicious side dish featuring thick-cut bread slathered in garlic butter and topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese—perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or enjoying on its own.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 thick slices of Texas toast or thick-cut white bread
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder or minced garlic until well combined.
- Spread garlic butter generously over each slice of bread.
- Top each slice with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Arrange slices on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish with dried parsley or Italian seasoning and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use roasted garlic or double the garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Swap in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variety.
- To make gluten-free, use thick-sliced gluten-free bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
