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This Texas Toast Garlic Bread is the simplest side dish and is way better than the frozen stuff. It only requires a few ingredients and is loaded with garlic, butter, and 2 kinds of cheese. Does it get any better than this combo? Make this as a side for your next pasta night and I promise you will not have any leftovers.
Who doesn’t love garlic bread? Can you even have pasta without bread? What is your favorite garlic bread/way to make it? Lots of questions today!
Garlic bread is a must at our house anytime we have pasta, which is frequently. Growing up my mom normally made homemade garlic bread, but for some reason my brother and I always wanted the frozen texas toast.
Looking back I am not sure why we liked the frozen stuff so much, because now I feel like it is subpar. But I was feeling nostalgic and decided to recreate this frozen favorite. And it is obviously way better & less processed!
This recipe is super simple. You will only need a few ingredients that you probably already have lying around. The key is just lots of butter and garlic. It is crispy on the bottom and edges, but soft and cheesy in the middle. Hope you enjoy!! xx
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Highlights
- Simple & inexpensive ingredients
- Loads of garlic & butter
- Way better than the classic frozen Texas toast
- Melty cheese on top
- Crispy golden edges & bottom
- The perfect side dish for any pasta dish
- Ready in less than 30 minutes
- Kid friendly
Ingredient Notes
- Garlic: If you do not have a garlic press, you can use garlic paste which can be found in the refrigerated produce section.
- White Bread: The key is to use thick pieces of white sandwich bread. In the south, you can find loaves that are actually called Texas toast. Unfortunately, the only store I can easily shop at up here is Whole Foods. I like the Naked Classic White from there.
- Parmesan Cheese: Omit and use an extra ounce of mozzarella, if you do not have any parmesan on hand.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
Equipment Needed
- Metal Baking Sheet. Baking the bread directly on a metal baking sheet is how you achieve a crispy brown bottom. I love these baking sheets by Nordic Ware.
- Garlic Press. The garlic press mashes the garlic into a fine paste. This consistency is better than minced for garlic bread. It also brings out more of the garlic flavor.
Instructions
Overview
- Make the butter mixture.
- Coat the bread & top with cheese.
- Bake until golden & enjoy!
Step by Step
Step 1: In a small saucepan or in the microwave, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic, salt, oregano, and parsley. Brush both sides of the bread lightly with the butter mixture.
Step 2: Spoon the remaining garlic and herbs on top of the bread.
TIP - Lightly brush the bread to be sure there is enough butter for each piece. If there is extra at the end, add more on top.
TIP - Be sure to get all of that extra garlic on the bread.
Step 3: Top the bread with the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bottom of the bread is golden brown. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.
TIP - Use tongs or a spatula to check the bottom of the toast before taking it out of the oven. Be sure it is golden brown.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Store leftover toast in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Make ahead & store in the refrigerator for 1 day. Prepare the Texas toast through step 3. Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When you are ready to bake it, remove the toast from the refrigerator and let it sit out at room temperature while the oven preheats or for about 15 minutes. Bake according to the instructions.
- Make ahead & store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Prepare the Texas toast through step 3. Bake at 375 degrees for only about 10-15 minutes or just until the cheese melts. Remove the Texas toast from the pan and let it cool completely. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pieces of toast so they are not touching. Freeze for 4 hours. Transfer frozen pieces into a large airtight container or bag. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
Expert Tips
- Use a metal pan. When the metal pan gets hot, the buttered bread that is touching it will become crispy and golden brown. Do not use a glass/ceramic dish or parchment paper/silicone mat. This prevents the bottom from crisping up.
- Use good quality cheese. I recommend buying a block or ball of mozzarella and shredding/slicing it yourself, instead of using pre-shredded cheese. It melts and tastes better. Use parmesan reggiano for the best flavor. It is a little pricey, but the best option by far. Shredded parmesan also works and is less expensive. Avoid the plastic can of powdery “cheese”.
- Use thick cut bread. Standard sandwich bread is too thin. Look for the thickest sliced white bread.
- Press the garlic. Pressing the garlic turns it into a paste. This helps it disperse evenly through the melted butter. It also prevents large chunks of garlic from being on top of the toast.
- Melt the butter. Melting the butter allows you to easily brush it on the bread.
- Spoon the extra garlic on top. Be sure to scrape the bowl for any remaining garlic and herbs and spread those on top of the bread.
- Bake until golden. Before removing the toast from the oven, be sure to check the bottoms to ensure they are golden brown.
Recipe Notes
- The cheese melts before the bread becomes crispy. The cheese will probably look completely melted after 10 or 15 minutes. I found that at this point the bread was not crispy. This is why I emphasize checking the bottoms for color to know when the toast is done.
- The bread is not overly buttery. 1 stick of butter may seem like a lot, but the bread acts as a giant sponge. If you feel like there is not enough butter add an extra 2-4 tablespoons.
Variations
- Add a spread. Spread a thin layer of pesto or marinara sauce underneath the cheese. This will add tons of flavor. Be sure not to add too much or the bread will become soggy.
- Turn them into mini pizzas. Add a layer of marinara sauce like mentioned above. Top with mini pepperonis before baking.
- Use french bread. For a more traditional garlic bread, substitute 8 slices of french bread instead.
- Use a different cheese. Try using cheddar, feta, or goat cheese to mix up the flavor.
FAQs
Texas toast is a type of garlic bread. When most people think of garlic bread, they think of an Italian or French loaf sliced and topped with garlic butter. Texas toast is a thickly sliced white sandwich bread. This is used as the base instead of Italian or French loaf.
Well it is loaded with garlic, butter, and herbs. And fat is flavor. It also gets crispy on the edges and outside and stays softer in the middle.
Yes. Texas toast is thickly sliced white bread. Most people think of the frozen Texas toast garlic bread. But you can also find loaves of bread labeled Texas toast in the bread aisle which just means it is cut thicker than traditional sandwich bread.
Related Recipes
Texas Toast Garlic Bread
Equipment:
Ingredients:
- 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, pressed*
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 8 slices thick sliced white bread*
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese
- ¾ ounce (¼ cup) parmesan cheese*
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a small saucepan or in the microwave, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic, salt, oregano, and parsley. Brush both sides of the bread lightly with the butter mixture.
- Spoon the remaining garlic and herbs on top of the bread.
- Top the bread with the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bottom of the bread is golden brown. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.
This texas toast garlic bread was so delicious! I love texas toast but it is so processed. Love this recipe!
I was making spaghetti and discovered that I didn't have my usual frozen garlic bread for my family. I came across your recipe and I had all of the ingredients on hand. This Texas toast garlic bread was so easy to make and my family love, love, loved it!! I will never use frozen garlic bread again!!
So delicious! Great recipe with such helpful tips!
Loved these toasts with garlic bread, made them for a spaghetti dinner and everyone devoured them. Great recipe.
Total comfort food! I love Texas toast and this was so yummy with spaghetti!