Cheesy Texas Toast is the perfect side dish when you’re craving something buttery, crispy, and loaded with melted cheese. It’s quick to make and adds a deliciously garlicky, cheesy crunch to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a big bowl of pasta, a hearty soup, or just enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
The magic starts with a simple garlic butter spread that’s slathered generously on thick slices of white or French bread. After a quick toast under the broiler, the bread develops a golden, crisp edge that’s just begging to be topped with cheese. A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy goodness, while a dash of Italian seasoning gives each bite a hint of savory herbs.
Keep an eye on the broiler, as this toasty treat can go from perfectly golden to crispy very quickly! In just a few minutes, you’ll have hot, cheesy Texas toast that’s sure to disappear from the table in no time. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you want to add a little extra comfort to your dinner spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 10 minutes, making it an easy side dish or snack that everyone will love.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melty mozzarella and the classic combination of garlic and butter make every bite rich and satisfying.
- Perfect for Dipping: Serve alongside marinara sauce or your favorite pasta for the ultimate dipping experience.
- Customizable: Use different cheeses or add extra herbs to match your taste preferences.
Key Ingredient
- Bread: Thick-cut white bread or French bread works best for this recipe, as it holds up well under the broiler and absorbs the buttery garlic spread beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. Feel free to mix in a little Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Garlic Powder: If you love a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra ½ teaspoon or use freshly minced garlic.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds a nice herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with the cheese and garlic.
Instructions
Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven to the broiler setting and let it heat up.
Make the Butter Spread: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Bread: Using a pastry brush, spread the butter mixture on both sides of each bread slice. Arrange the slices on an ungreased baking sheet in a single layer.
Broil the Bread: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for about 1 minute per side, or until the bread is light golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle the top of each slice with shredded Mozzarella cheese and a dash of Italian seasoning. Return the bread to the oven and broil just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Serve the Cheesy Texas Toast warm and enjoy its crispy, garlicky goodness with your favorite pasta or as a tasty side!
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with Pasta: This cheesy Texas toast is the ultimate companion for spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce.
- Dip into Soups: Serve alongside bowls of creamy tomato soup, minestrone, or even chicken noodle soup for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Snack Attack: Cut the toast into smaller pieces for a cheesy appetizer or game-day snack.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to regain the crispy texture, or use a toaster oven to reheat.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen under the broiler until hot.
Variations
- Garlic Parmesan Texas Toast: Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan into the garlic butter mixture before spreading it on the bread for an extra cheesy and salty flavor.
- Herb Butter: Add ½ teaspoon dried basil or dried parsley to the butter mixture for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Cheese Blend: Try using a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for a richer cheese topping with a slightly sharper flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes before broiling for a spicy kick that balances the creamy cheese.
