Easy Cheesy Texas Toast Bread

This homemade Cheesy Texas Toast transforms ordinary bread into a decadent treat that perfectly balances gooey cheese with aromatic garlic butter. I've been making this indulgent side dish for years, and it consistently disappears faster than anything else on the table.

I originally created this recipe when I needed a quick side for a last minute dinner party. The combination of three cheeses with garlic butter became such a hit that friends now specifically request "that amazing garlic bread" whenever they visit.

Ingredients

• Real mayonnaise: provides a creamy base that helps the cheese melt perfectly and adds richness to every bite
• Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: delivers that classic melty stretch and familiar flavor that everyone loves
• Grated Parmesan cheese: contributes a nutty depth and slight saltiness that balances the other cheeses
• Gourmet Garden Parsley: brings fresh herbaceous notes and vibrant color
• Seasoned salt and freshly ground black pepper: enhance all the flavors without overpowering
• Salted butter: forms the foundation of the garlic spread and creates that irresistible golden exterior
• Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic Paste: offers concentrated garlic flavor without the tedious peeling and chopping
• Texas Toast: thick white bread slices that hold up beautifully to the toppings while staying soft inside and crisp outside

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating and Setup:

Preheat your oven to 350°F while positioning a crisping rack on a large baking sheet. This crucial setup allows air to circulate underneath the bread, preventing sogginess and ensuring perfect crispness on both sides. The moderate temperature allows the cheese to melt slowly while the bread toasts evenly.

Cheese Mixture Creation:

Combine mayonnaise with both shredded cheeses in a medium bowl until completely integrated. Fold in the parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper. The mayonnaise acts as both a binding agent and flavor enhancer, while creating a spreadable consistency. Refrigerate this mixture briefly to firm it up slightly for easier spreading.

Garlic Butter Preparation:

Melt butter slowly over low heat in a small skillet to prevent burning. Add garlic paste and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This slow cooking process infuses the butter with garlic flavor while tempering the harshness of raw garlic. The warm butter will also be easier to brush evenly across the bread.

Bread Preparation:

Arrange Texas toast slices evenly on the crisping rack, ensuring they don't overlap. Use a pastry brush to apply garlic butter generously across each slice, reaching all the way to the edges. The thick Texas toast can absorb more butter than regular bread, creating a more flavorful result.

Cheese Application:

Spoon the cheese mixture onto each buttered slice, using the back of the spoon to spread it evenly to the edges. Aim for an even thickness across each piece to ensure consistent melting. The cold cheese mixture will hold its shape better on the warm buttered bread.

Baking Process:

Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. The perfect Cheesy Texas Toast has golden edges, a bubbly surface, and melted cheese throughout. For extra color and texture contrast, broil for the final 1-2 minutes while watching constantly to prevent burning.

Final Garnishing:

Sprinkle additional fresh parsley over the hot toast just before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, cheesy profile.

The real game changer in this recipe is the mayonnaise. While it might sound unusual to some, it creates a silky texture that traditional butter and cheese alone cannot achieve. My grandmother first taught me this technique, explaining that professional chefs often use mayonnaise as a secret ingredient for the creamiest grilled cheese sandwiches.

Make Ahead Options

This Cheesy Texas Toast can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance for easy entertaining. Prepare the cheese mixture and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The garlic butter can be made ahead and refrigerated separately. When ready to serve, simply reheat the butter until just melted, brush on the bread, apply the cheese mixture, and bake as directed. This advance preparation actually allows the flavors to meld more deeply together.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this Cheesy Texas Toast alongside hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna where it can soak up delicious sauce. It also makes an incredible base for quick pizzas by adding a spoonful of marinara sauce and toppings before baking. For casual gatherings, cut each slice into quarters after baking to create bite sized appetizers that pair wonderfully with a robust red wine or cold beer.

Customization Ideas

While this recipe creates a classic Cheesy Texas Toast, endless variations await your creativity. Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or fold in crispy bacon bits for a smoky dimension. Substitute the cheddar jack for smoked gouda or pepper jack to create entirely new flavor profiles. The thick Texas toast can be replaced with sourdough, ciabatta, or even English muffins to suit different occasions and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread instead of Texas toast?

Yes, you can use any thickly sliced bread. However, Texas toast provides the perfect thickness and texture for the toppings.

→ What other cheese combinations can I use?

You can experiment with other cheese blends like mozzarella, Gruyere, or even a spicy pepper jack for an added kick.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter and cheese mixture in advance, refrigerate it, and assemble the toast just before baking.

→ How do I achieve a crispier texture?

For extra crispiness, broil the toast for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

→ What can I serve with Cheesy Texas Toast?

This toast pairs well with soups, salads, or pasta dishes. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a tasty appetizer or snack.