Texas toast is a thick cut bread that is popularly used to make garlic bread, french toast, and for sandwiches and burgers. The name comes from the fact that it originated in Texas, where the local bakeries started making extra thick sliced bread. While many brands now make their own version of Texas toast, the original and most popular is made by the Mrs Baird’s bakery based in Texas.
What is Texas Toast?
Texas toast is distinguished from regular sliced bread by its thickness. A regular slice of bread is about 1/2 inch thick. Texas toast is usually double that at around 1 inch thick. This makes the slices large, hearty and able to hold up well as sandwich bread or for making french toast. The texture is soft and airy inside but with a crispy crust. Texas toast is made from regular bread dough, using flour, yeast, water and salt. The dough is shaped into a loaf pan and allowed to proof slightly longer than regular bread to achieve the taller rise. It’s then baked into extra thick slices.
History of Texas Toast
Texas toast was invented in the mid 1900s by the Rainbow Bakery in Brenham, Texas. The owners found that their automated bread slicers always produced a couple slices that were much thicker on the ends of the loaf. Instead of discarding them, the bakery sold these extra thick slices and they quickly became popular. The Rainbow Bakery trademarked the name “Texas Toast” in 1949.
The concept spread to other bakeries in Texas and soon Texas toast became a signature item produced across the state. Restaurants utilized Texas toast for dishes like chicken fried steak sandwiches, french toast and garlic bread. The extra thick slices stood up well to heavy toppings and dunking in egg batter. As Texas toast increased in popularity, national bread brands like Sunbeam and Wonder Bread began mass producing it to distribute around the country.
Mrs Baird’s Texas Toast
While numerous bread companies make their own version today, the original and most iconic Texas toast comes from Mrs Baird’s Bakery. Founded in 1914, Mrs Baird’s is the premier bakery brand in Texas. Based in Fort Worth, they were one of the first commercial bakeries to start producing thick cut Texas toast slices in the early 1950s after the concept originated at the Rainbow Bakery.
Mrs Baird’s Texas Toast comes in three varieties:
- Original White Texas Toast
- Whole Wheat Texas Toast
- Cinnamon Raisin Texas Toast
The original white bread recipe is made from homemade yeast dough. Each slice is cut to be about 1 inch thick giving it a soft interior and crispy crust. The whole wheat version offers a heartier fiber-filled alternative while the cinnamon raisin variety has a sweet taste.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a typical serving (1 slice around 48g) of Mrs Baird’s original White Texas Toast:
| Calories | 110 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Carbs | 21g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 4g |
As you can see, a slice of Texas toast delivers about 110 calories and 4g of protein, making it a hearty addition to any meal. The original white bread does not contain high amounts of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, but it does provide some fiber and protein.
Where to Buy Mrs Baird’s Texas Toast
Mrs Baird’s Texas Toast can be found in the bread aisle at many major grocery chains in Texas including HEB, Kroger, Tom Thumb and Albertsons. Outside of Texas, it may be carried regionally at stores like Publix, Safeway or Costco.
If you cannot find it locally, Mrs Baird’s Texas Toast can also be purchased online from retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Instacart. A typical listing price is around $4 for a 20oz loaf containing 10 slices. It is sometimes cheaper to buy in multi-packs of 2 or 3 loaves.
Here are some places to find and purchase authentic Mrs Baird’s Texas Toast:
- HEB – In store or online ordering in Texas
- Kroger – In store or online ordering in Texas and other regions
- Amazon – Nationwide shipping from Amazon online
- Walmart – Nationwide shipping if ordered online
- Instacart – Get it delivered if Instacart services your area
When searching for Mrs Baird’s Texas Toast, look for the signature light blue and white packaging. Make sure the label specifically says “Mrs Baird’s” as some generic store brands also make Texas toast but don’t offer the same authentic quality.
How To Use Texas Toast
Here are some of the most popular ways to serve and use Texas toast:
French Toast
The extra thick slices of Texas toast absorb egg batter wonderfully to make incredible french toast. Dip slices in whipped eggs, milk and cinnamon and then fry in butter for delicious homemade french toast. Add maple syrup on top.
Garlic Bread
Spread slices of Texas toast with garlic butter or brush with olive oil and minced garlic. Toast or broil until crispy and golden brown. The crunch of the thick toast makes it perfect for sopping up pasta sauces and soups as well.
Sandwiches
From fried chicken sandwiches to BBQ pulled pork, the robust slices of Texas toast hold up well as sandwich bread. The thickness allows for stacking ingredients high. The outer crispiness provides a pleasing contrast to the soft interior.
Burgers
In place of regular burger buns, use slices of Texas toast for a hearty burger experience. The sturdy toast is less likely to get soggy and fall apart from juicy burger fillings.
Bruschetta
Top slices of toasted Texas toast with tomato, basil, olive oil and cheeses for an easy bruschetta appetizer. The crunch of the extra thick toast makes it more interesting than regular bruschetta.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Make egg sandwiches for breakfast by frying an egg and sandwiching it between two pieces of Texas toast. You can also add meats like bacon or sausage. The thickness helps contain all the fillings.
Benefits of Texas Toast
There are several benefits that make Texas toast a great bread choice:
Thickness
The defining characteristic of Texas toast is its thick 1 inch slices. This allows it to hold up better to heavy toppings and moist ingredients without getting soggy.
Crunchy crust
While soft inside, Texas toast gets a crunchy crust from being baked in thick slices. This texture contrast is pleasing in the mouth.
Versatility
From french toast to garlic bread, sandwiches to bruschetta, the thickness and structure of Texas toast makes it versatile for being used in many recipes.
Hearty base
Texas toast makes a hearty base for meals. Unlike regular bread, it can stand up as a filling meal accompaniment. A slice of Texas toast feels more substantial.
Fun presentation
Impress guests by serving french toast, bruschetta and other items atop the iconic oversized slices of Texas toast.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Texas toast:
Is Texas toast baked differently than regular bread?
Texas toast is baked the same way as regular bread. The difference is that the dough is shaped into a thinner loaf pan so that it bakes up taller. The slices are then cut twice as thick.
Can you make Texas toast from regular bread?
While it won’t be exactly the same, you can approximate Texas toast by taking regular sliced bread and toasting until crunchy. The texture won’t be as airy and soft inside but it will add crunch.
Is Texas toast buttered or seasoned?
Plain Texas toast is not buttered or seasoned except with salt in the original dough. Any buttering, garlic or other seasonings are added after baking.
Is Texas toast only made in Texas?
While invented and popularized in Texas, Texas toast is now mass produced by national bread brands and available everywhere, not just in Texas. However, for the authentic taste, seek out Texas brands.
Why is it called Texas toast if other places make it?
It’s named Texas toast because it originated at a bakery in Brenham, Texas as a way to use their extra thick bread slices. The name stuck even though it spread to other regions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iconic thick sliced bread known as Texas toast was invented in the mid 1900s by the Rainbow Bakery in Brenham, Texas. The original and most popular brand of Texas toast comes from Mrs Baird’s Bakery, another Texas company that helped popularize the distinctive extra thick cut bread. With its crunchy crust and soft interior, Texas toast makes a great hearty base for french toast, garlic bread, sandwiches, burgers and more. It provides a fun presentation and holds up well to hefty toppings and wet ingredients. While produced by other bread companies nationwide, for the authentic taste of Texas toast, look for Texas brands like Mrs Baird’s in local grocery stores or order online.