Texas Toast with Cheese: The Ultimate Buttery, Cheesy, Garlicky Comfort Food

There are some foods that don’t need complicated introductions. Texas toast with cheese is one of them. Just the name alone conjures up images of thick, buttery slices of bread, toasted to golden perfection, blanketed with melted, gooey cheese. It’s the kind of side dish that often steals the show from the main course, the kind of indulgence that makes you forget about calories and just savor every single bite.

I grew up eating Texas toast as a kid, usually alongside spaghetti or grilled meats at family gatherings. But it wasn’t until I discovered the magic of adding cheese—and lots of it—that this humble side dish transformed into something truly legendary. The combination of crispy, buttery bread and stretchy, melted cheese is irresistible in a way that defies description.

Over the years, I’ve perfected my method for the ultimate Texas toast with cheese. It’s simple enough for a weeknight side dish but impressive enough for company. It’s customizable with different cheeses and add-ins. And it’s guaranteed to disappear faster than anything else on the table.

Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about making the perfect Texas toast with cheese, along with all the tips, tricks, and variations I’ve discovered along the way.

What Exactly Is Texas Toast?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Texas toast special. Unlike regular sliced bread, Texas toast is cut thicker—typically about ¾ to 1 inch thick. This extra thickness creates the perfect canvas for butter and garlic, allowing the outside to get gloriously crispy while the inside stays soft and pillowy.

The origins of Texas toast trace back to the 1940s in Beaumont, Texas, where a restaurant owner named Kirby’s Pig Stand supposedly created it. The story goes that a regular customer brought in a loaf of thick-sliced bread and asked for it to be toasted with butter. The result was so popular that it became a menu staple and eventually spread across the country.

Today, Texas toast is beloved for its ability to hold up to generous amounts of butter and toppings without getting soggy. And when you add cheese to the equation? Pure magic.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Toast with Cheese

Incredibly simple. A few basic ingredients, minimal prep, and you’re minutes away from cheesy, buttery perfection.

Perfectly crispy and gooey. The contrast between the crispy, golden edges and the soft, cheesy center is absolutely irresistible.

Customizable. Use any cheese you love, add herbs or spices, make it your own.

Versatile. Serve it alongside pasta, soup, salad, grilled meats, or enjoy it on its own as the ultimate snack.

Crowd-pleasing. I’ve never met anyone who could resist warm, cheesy, garlicky bread.

Quick. From start to finish in under 15 minutes.

Budget-friendly. Bread, butter, cheese—simple ingredients, maximum flavor.

Kid-approved. My kids beg for this. It’s the ultimate after-school treat.

The Complete Ingredient Breakdown

The Bread:

1 loaf Texas toast-style bread or thick-sliced bread

If you can find pre-sliced Texas toast in the bakery section, grab it. Otherwise, buy a loaf of French bread, Italian bread, or sourdough and slice it yourself into ¾ to 1-inch thick slices.

Best bread choices:

· Texas toast (store-bought): Convenient and perfectly sliced
· French bread: Crispy crust, soft interior
· Italian bread: Similar to French, slightly softer
· Sourdough: Tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and cheese
· Homemade white bread: The ultimate indulgence

The Butter Mixture:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Real butter is non-negotiable here. It provides rich flavor and helps create that perfect golden crust. Salted butter works too—just adjust any additional salt accordingly.

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is essential. It provides that pungent, aromatic flavor that makes garlic bread so irresistible. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is vastly superior.

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Adds color and a hint of freshness.

¼ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)

⅛ teaspoon black pepper

The Cheese:

2 cups shredded cheese

The cheese is the star, so choose wisely. You want cheeses that melt beautifully and have big flavor.

Best melting cheeses:

· Mozzarella: The queen of melt. Stretchy, gooey, and mild. Perfect for that classic cheese pull.
· Cheddar: Sharp, flavorful, and melts beautifully. Use sharp or extra sharp for maximum flavor.
· Provolone: Buttery and smooth, melts like a dream.
· Monterey Jack: Mild and exceptionally meltable. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick.
· Fontina: Nutty, buttery, and incredibly creamy when melted.
· Gruyère: For an elevated, sophisticated version. Melts smoothly with wonderful flavor.
· Asiago: Sharp and nutty, wonderful combined with milder cheeses.

For the perfect blend: Combine 1½ cups mozzarella (for meltability) with ½ cup sharp cheddar (for flavor). This is my go-to combination.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Oven Method)

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine:

· ½ cup softened butter
· 3-4 cloves minced garlic
· 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (if using)
· ¼ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
· ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Mix until well combined. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Butter the Bread

Place your bread slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Spread the garlic butter generously on each slice, making sure to cover the entire surface edge to edge. Don’t be shy—this is what makes it delicious.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each buttered slice. Use as much or as little as you like—I use about ¼ cup per slice for generously cheesy toast.

Make sure the cheese covers the bread completely, reaching the edges. This creates a beautiful, melted cheese crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crispy, the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the bottom is toasted.

For extra browning on top, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the toast cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all slide off.

Serve warm and watch it disappear.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Skillet Method)

For stovetop preparation:

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 2: Butter the Bread

Spread the garlic butter on both sides of each bread slice for extra crispy results.

