If you have a soft spot for all things cheesy and garlicky, then this Irresistible Texas Toast Garlic Bread for Cheese Lovers Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Thick, buttery slices of Texas toast are slathered with a heavenly mixture of creamy mayonnaise, a blend of melty cheeses, fresh garlic, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Each bite delivers that perfect crunch on the outside paired with an ooey-gooey cheesy center that’s so satisfying, you’ll find it impossible to stop at just one slice. This recipe is shining proof that garlic bread can be elevated from simple side dish to absolute star of the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend together beautifully to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component is crucial, whether it’s the richness of the butter, the sharpness of the cheese, or the fresh burst from parsley. You’ll notice how these essentials come together to build a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness on thick Texas toast.
- 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture, and Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: This blend melts beautifully and brings milky, tangy flavor—feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese mixes.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Gives a salty punch and sharp depth; vegetarian Parmesan substitutes work great too.
- 2 tablespoons Gourmet Garden Parsley: Fresh parsley brighten the flavor and color, while dried can be used in a pinch.
- 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt: Brings complexity that regular salt and a dash of garlic powder can mimic.
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor; pre-ground is okay but less vibrant.
- 1/2 cup Salted Butter: Essential for that rich, buttery base; unsalted butter works if you adjust seasoning.
- 3 tablespoons Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic Paste: Packed with garlicky punch, but fresh garlic or powder can stand in.
- 4 slices Texas Toast: Thick slices create the perfect canvas for all this cheesy garlic magic; any thick bread will do but Texas toast shines.
How to Make Irresistible Texas Toast Garlic Bread for Cheese Lovers Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven Setup
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. To get those perfectly crisp edges on your garlic bread, place a crisping rack on a baking sheet—this allows heat to circulate evenly and keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Step 2: Mixing the Cheesy Goodness
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shredded cheddar jack cheese, grated Parmesan, parsley, seasoned salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This luscious mixture is the heart of your garlic bread, delivering creamy texture and bursts of flavor. You can refrigerate it if you’re prepping ahead, keeping it fresh until ready to spread.
Step 3: Infusing the Butter with Garlic
Slowly melt the butter in a skillet over low heat, then stir in the chunky garlic paste. Let it cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the aroma of garlic fills your kitchen—a telltale sign that flavor has fully developed!
Step 4: Buttering the Texas Toast
Place your thick Texas toast slices on the prepared rack and brush each slice generously with the fragrant garlic butter. This step ensures that every bite has a rich, buttery flavor with that irresistible hint of garlic.
Step 5: Applying the Cheese Mixture
Spoon and spread the creamy cheese blend evenly over the buttered toast. Make sure to cover every inch so that cheesy goodness spreads all through your bread.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are beautifully golden and the cheese mixture bubbles with excitement. If you’re craving some extra crispiness, broil for an additional minute but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Garnishing and Final Touches
Once baked, sprinkle a little more fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Now you’re ready to serve this cheesy garlic delight!
How to Serve Irresistible Texas Toast Garlic Bread for Cheese Lovers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple but effective garnishes elevate the look and flavor. Fresh parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan right after baking brings vibrant color and an added layer of taste. For a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle a tiny bit of chili oil on top.
Side Dishes
This cheese-loaded Texas toast pairs wonderfully with tomato-based dishes like pasta marinara or a tangy minestrone soup. It also works as a decadent partner to fresh salads or roasted veggies, balancing richness with crisp, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the garlic bread sliced into strips for easy sharing, or stack them into a cozy bread basket alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Turning it into mini crostini topped with tomato bruschetta or slices of fresh avocado and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can impress guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days to keep that fresh cheesy goodness and buttery crunch intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared cheese mixture separately or the assembled but unbaked Texas toast wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. This way, you can bake fresh from frozen whenever the craving hits. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftover garlic bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to revive the crispiness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread instead of Texas toast?
Absolutely! While thick Texas toast is ideal for this recipe, you can use any thick-sliced bread like Italian bread, sourdough, or even a sturdy French baguette. Just adjust the baking time slightly for thinner or thicker slices.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap out the dairy cheeses for vegan cheese alternatives, use vegan mayonnaise, and plant-based butter to enjoy a completely vegan version of this Irresistible Texas Toast Garlic Bread for Cheese Lovers Recipe without losing any flavor.
Can I prepare the garlic butter and cheese mixture in advance?
Definitely. Both the garlic butter and cheese mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. This makes the recipe quick to assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
How can I make the garlic bread extra crispy?
Using a baking rack allows air to circulate under the bread, which helps keep the bottom crispy. Also broiling the bread for the last minute or two adds a golden, crunchy top that is irresistible.
What is the best cheese blend to use for this recipe?
Cheddar jack is a great choice for its melting qualities and flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for more stretch, gouda for smokiness, or even feta for a tangy twist. The best cheese blend is one that satisfies your taste buds!
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Texas Toast Garlic Bread for Cheese Lovers Recipe isn’t just garlic bread; it’s a celebration of buttery, cheesy, and garlicky flavors all wrapped up in one delicious slice. Whether you’re making a quick snack or an impressive appetizer, this recipe delivers on comfort and flavor every time. Try it for yourself and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite way to enjoy garlic bread!
Print
Irresistible Texas Toast Garlic Bread for Cheese Lovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this irresistible Texas Toast Garlic Bread recipe, perfect for cheese lovers seeking a quick and delicious appetizer or side. Thick slices of Texas Toast are slathered with a rich, creamy mixture of mayonnaise, cheddar jack, and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with fragrant garlic butter and fresh parsley, then baked to golden perfection with bubbling cheese on top.
Ingredients
Cheese Spread
- 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt is a great lighter substitute)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese (any cheese blend can be used)
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (vegetarian Parmesan optional)
- 2 tablespoons Gourmet Garden Parsley (dried parsley can be substituted)
- 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt (regular salt with garlic powder works)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup Salted Butter (unsalted butter with added salt is fine)
- 3 tablespoons Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic Paste (fresh minced garlic or garlic powder can be substituted)
Bread
- 4 slices Texas Toast (any thick-sliced bread can be used, but Texas Toast yields the best results)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For best results and optimal crispiness, place a crisping rack on a baking sheet to allow the heat to circulate evenly around the bread.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shredded cheddar jack cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, seasoned salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well integrated. You can refrigerate this mixture until ready to use.
- Melt Garlic Butter: In a skillet over low heat, melt the salted butter and stir in the garlic paste. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Butter the Bread: Arrange the Texas Toast slices on the prepared rack and brush each slice generously with the garlic-infused butter, ensuring even coverage.
- Apply Cheese Spread: Evenly spread the prepared cheese mixture over the buttered Texas Toast slices, making sure each piece has a good layer of the creamy topping.
- Bake the Garlic Bread: Place the baking sheet with the rack and toast in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the toast turn golden brown and the cheese topping is bubbling.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy top, broil the garlic bread for an additional 1 minute. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise for a lighter spread.
- Dried parsley works if fresh is unavailable but results in a less vibrant flavor.
- Regular salt and garlic powder can replace seasoned salt if needed.
- Fresh minced garlic can substitute for garlic paste but may brown faster during cooking.
- Any thick sliced bread can be used, but Texas Toast provides the best texture and thickness for this recipe.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a crispier cheese topping.
