Cheesy Texas Toast is an irresistible side dish made with thick-cut bread topped with butter, garlic, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, it’s a must-have addition to pasta dinners and comfort meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This toast is fast, simple, and outrageously good. With its buttery garlic base and bubbling cheese topping, it’s the perfect complement to soups, pastas, or even breakfast eggs. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to use up leftover bread.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Thick-sliced white bread or Texas toast
Salted butter (softened)
Garlic (minced or garlic powder)
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Cheddar cheese (optional)
Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

directions

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F.
Prepare Butter Mix: Combine softened butter with garlic. Spread generously on each slice of bread.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar on top.
Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Makes 8 slices.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add Herbs: Try oregano or Italian seasoning for a twist.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices.
Use Other Cheeses: Try provolone, fontina, or gouda.
Garlic Bread Base: Toast without cheese for a classic garlic bread.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced sandwich bread?

Yes, but Texas toast or thick-cut bread gives better results.

What kind of cheese melts best?

Mozzarella and cheddar offer the best balance of melt and flavor.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Is garlic powder okay instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, use ½ tsp garlic powder per slice as a substitute.

Can I freeze cheesy toast?

Yes, freeze unbaked slices, then bake directly from frozen.

Should I butter both sides?

Only the top is necessary, unless you want extra richness.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Butter is preferred, but olive oil works for a dairy-free option.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Broil for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.

Can I use vegan cheese?

Yes, use your preferred plant-based cheese and vegan butter.

What meals go best with it?

Serve with pasta, soup, or steak for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Texas Toast is quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. It turns simple ingredients into an irresistible side that complements nearly any main dish.

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Name: Cheesy Texas Toast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices thick-cut white bread or Texas toast; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup blends the deep flavors of caramelized onions with tender short rib beef, all simmered in a rich broth. Topped with cheesy toasted bread, it’s the perfect dish for cold days and comforting nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combining the elegance of French onion soup with the richness of beef short ribs, this dish is layered with flavor and texture. It’s a comforting, elevated version of two beloved classics.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef short ribs
Onions (thinly sliced)
Butter
Garlic
Fresh thyme
Bay leaf
Beef broth
Red wine
Salt and pepper
Baguette slices
Gruyère or Swiss cheese (grated)

directions

Brown the Short Ribs: Season and sear ribs in a Dutch oven. Remove and set aside.
Caramelize Onions: In the same pot, melt butter and cook onions slowly until deeply golden.
Deglaze: Add garlic and red wine to the pot. Simmer briefly.
Simmer: Return beef to pot with herbs and broth. Simmer for 2.5–3 hours.
Toast Bread: Bake baguette slices until crisp, then top with cheese and broil.
Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with cheesy bread.

Servings and timing

Serves 6.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Use Brisket: Brisket is a great alternative to short ribs.
Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can deepen the flavor.
Skip Wine: Substitute with extra broth if preferred.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove. Bread should be prepared fresh for best texture. Soup base freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning, cook on low for 8 hours.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or mozzarella can also be used.

Do I need to strain the broth?

Optional, but it helps remove bones and bits before serving.

Can I use boneless ribs?

Yes, but bone-in adds more depth to the broth.

Can I omit the wine?

Yes, use more beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

What bread is best for topping?

French baguette or rustic sourdough slices work best.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, it’s even better the next day.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep soup and bread separate. Store soup in the fridge or freezer.

How can I thicken the broth?

Reduce longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch.

Can I add vegetables?

Carrots or parsnips can be added for more body.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a comforting blend of robust beef and sweet onions, topped with golden, cheesy bread. Perfect for winter nights or a luxurious soup course.

Cheesy Texas Toast

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Cheesy Texas Toast is a quick and flavorful side dish made with thick slices of bread topped with buttery garlic and melted cheese. It’s crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or breakfast.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

8 slices thick-cut white bread or Texas toast
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each slice of bread.
Top each slice with shredded mozzarella and optional cheddar cheese.
Place slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.