Texas Toast

 Texas Toast Recipe: The Perfect Way to Make This Southern Favorite

Texas Toast is more than just a slice of bread—it’s a thick, buttery, garlicky treat that can elevate any meal. Known for its large slices and soft interior, this Southern classic is a popular side dish for everything from barbecue to pasta. Whether you're preparing a meal for your family or looking for an indulgent snack, Texas Toast is simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.

Here’s how to create the perfect Texas Toast, plus some variations that add an exciting twist to this traditional favorite.

What Is Texas Toast?

Texas Toast is typically made from thick slices of bread, slathered with butter and garlic, and toasted to golden perfection. Its name comes from the fact that everything in Texas tends to be larger, and this bread is no exception! While it’s most often served alongside steak, burgers, or other hearty dishes, Texas Toast can also be used for making sandwiches or as a base for French toast.

Texas Toast Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 4-6 slices

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of thick-cut white bread (approximately 1 inch thick)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to broil or preheat your stovetop griddle on medium heat.

2. Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic (or garlic powder), parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well-combined and smooth.

3. Butter the bread: Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture on both sides of each slice of bread. The thick-cut bread will soak up the butter, giving the toast a rich flavor.

4. Broil or toast:

   • Oven method: Place the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet. Broil for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
   • Griddle method: If using a stovetop griddle, cook each slice for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.

5. Optional garnish: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the toast before serving for an extra cheesy flavor.

6. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy! Texas Toast pairs beautifully with steaks, pasta, chili, or can be enjoyed as a snack on its own.

Pro Tips for the Best Texas Toast

• Bread choice: The key to good Texas Toast is the thickness of the bread. Look for pre-sliced thick-cut white bread at the grocery store, or you can slice a loaf of your favorite white or sourdough bread at home.

• Butter temperature: Make sure the butter is soft but not melted to ensure it spreads evenly on the bread. You can use salted butter if you prefer a more savory flavor, but reduce the amount of added salt.

• Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano add a burst of freshness to the toast. For a bolder flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of rosemary to the garlic butter.

• Cheese lovers: Parmesan or mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top before broiling adds a delicious, cheesy layer. For an even richer taste, use a combination of cheeses like cheddar or gouda.

Variations of Texas Toast

While the classic version is delicious on its own, you can take your Texas Toast up a notch with a few creative twists:

1. Cheesy Texas Toast:
   After buttering the bread, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella or cheddar cheese before broiling. This creates a gooey, melted top layer that pairs perfectly with pasta or pizza.

2. Texas Toast Grilled Cheese:
   Use two slices of Texas Toast for an ultra-rich grilled cheese sandwich. Fill with your favorite cheese and grill in a pan until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.

3. BBQ Texas Toast:
   Spread a thin layer of your favorite barbecue sauce on top of the garlic butter before broiling. This version adds a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for serving alongside ribs or pulled pork.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Texas Toast:
   For a sweet twist, swap the garlic butter for cinnamon sugar butter. Mix softened butter with cinnamon and sugar, then toast the bread until golden brown. It’s a great breakfast option or a tasty dessert.

5. Garlic Bread Pizza:
   Turn Texas Toast into mini garlic bread pizzas by adding pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings after toasting. Broil for a few extra minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What to Serve with Texas Toast

Texas Toast is often served as a side dish, but its versatility means it pairs well with many meals, including:

• Steak or barbecue: The thick, buttery bread complements rich, smoky flavors of grilled meats.
• Pasta dishes: Use Texas Toast instead of traditional garlic bread to soak up sauces from dishes like spaghetti or lasagna.
• Breakfast: Top with eggs, bacon, and avocado for a Texas Toast breakfast sandwich.
• Chili or soups: The toast’s crispy texture is perfect for dipping into hearty chili, tomato soup, or gumbo.

Final Thoughts

Making Texas Toast at home is quick, easy, and sure to be a hit with your family or guests. The combination of thick, toasted bread with garlicky butter is irresistible, and you can customize it with different cheeses, herbs, or toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it alongside a main course or enjoying it on its own, Texas Toast is a comforting, flavorful addition to any meal.

So grab your loaf of thick-cut bread, slather on that garlic butter, and get to toasting!