Let’s be honest: garlic bread is already perfect. Warm, buttery, crisp on the edges, soft in the middle—it’s the side dish that often steals the show.
But what if we made it even better?
Imagine thick slices of Texas toast, slathered with a rich, garlicky butter, then buried under a blanket of melted, gooey cheese. Baked until the edges are crisp, the cheese is bubbly and golden, and every single bite is pure, cheesy, garlicky bliss.
This isn’t just garlic bread. This is Cheesy Texas Toast—the side dish that becomes the main event.
Perfect alongside pasta, soup, salad, or just as a snack when you need something warm and wonderful.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Thick, sturdy bread – Texas toast holds up to generous toppings
✅ Perfect garlic butter base – Flavor in every bite
✅ Lots of melty cheese – Because more is more
✅ Crispy edges, soft center – The ideal texture contrast
✅ Customizable – Use your favorite cheese blend
✅ Oven-baked, not fried – Less mess, perfect results
✅ Ready in 15 minutes – Quick enough for any meal
The Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1½ teaspoons garlic powder)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toast:
1 loaf Texas toast (thick-sliced white bread, about ¾-inch thick) – about 8 slices
2 cups shredded cheese – a blend of mozzarella (for melt) and cheddar (for flavor)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: red pepper flakes, dried oregano, fresh parsley for garnish
Great Cheese Combinations:
Classic: 1½ cups mozzarella + ½ cup cheddar
Italian: 1 cup provolone + ½ cup mozzarella + ½ cup Parmesan
Spicy: 1 cup pepper jack + 1 cup cheddar
Extra Cheesy: 1 cup fontina + 1 cup mozzarella
The Method: Butter, Cheese, Bake, Devour
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine:
Softened butter
Minced garlic
Fresh parsley
Salt
Pepper
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Butter the Bread
Arrange the Texas toast slices on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Spread the garlic butter evenly over each slice, all the way to the edges.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend generously over each slice, covering the butter completely.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top.
If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or dried oregano.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots. The edges of the bread should be crisp and golden brown.
For extra browning, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven. Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley if desired. Let cool for 2-3 minutes (the cheese is lava-hot).
Serve immediately and watch them disappear.
Pro-Tips for Cheesy Toast Perfection
1. Use Real Butter
Margarine or spreads contain water and won’t create the same rich flavor or crispy edges.
2. Soften the Butter
Cold butter won’t spread evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds.
3. Fresh Garlic vs. Powder
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch (use 1½ teaspoons). Never use jarred minced garlic—it’s too wet.
4. Grate Your Own Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating your own takes 2 minutes and transforms the texture.
5. Don’t Skimp on Cheese
This is cheesy Texas toast. Be generous.
6. Watch Closely
The line between perfectly golden and burnt is thin. Start checking at 10 minutes.
Endless Variations
Bacon Cheesy Texas Toast:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon over the cheese before baking. Because bacon.
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Toast:
Use pepper jack cheese. Add sliced pickled jalapeños before baking. Drizzle with ranch after.
Italian Cheesy Toast:
Use provolone and mozzarella. Sprinkle with dried oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve with marinara for dipping.
Four-Cheese Toast:
Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan. Decadent and delicious.
Pizza Toast:
Add a thin layer of pizza sauce under the cheese. Top with pepperoni slices before baking.
Garlic Herb Cheesy Toast:
Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning to the garlic butter. Use fresh parsley and chives for garnish.
Vegan Cheesy Toast:
Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture will be different but still tasty.
What to Serve Alongside
Pasta – Spaghetti, lasagna, or any red sauce dish
Soup – Tomato, minestrone, or creamy potato
Salad – Caesar or simple green salad
Steak or chicken – The perfect side for grilled meats
On its own – As a snack, appetizer, or “I deserve this” treat
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The bread will soften.
Reheating:
Oven: 350°F for 5-7 minutes until hot and edges re-crisp.
Air fryer: 325°F for 3-4 minutes.
Toaster oven: Perfect for single slices.
Not recommended: Microwave (makes bread rubbery).
Make-Ahead:
Assemble the toast (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5 minutes to baking time.
Your Cheesy Toast Questions, Answered
Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?
Yes, but adjust baking time. Regular bread is thinner and will crisp faster. Check at 6-8 minutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Baking time may vary.
My cheese isn’t melting smoothly. What went wrong?
Either pre-shredded cheese was used (adds anti-caking agents) or the oven wasn’t hot enough. Grate your own and ensure oven is fully preheated.
Can I freeze these?
Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to baking time.
Can I add meat underneath the cheese?
Absolutely! Cooked sausage crumbles, diced ham, or pepperoni all work beautifully.
What’s the best cheese for maximum stretch?
Low-moisture mozzarella gives the best cheese pull. Combine with flavorful cheeses like cheddar or provolone.