Step 3: Toast One Side

Place the bread slices in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Flip and Add Cheese

Flip the bread and immediately sprinkle cheese generously over the toasted side. Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes to help the cheese melt.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from skillet and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Air Fryer Method)

For extra crispy results:

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Butter and Cheese

Spread garlic butter on each slice and top with cheese as directed.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Serve immediately.

The Science Behind Perfect Texas Toast

Why thick bread matters: Thicker slices provide the perfect ratio of crispy exterior to soft interior. Thin bread would become overly crisp or burn before the cheese melts.

Fresh garlic vs. powder: Fresh garlic provides aromatic compounds that garlic powder can’t match. The heat of the oven mellows the garlic slightly while keeping its essential character.

Cheese meltability: Cheeses with good moisture content and the right protein structure melt smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting—shred your own for best results.

Butter coverage: Butter that reaches the edges creates crispy, golden corners that are the best part. Don’t leave any bread unbuttered.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My Cheese Isn’t Melting Smoothly

Either your cheese isn’t a good melting cheese, or it was pre-shredded with anti-caking agents. Shred your own from a block for best results.

The Bread Burned Before the Cheese Melted

Your oven temperature may be too high, or the bread was too close to the heat source. Reduce to 375°F next time, or move the rack to the center position.

The Bottom Is Soggy

The butter may not have penetrated, or the bread wasn’t toasted enough on the bottom. Next time, make sure butter reaches the edges and consider using the skillet method for guaranteed crispiness.

The Garlic Tastes Too Strong

Raw garlic can be potent. For a mellower garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves first, or use roasted garlic paste.

My Cheese Slide Off

Let the toast cool for a minute or two after baking. This allows the cheese to set slightly and adhere better to the bread.

The Bread Is Too Dry

You may have overbaked, or your bread was too thin. Use thick slices and check for doneness at the minimum baking time.

Delicious Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations.

Four-Cheese Texas Toast

Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan. The combination is incredible.

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Toast

Add sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese and use pepper jack instead of mozzarella. Finish with a drizzle of ranch.

Bacon Cheddar Toast

Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the cheese before baking. Because everything is better with bacon.

Pesto and Mozzarella Toast

Spread a thin layer of pesto under the cheese. The basil flavor is wonderful.

Mediterranean Toast

Top with feta, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano. Serve with marinara for dipping.

Breakfast Texas Toast

Use cheddar, add a fried egg on top, and serve with crispy bacon. Ultimate breakfast sandwich.

Pizza Toast

Add pepperoni slices under the mozzarella and serve with marinara for dipping.

Herb and Cheese Toast

Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives to the butter mixture. The herbs elevate the flavor beautifully.

Truffle Cheese Toast

Use truffle butter and fontina cheese for an incredibly luxurious version.

What to Serve With Texas Toast with Cheese

Pasta dishes: The classic pairing. Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta with red sauce.

Soups: Perfect for dipping into tomato soup, broccoli cheddar, or French onion soup.

Salads: Alongside a hearty Caesar or garden salad.

Grilled meats: The perfect side for steak, chicken, or burgers.

Chili: Dip into a bowl of hearty chili for the ultimate comfort meal.

Breakfast: Serve alongside eggs and bacon for an indulgent breakfast.

On its own: Honestly, this toast needs nothing. It’s perfect all by itself.

Storage and Reheating

Room temperature: Texas toast is best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy. The microwave will make it soggy—avoid if possible.

Freezer: You can freeze unbaked, buttered bread with cheese. Arrange on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.

Make-ahead for parties: Prepare the garlic butter ahead and store in the refrigerator. Slice the bread and have cheese shredded. Assemble just before baking.

The History of Texas Toast

Texas toast has humble beginnings, but its impact on American cuisine is undeniable. Created in the 1940s at Kirby’s Pig Stand in Beaumont, Texas, it was originally a solution to a customer’s request for extra-thick, buttery toast. The restaurant owner, Kirby, sliced bread extra thick, buttered it generously, and grilled it until golden.

The dish became so popular that it spread to other Pig Stand locations and eventually to restaurants across the country. Today, you can find Texas toast in freezers, bakeries, and on menus everywhere—a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-executed comfort food.

Adding cheese to Texas toast is a natural evolution. Cheese and bread have been best friends for centuries, and combining them with garlic butter creates something truly transcendent. It’s the kind of food that never goes out of style, never stops satisfying, and never fails to bring people together.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Permanent Place in Your Kitchen

This Texas Toast with Cheese represents everything I want in a side dish. It’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. It’s impressive enough for company. It’s customizable enough to never get boring. And it’s genuinely, consistently, undeniably delicious.

I’ve made this toast for pasta nights and soup nights, for barbecues and holiday dinners, for no reason at all except that everyone loves it. Every single time, it’s the first thing to disappear from the table. Every single time, someone asks for the recipe.

There’s something about that combination of crispy, buttery bread and melted, gooey cheese that hits every pleasure center in the brain. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and impossible to resist.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s reliable, versatile, and always welcome at the table. It turns a few simple ingredients into something that feels special.

And now it can be that for you too.

So slice that bread. Soften that butter. Mince that garlic. Shred that cheese. And get ready to experience the most incredible, buttery, cheesy toast you’ve ever made.

Your pasta nights will never be the same.

---

Have you made this Texas Toast with Cheese? What’s your favorite variation? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

More Recipes You Might Like