Cheesy Texas Toast Recipe

If you’re looking for a fail-proof crowd-pleaser that steals the spotlight at any dinner table, look no further than Cheesy Texas Toast. This recipe is the kind of gooey, buttery classic everyone craves—crusted golden on the outside with an irresistible, melty cheese topping. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just indulging in a cheesy comfort food moment, Cheesy Texas Toast delivers bold flavors and that “just one more slice” magic. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this beloved treat with ease and a little extra flair!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday, flavor-packed ingredients, you can make Cheesy Texas Toast that tastes like it came straight out of your favorite restaurant. Each ingredient here adds its own character, bringing crunch, creaminess, tang, or a burst of fresh herb flavor to every bite.

• 3/4 cup real mayonnaise: Gives the cheese blend a luscious, creamy texture that helps the toppings melt evenly.
• 4 cups shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: The essential cheesy backbone—melts perfectly and brings lots of bold, tangy flavor.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that signature salty nuttiness and golden brown finish.
• 1/4 cup Gourmet Garden Parsley: Infuses a fresh, aromatic pop of color and flavor in every slice.
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: Balances the flavors and gives the toast a just-right savory kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the cheesy richness.
• 1/2 cup salted butter: Your ticket to golden, perfectly crisp edges on each slice of toast.
• 1 tablespoon Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic Paste: Deepens flavor and brings that classic, powerful garlic aroma.
• 8 slices Texas Toast: Thick-cut bread is essential for holding up all that glorious cheesy topping and for the perfect hearty bite.

How to Make Cheesy Texas Toast

Step 1: Preheat and Set Up Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a sturdy baking sheet and top it with a crisping rack—this simple combo helps the heat circulate, ensuring every piece of Cheesy Texas Toast is toasted to perfection on all sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise with both shredded Cheddar Jack and Parmesan cheeses until the mixture is completely uniform and creamy. Next, add in the Gourmet Garden Parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix, then tuck it into the fridge. Chilling the mixture lets the flavors meld and makes spreading much easier in the next step.

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Butter

Set a small skillet over low heat and melt your salted butter. Stir in the Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic Paste, continuing to stir until your kitchen smells absolutely incredible—usually about 2–3 minutes. This simple infusion transforms your butter into a fragrant spread that sets the stage for ultimate toastiness.

Step 4: Prep the Texas Toast

Line up your thick slices of Texas Toast on the baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to generously coat each slice with your homemade garlic butter. It’s this foundation that gives Cheesy Texas Toast its unforgettable flavor and crisp, golden crunch.

Step 5: Top with Cheesy Mixture

Scoop a hearty helping of the chilled cheese mixture onto each slice of bread, spreading it edge to edge for maximum coverage. Each slice transforms into a gooey, cheese-laden “canvas”—don’t skimp on the topping!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Glory

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the toast bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for that magical moment when the cheese is bubbling furiously and the edges are just starting to brown. If you love an extra-crisp top, pop the tray under the broiler for a couple more minutes (just watch closely so nothing burns).

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

When your Cheesy Texas Toast is hot out of the oven, finish with a dusting of Gourmet Garden Parsley for a fresh, colorful garnish. Let it cool for a minute before serving (if you can resist!)—then get ready for the oohs and ahhs at the table.

How to Serve Cheesy Texas Toast

Garnishes

Adding the right garnish makes Cheesy Texas Toast even more inviting. A sprinkle of extra Gourmet Garden Parsley brings out the fresh flavors, while a dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds depth and visual appeal. For fun, try a drizzle of honey or hot sauce for a sweet-and-savory twist that surprises your guests.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Texas Toast is famously versatile. It’s the ultimate sidekick for hearty main dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, creamy soups, or crisp salads. It also shines alongside grilled steaks, barbecue chicken, or even a big bowl of chili—the cheesy, garlicky toast soaks up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make things even more memorable, slice each Cheesy Texas Toast piece into strips and serve them as dippers for marinara or ranch. Stack slices in a bread basket alongside an antipasto platter for family-style feasts, or pile them high to create an over-the-top grilled cheese sandwich. The possibilities are endless, and always delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with leftover Cheesy Texas Toast (lucky you!), let the slices cool completely before storing them. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for quick snacks or next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Cheesy Texas Toast for later indulgence. After baking, allow the slices to cool thoroughly, then flash-freeze on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer the frozen slices to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. That way, you’re never more than a few minutes away from cheesy, garlicky bliss!

Reheating

To reheat, arrange the slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. For frozen slices, no need to thaw—just add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time. This method ensures your Cheesy Texas Toast comes out crispy, just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses for Cheesy Texas Toast?

Absolutely! While Cheddar Jack and Parmesan are classic, you can swap in mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to use cheese that melts well and pairs nicely with garlic and herbs.

What if I don’t have a crisping rack?

No worries at all! You can bake Cheesy Texas Toast directly on a lined baking sheet—the bottom may be slightly less crisp, but it’ll still be delicious and cheesy. If you have a wire cooling rack, that’ll do in a pinch too.

Can I prepare Cheesy Texas Toast in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the toast up to the point of baking, then refrigerate the tray (covered) for up to 8 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed. It’s a fantastic option for entertaining or meal prep.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian, as long as you double-check that your Parmesan is vegetarian (some brands use animal rennet). Otherwise, all the ingredients are veggie-friendly and full of flavor.

Can I make Cheesy Texas Toast gluten free?

Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread cut thick like Texas Toast. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free bread may toast faster or slower depending on the brand.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Texas Toast recipe brings comfort, flavor, and a bit of fun to any meal. It’s a joyful, hands-on kitchen project with a payoff that’s always worth it. Give it a whirl, and you’ll see—it’ll become a regular request at your table in no time!

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