Name: Texas Toast Garlic Bread: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy It
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American / Southern
Ingredients: 1 loaf (12 slices) Texas toast bread (¾-inch thick white bread); ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, finely minced (≈ 2½ teaspoons); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color); 1 cup (100 g) shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Few side dishes can rival the rich, buttery crunch of Texas Toast Garlic Bread. Its golden, crispy edges and soft, garlicky center make it the perfect companion to countless meals. Whether paired with pasta, used as a sandwich base, or enjoyed straight from the oven, Texas toast transforms an ordinary meal into comfort food perfection. This article will show you how to make classic Texas Toast Garlic Bread and explore five irresistible ways to enjoy it—while mastering techniques for flavor, storage, and serving.

Ingredients

To create authentic Texas Toast Garlic Bread, you need high-quality ingredients in precise amounts. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 loaf (12 slices) Texas toast bread — thick-cut white bread, ¾-inch slices
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 large cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2½ teaspoons)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
1 cup (100 g) shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional for cheesy variation)

These quantities make about 12 slices of perfectly seasoned toast, enough for 4–6 servings.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Combine softened butter and olive oil in a small mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well so the flavors blend evenly. The olive oil helps the butter spread smoothly and adds depth to the taste.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the Texas toast slices in a single layer with some space between them.

Step 3: Spread the Garlic Mixture

Use a pastry brush or butter knife to evenly coat each slice of bread with the garlic butter mixture. Apply generously so each piece gets a full layer of flavor. If you want extra richness, flip the slices and coat both sides lightly.

Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)

For a cheesy garlic toast version, sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella over each slice. Use a light hand to prevent sogginess. Cheese should melt just enough to bubble and brown slightly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the tray on the middle rack. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the butter mixture melts completely.
For a crispier finish, switch to the broil setting for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. The brief cooling time helps the butter set slightly, locking in flavor.

Conservation and Storage

Short-Term Storage

If you have leftovers, store cooled slices in an airtight container or resealable bag. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Freezing

To freeze, place slices on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag. The bread keeps well for up to 3 months.
To reheat, bake frozen slices directly (no thawing needed) at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Variations: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy Texas Toast Garlic Bread

Classic Garlic and Herb
Stick to the original recipe using butter, fresh garlic, and parsley. Simple, aromatic, and ideal with pasta dishes or soups.
Cheesy Parmesan Bliss
Add a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan before baking. The melted cheese forms a golden crust, creating the ultimate comfort food side.
Spicy Jalapeño Kick
Mix 1 tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes into the garlic butter. This variation adds a mild heat that pairs well with grilled meats or Tex-Mex dishes.
Italian Bruschetta Twist
After baking, top the toast with diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze. The combination of fresh and toasty flavors makes this variation ideal for appetizers.
Garlic Bread Breakfast Sandwich
Use toasted slices as a base for scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese. The buttery garlic flavor elevates any breakfast sandwich.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Use real butter, not margarine. Butter gives a richer flavor and browns more evenly.
Balance garlic intensity. Fresh garlic burns quickly; combining it with garlic powder keeps the flavor deep but controlled.
Avoid soggy toast by not overloading butter. Even coating ensures crisp texture.
Broil carefully. One minute too long can burn garlic. Watch constantly during broiling.
Fresh herbs last. Add parsley or basil after baking for a burst of color and aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Texas Toast Garlic Bread complements many dishes:

With Pasta: Serve alongside spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna to soak up sauces.
With Soup: Pair with creamy tomato or chicken noodle soup for balance.
As an Appetizer: Slice into small triangles and serve with marinara sauce.
For Sandwiches: Use as a bun for grilled chicken, pulled pork, or meatball subs.
With Grilled Meats: Perfect with barbecue ribs, steak, or roasted vegetables.

To create a restaurant-style presentation, garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan just before serving.

Conclusion

Texas Toast Garlic Bread stands out as one of the most versatile comfort foods. It’s crisp on the outside, buttery inside, and endlessly adaptable—from a simple side dish to the foundation of creative meals. By mastering the basic recipe and experimenting with the five irresistible variations, you can turn any dinner into something unforgettable. With easy preparation, simple ingredients, and bold flavors, Texas Toast Garlic Bread proves that the best dishes often start with the simplest ideas.

Save

Texas Toast Garlic Bread: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy It

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 slices (4–6 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, buttery, and bursting with garlic flavor, this Texas Toast Garlic Bread recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food. Made with thick-cut bread and a rich garlic butter spread, it’s perfect for any meal—whether you pair it with pasta, soup, or turn it into a creative variation like cheesy, spicy, or bruschetta-style toast.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (12 slices) Texas toast bread (¾-inch thick white bread)

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

3 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, finely minced (≈ 2½ teaspoons)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

1 cup (100 g) shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Butter
Mix softened butter and olive oil in a bowl. Add minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until evenly blended.

Preheat and Prepare the Bread
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Arrange Texas toast slices in a single layer.

Spread the Garlic Mixture
Brush or spread the garlic butter over each slice. For extra flavor, lightly coat both sides.

Add Cheese (Optional)
Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top if desired.

Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. For a crunchier finish, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

Serve
Cool for 1–2 minutes before serving to let the butter set and flavors deepen.