Cheesy Texas Toast

Cheesy Texas Toast – Crispy, Gooey, and Irresistible
Few things in life are as satisfying as a slice of thick, buttery Texas toast smothered in golden, melty cheese. This Cheesy Texas Toast recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty lasagna or enjoying it as a snack with marinara on the side.

Ready in under 15 minutes, this quick and easy recipe transforms a few everyday ingredients into the kind of indulgent side dish that disappears the second it hits the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Fast & fuss-free: Minimal prep, quick bake time, and no fancy tools required.

Versatile: Goes with pasta, soups, BBQ, or can be turned into mini pizza toast.

Ultra-cheesy: A perfect blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives it stretch and flavor.

Crispy edges, soft center: The signature texture of Texas toast done right.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

6 slices of Texas toast or thick-sliced Italian bread
Thick slices hold up beautifully to the heavy toppings and don’t go soggy when baked.

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Soft butter spreads more easily, helping coat each slice evenly.

2–3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
Fresh garlic offers bold, aromatic flavor — but garlic powder works great for speed and ease.

1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh preferred, or 1 tsp dried)
Adds color, freshness, and a subtle herbal kick.

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Gives you that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.

½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan
Cheddar adds sharpness, while Parmesan offers a rich, nutty edge.

Salt to taste
Just a pinch enhances the flavor of the butter and cheese.

Optional: Red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or crushed basil for extra depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the bread to crisp on the edges while the cheese melts into a bubbly golden layer.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix your softened butter with the minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. You can mash it with a fork or use a small spatula until everything is fully combined. If you want to kick up the flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or even a little grated Parmesan here.

3. Spread and Top the Bread
Lay out your slices of bread on the prepared baking sheet. Spread each slice with a generous layer of the garlic butter — be sure to coat all the way to the edges to prevent dry corners.

Then, top each slice with a heavy-handed sprinkling of mozzarella, followed by a little cheddar or Parmesan. Don’t skimp — this is the cheesy part of Cheesy Texas Toast, after all!

4. Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on the edges of the bread — they should begin to turn golden brown.

If you like a crispier, slightly charred cheese top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes. Watch it closely — broiling can go from “perfect” to “burnt” in seconds.

5. Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the toast from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle with a bit of fresh parsley or chili flakes if desired, then serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and gooey.

Tips & Variations

Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños before baking.

Go gourmet: Use fontina, Gruyère, or a smoked cheese blend for a more elevated flavor.

Pizza toast: Add a spoonful of marinara and a few pepperoni slices on top before baking.

Herb it up: Mix basil, oregano, or rosemary into the garlic butter for a herby twist.

Perfect Pairings

Cheesy Texas Toast is a versatile side that works beautifully with:

Pasta dishes: Spaghetti Bolognese, Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna

Soups: Creamy tomato, broccoli cheddar, loaded potato

BBQ and grilled meats: Ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken

Dipping: Marinara, ranch, or even garlic aioli