Homemade Easy Cheesy Texas Toast Garlic Bread (Better Than the Store-Bought Kind!)
There’s something magical about the smell of buttery garlic bread baking in the oven — it’s warm, comforting, and instantly makes your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian restaurant. And when you add melty cheese on top? Pure perfection.
This Homemade Easy Cheesy Texas Toast Garlic Bread is the ultimate side dish — golden, crisp, garlicky, and loaded with gooey cheese that stretches with every bite. Forget the frozen kind; this version is fresh, quick, and absolutely irresistible. You can make it in less than 15 minutes, and it pairs perfectly with pasta, soup, or even as a snack on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧈 Rich buttery flavor: Each slice is soaked with garlic butter that seeps into every corner.
- 🧀 Cheesy perfection: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar melts beautifully, creating that irresistible golden layer.
- 🕒 Quick and easy: Just 10 minutes in the oven — perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinner additions.
- 🍽️ Versatile: Serve it with spaghetti, lasagna, soup, or even as a standalone appetizer.
- 💰 Budget-friendly: Only pantry staples needed — no fancy ingredients!
What Is Texas Toast Garlic Bread?
Texas toast is known for its extra-thick slices of soft white bread (usually twice as thick as regular sandwich bread). It’s buttery, crisp on the outside, yet fluffy inside — a perfect base for garlic butter and melted cheese.
The recipe was born in Texas (of course!) when a bakery accidentally sliced bread too thick for the toaster — so they grilled it instead, butter and all. And the rest is delicious history.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 loaf Texas toast bread (8 thick slices)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra crisp edges)
How to Make Homemade Cheesy Texas Toast Garlic Bread
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2 – Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and parsley until smooth. You can also add a pinch of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a flavor kick.
Step 3 – Butter the Bread
Place the thick Texas toast slices on your prepared baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of the garlic butter mixture on each slice, covering it edge to edge.
Step 4 – Add the Cheese
Mix the mozzarella and cheddar together in a bowl. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over each slice. Don’t be shy — this is cheesy garlic bread, after all.
Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese is fully melted. For extra bubbly cheese, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — but watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 6 – Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let cool slightly. Slice diagonally for that classic restaurant presentation, and serve warm.
Homemade Easy Cheesy Texas Toast Garlic Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix butter, garlic, salt, and parsley in a small bowl until smooth.
- Spread garlic butter over each slice of Texas toast.
- Top evenly with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Broil 1–2 minutes for extra bubbly cheese if desired.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Chef’s Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Use real butter, not margarine. Real butter gives the richest flavor and crispiest texture.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- For extra flavor: Mix a little parmesan or cream cheese into your garlic butter.
- Crispier bottom: Brush the underside of each bread slice lightly with olive oil before baking.
- Make it spicy: Sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle a bit of hot honey before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Four-Cheese Texas Toast: Combine mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and Monterey Jack.
- Garlic Herb Butter: Add rosemary, thyme, or basil to your butter for aromatic flavor.
- Bacon Cheddar Version: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the cheese before baking.
- Ranch Twist: Add a teaspoon of ranch seasoning into the butter for a tangy kick.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and vegan mozzarella for dairy-free indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy garlic bread pairs beautifully with:
- 🍝 Classic spaghetti with meat sauce
- 🍲 Hearty tomato soup
- 🥗 Fresh Caesar salad
- 🧆 Meatballs or baked ziti
- 🧄 Or simply enjoy on its own with marinara dipping sauce!
For gatherings, cut the slices in halves or quarters for easy finger food.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.
- Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake. Freeze slices on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake straight from frozen at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why Homemade Texas Toast Is Worth It
Sure, the frozen kind is convenient — but homemade tastes so much better. You control the ingredients, adjust the garlic and cheese to your liking, and skip unnecessary preservatives. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen is unbeatable.
Once you try making Homemade Cheesy Texas Toast Garlic Bread, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version again.
Nutrition Facts (per slice)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Calcium: 18% DV
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?
Yes, but reduce the baking time by 2–3 minutes since thinner slices brown faster.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake right before serving.
Q: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes — use about ½ teaspoon garlic powder per slice for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Easy Cheesy Texas Toast Garlic Bread is everything comfort food should be — buttery, crispy, garlicky, and smothered in molten cheese. It’s quick enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. Serve it with pasta, soup, or just a smile — because no one can resist freshly baked cheesy garlic bread straight from the oven.
One bite, and you’ll know: this recipe is a keeper. ❤️🧄🧀
