Cheesy Texas Toast: The Irresistibly Easy Side Dish That Steals Every Meal
Let’s be honest: sometimes, the side dish is the best part of dinner. And when that side dish is Homemade Cheesy Texas Toast, it’s game over. Thick slices of buttery bread slathered with garlicky herb butter, topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan, and toasted until golden brown—this is the kind of comfort food that disappears from the table before the main dish even arrives.
Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, salad, or just making it as a late-night snack, this recipe guarantees stretchy cheese pulls and satisfied smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick – Ready in just 10 minutes under the broiler.
- Versatile – Works with pasta nights, BBQs, soups, or even as a party appetizer.
- Restaurant-Style at Home – Melty, golden cheese and buttery garlic flavor without ordering takeout.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and reheat whenever the craving hits.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet (lined with parchment or foil)
- Mixing bowl (for the garlic butter)
- Spatula or butter knife (to spread)
- Grater (for fresh Parmesan and mozzarella)
- Oven (broiler setting) or air fryer
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Spread:
- 1 loaf Texas Toast-style bread (or thick-sliced Italian/French bread)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Optional: extra parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to BROIL (high).
- Position the rack about 6–8 inches from the heating element.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until creamy and well blended.
3. Assemble the Toast
- Lay bread slices on the baking sheet.
- Spread the garlic butter generously over one side of each slice—edge to edge for maximum flavor.
4. Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Press down lightly so the cheese sticks.
5. Broil to Perfection
- Broil for 2–5 minutes (watch closely!).
- Remove when cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Pro Tips for Success
- Watch the broiler – Cheese can burn in seconds!
- Soft butter = smooth spread – No torn bread.
- Spread to the edges – Seals in flavor and prevents cheese from sliding off.
- Air Fryer Hack – Cook at 370°F for 4–6 minutes for extra crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy garlic toast pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta nights – Spaghetti & Meatballs, Alfredo, or Baked Ziti.
- Soups & Salads – Tomato Soup or Caesar Salad.
- Grilled Meats – Steak, BBQ Chicken, or Italian Sausages.
- Party Food – Cut into strips for easy finger food.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container (fridge, up to 2 days).
- Reheat in oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
- ❌ Avoid the microwave—it makes bread rubbery.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Jalapeño Toast – Add sliced jalapeños before broiling.
- Four Cheese Blend – Mix mozzarella, provolone, Asiago, and Parmesan.
- Herb Lovers’ Toast – Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary.
- Bacon Cheddar Toast – Sprinkle cooked bacon and sharp cheddar for a hearty twist.

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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to broil (high); line baking sheet.
- Mix butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and seasonings.
- Spread on bread slices, edge to edge.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan; press down.
- Broil 2–5 min until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley; serve hot.
Notes
Works in the air fryer at 370°F for 4–6 minutes.
Store leftovers up to 2 days; reheat in oven/air fryer.
Try variations like jalapeños, four cheese, or bacon cheddar.