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This super cheesy Texas toast is the go-to thing when you want an easy, warm, crowd-favorite side. You start with thick slices of white bread, slap on soft butter, and load it up with a mound of stretchy mozzarella. It all comes together in just minutes. I love making it on nights when we’re out of time or when everyone wants something over-the-top cheesy and comforting.
We’ve tried tons of cheesy bread, but this is the one my family insists on. Every time I bake it, I have to make more because people start sneaking bites before everything else is ready.
Tasty Ingredients
- Thick white bread slices: Pick up a loaf labeled Texas toast or bakery-style so the insides stay pillowy with crunchy outsides
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts into those perfect cheese strings—whole milk mozzarella is rich and gooey
- Butter, unsalted and soft: Use a good butter for golden, tasty flavor. Room temp butter melts and spreads easier
- Salt and pepper: These add pop and bring everything together Mix and taste before slathering to get it right
- Garlic powder: No chopping, just quick garlicky flavor. Make sure it smells fresh!
- Italian seasoning: A herby boost—a blend with basil and oregano gives that classic pizza shop vibe
Simple Steps to Make It
- Top with Cheese and Broil Again:
- Splash a big handful of mozzarella and some Italian herbs over one side of each toast Pop the pan back under the broiler Cheese should get bubbly and speckled with golden bits, but watch so it doesn’t burn
- Crunch Up the Bread First:
- Slip your prepped bread into the oven on broil for about a minute a side Flip each piece so both sides get the same golden crunch Keep an eye on it—browned bread turns to burnt really fast
- Butter Up the Slices:
- Coat each bread slice (don’t forget both sides!) with your butter mix. You want every inch covered for a crispy, golden outside. Lay them out flat on your baking sheet
- Whip Up Garlic Butter:
- Blend softened butter, garlic powder, pepper, and salt in a bowl. This guarantees the spread is flavorful in every bite
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Honestly, ripping apart those perfectly cheesy slices for that awesome cheese pull is the best part. It always gives me a pizza night flashback at home—except here, the bread vanishes before you even finish serving.
Keeping It Fresh
If you have leftovers, wait until they cool down, then wrap them in foil or seal in a container. Stick them in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze up to a month. To heat them back up, toss in an oven or toaster oven until the cheese is melty and the toast gets crunchy again.
Swap Options
Sourdough or wheat bread make it nuttier and rustic. You can easily swap in gluten free bread. Out of mozzarella? Cheddar, provolone, or pizza cheese blend are awesome too. Don’t be afraid to add minced fresh garlic or trade the Italian blend for just oregano or basil—mix it up.
How to Serve
Feels classic with lasagna or spaghetti right by its side. Try them dunked in hot tomato soup, or slice them into cubes for a funky cheesy crouton. Turn them into a finger food with a bowl of marinara for dipping. Crispy English peas are a fun crunchy side, too.
How It All Started
Texas toast got its start in Southern diners—folks wanted big, soft slices instead of skinny bread. Someone went wild and topped theirs with extra cheese, and it took off in Italian American homes everywhere. Now it's a must-have with casseroles, barbecue, and any cozy dinner.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I swap out garlic powder for fresh garlic?
Yep! If you want a stronger kick, mix in finely chopped fresh garlic with your butter. Just make sure it’s mixed all the way through for good flavor in every bite.
- → What bread should I grab for this?
Go for thick white bread for a soft inside and crispy outside. But hey, any sturdy slice that won't fall apart under heat will work.
- → What’s the trick to keeping the toast from burning?
Keep a close eye while it broils—it browns super quick! Put your tray on the middle rack for even crispy edges.
- → Can I try out different kinds of cheese in this?
For sure! Stick with mozzarella for that classic cheese pull or switch it up with cheddar, provolone, or an Italian mix for something new.
- → Will it still taste good if I reheat it later?
Tastes best right away, but if you’ve got leftovers, pop them in an oven or toaster oven to get that crunchy bite back. Skip the microwave for this one.