Nothing beats the taste (and smell) of homemade Texas Toast. This recipe is just as easy and 10x better than the pre-packaged version. This side is perfect for pasta dishes, stuffed meatballs, and cozy soups.
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It's said that Texas Toast was born from an error. One day, the Pig Stand restaurant in Beaumont, Texas, ordered bread sliced too thick, and they could not toast it. Luckily they figured they could butter and grill the bread instead.
I grew up on the frozen brand of Texas Toast; we had it almost every time my mom made spaghetti. But this homemade recipe takes it to a whole new level! Made with just fresh, simple ingredients, it's super easy to make!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Loaf of Bread- I tested this recipe out with thick slices of Italian bread and pre-sliced sandwich bread (specifically Saralee's Areesano bakery bread). The pre-sliced bread worked and would be a good substitute, but the thicker sliced Italian bread had a better texture, crispy outside and fluffy inside.
Butter - If you don't have butter, margarine is a good substitute.
Garlic - This bread is garlicky; if you prefer a less strong garlic flavor, only use 3 cloves. Don't have any fresh garlic cloves? Use ¾ teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
Fresh Parsley- You can substitute the parsley for 2 tablespoons of any fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Texas Toast
Step 1: Mix together the softened butter, chopped parsley, and minced garlic (or garlic powder). Mix until smooth.* If your butter isn't softened, you can microwave it in short bursts on low power.
Step 2: Slice the Italian bread (or thick white bread) into 1-inch thick slices. You can use a serrated knife for a cleaner cut.
Step 3: Spread the garlic butter mixture on both sides of the bread slice and place on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add cheese to the top of the bread slices after flipping if you like.
Add Cheese to Your Texas Toast
If you happen to have a spare bag of cheese in your fridge, throw 1-2 tablespoons of cheese on each slice for a cheesier toast. Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian blend cheeses are great options!
Tip
- It takes about 30-45 minutes for the butter to soften, you can also melt the butter in the microwave. You get the same results, it just not as easy to add to spread onto the bread.
- Make cleanup easier with foil or parchment paper.
- You can use a serrated knife for a cleaner cut.
- Watch the bread closely during baking. Aim for a golden brown color on both sides, indicating a crispy exterior and a warm, soft center.
What to Eat With Homemade Texas Toast
Common Questions
Can I use regular sliced bread if I don't have a loaf?
Sure can! I tested this recipe with sliced bread too. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on each slice of butter. The toast won't be as fluffy as if you used a loaf of Italian bread, but it's still good!
Texas Toast
Ingredients
- 16 tablespoons salted butter softened (2 stick)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 8 cloves minced garlic or ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- Optional: ¾ Italian blend cheese or Parmesan or mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, and minced garlic (or garlic powder). Mix until smooth. *If your butter isn't softened, you can microwave it in short bursts on low power (10-15 seconds at a time), checking and stirring frequently.
- Slice the Italian bread into 1-inch thick slices.
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on both sides of each bread slice. Make sure to get all the way to the edges for even flavor distribution.
- Place the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 9 minutes, flip and bake for 9 minutes or until golden brown. * If using cheese, sprinkle on top of the bread slices in the last 9 minutes of baking.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!