Texas toast is a thick slice of bread that is popularly served alongside hearty soups, stews, and barbecue dishes. Here is an overview of what Texas toast is and what it is commonly served with.
What is Texas toast?
Texas toast is a type of thick-sliced white bread that is commonly double-sliced from a loaf. It gets its name from the fact that it originated in Texas in the mid-1900s. Some key features of Texas toast include:
- It is sliced very thick, around 1-2 inches thick per slice
- It has a crispy crust and soft, airy interior
- It is made from simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt
- It can be made into garlic bread by spreading butter and garlic on top
This thick cut of bread has a very hearty, substantial texture that stands up well to being dipped into thick sauces or gravy. The slices are often toasted or grilled to give them an extra crispy crust.
Serving Suggestions for Texas Toast
Here are some of the most popular ways that Texas toast is served:
With Chili
A piping hot bowl of beef chili is one of the classics to enjoy with Texas toast. The toast can be used to dip into the thick, meaty chili sauce. The thickness of the slice helps it stand up to the chunky chili without getting too soggy.
With Soups
Hearty soups like potato soup, baked potato soup, or broccoli cheese soup pair perfectly with slices of Texas toast. You can float the toast right on top of the soup so it soaks up some of the liquid while retaining its crunch.
With Barbecue
Texas toast is right at home when served alongside classic barbecue dishes. The toast can be used to make barbecue sandwiches, either alone or with buns. The thickness and sturdiness helps hold up to saucy pulled pork, brisket, or shredded chicken.
With Stews
Beef stew, chicken stew, venison stew, and more are excellent to enjoy with Texas toast on the side. The toast is great for dunking in the rich gravy and sauce of the stew.
As Appetizers
Texas toast can also be transformed into tasty appetizers. Some examples include:
- Garlic bread
- Bruschetta topped with tomato
- Mini sandwiches with bite-sized fillings
- Cheese toast made with melted cheese on top
In Casseroles
Texas toast can be used in place of regular bread when making casseroles. For example, it works well in green bean casserole or chicken & broccoli casserole where the toast topping gets baked right on top.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for a typical slice of Texas toast (1 oz or 28g):
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 1g | 15g | 3g |
As you can see, a slice of Texas toast is high in carbohydrates from the wheat bread. It also provides some protein and a little bit of fat. The exact nutrition will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and recipe used.
Where to Get Texas Toast
There are several options for purchasing fresh Texas toast:
- Grocery store bakery – Many grocers produce their own version of thick-sliced white bread
- Specialty bakeries – Some bakeries are known for their Texas toast
- Restaurants – You can often order Texas toast as a side or have it served with your meal
- Make it at home – Use any white bread loaf and slice it extra thick
You can easily find standard sliced white sandwich breads. But for authentic, thick-cut Texas toast, your best bet is checking bakeries and restaurants known for their specialty breads.
Conclusion
With its thick, hearty texture, Texas toast is the perfect complement to many soups, stews, chili, barbecue dishes, and more. It stands up well to being dipped and soaked without getting too soggy. The crunch and flavor of Texas toast enhances any meal. Next time you make chili or soup, grab a loaf of Texas toast to enjoy alongside it!