Cheese Toast is the answer to every craving for something cozy, melty, and utterly satisfying—without spending half your evening in the kitchen. This tried-and-true recipe transforms humble bread and cheese into a bubbling, golden temptation in under five minutes. It’s the kind of homey, quick comfort food you’ll want to put on repeat, whether you’re feeding yourself, the kids after school, or need a late-night snack that’s big on flavor but light on effort. An optional swirl of raspberry preserves adds a pop of sweetness that’s so unexpectedly delicious, you might find yourself making Cheese Toast just for the excuse to try it that way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Speed: From start to finish, Cheese Toast is ready before you can even decide what to watch on TV. No fancy prep, no waiting—just pure cheesy goodness in five minutes flat.
- Ridiculously Easy: No culinary training required. If you can spread butter and pile cheese, you’ve got this.
- Versatile: Delicious as a side, snack, or even a last-minute meal. Fancy it up or keep it classic.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It works for all ages and every occasion, from after-school bites to midnight snacks to side dishes for soup night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Texas Toast: Thick-cut bread is essential for that perfect, hearty bite and ideal crunch. Regular sandwich bread works, but Texas toast holds up better to all that gooey cheese.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened, for slathering onto both sides. This lets the bread crisp up wonderfully while layering in that rich, traditional flavor. If salted is all you have, just skip extra salt.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show. Cheddar melts into a luscious, flavorful topping, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, or use what’s in the fridge.
- Raspberry Preserves (optional): For a sophisticated twist, a dollop of preserves brings a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory cheese. Trust—this is a game-changer for anyone who loves contrasting flavors.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Craving a change-up? Try one of these simple Cheese Toast twists:
- Switch Up the Cheese: Mozzarella for stretchiness, pepper jack if you like a little kick, or a mix of Gruyère and sharp cheddar for a melty marvel.
- Add Veggies: Thinly sliced tomatoes or green onions before baking add color, texture, and nutrients.
- Herb It Up: Sprinkle dried oregano, thyme, or fresh chives over the cheese before toasting for extra flair.
- Bacon Lover’s Version: Crumbled cooked bacon makes this even more irresistible.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for an equally hearty bite.
How to Make Cheese Toast
Step 1: Butter and Cheese
Take two thick slices of Texas toast and generously slather both sides with softened butter. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, then pile a hearty layer of shredded cheddar over each slice, making sure every edge is covered.
Step 2: Toast to Perfection
Slide the tray into a 400°F oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or pop it into a 370°F air fryer for just 4 minutes. You’re looking for butter-kissed, crispy edges and bubbling, golden cheese on top.
Step 3: Add the Sweet Finishing Touch (Optional)
For those who love a sweet-and-savory edge, spoon a tablespoon of raspberry preserves over the hot, melty cheese. Spread gently so you don’t disturb that gorgeous cheese layer.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Cheese Toast is at its absolute best when it’s hot and gooey. Slice, serve, and devour right away—don’t let that cheese lose its stretch!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temp Butter Spreads Best: Cold butter can tear the bread, so let it soften for a few minutes before spreading.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: A thick, even layer ensures every bite is as cheesy as the next.
- Line Your Tray: Cheese sometimes bubbles over, so line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Monitor the Toast: Every oven runs a bit differently. If you like it extra golden, keep an eye on the cheese near the finish.
- Customize the Crunch: Prefer more crunch? Toast the bread for 2-3 minutes without cheese first, then add the cheese and finish baking.
How to Serve
Cheese Toast is endlessly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it as:
- A Standalone Snack: Perfect on its own—melt-in-your-mouth, gooey, and satisfying.
- Soup’s Best Friend: Pair with tomato soup or chili for classic comfort.
- Breakfast Boost: Top with a fried egg or avocado for a hearty start to the day.
- Appetizer: Cut into strips or triangles and serve as a party finger food with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cheese Toast in foil or keep it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware the bread softens a little but will still be delicious once reheated.
Freezing
Note: Cheese Toast is best fresh, but you can freeze it! After baking, cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat Cheese Toast in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F until the cheese is remelted and the bread crisps up—about 4-5 minutes does the trick. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the crispy edges.
FAQs
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Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Texas toast?
Absolutely! Any bread works for Cheese Toast, but thicker breads like Texas toast or sourdough create a more satisfying crunch and stand up better to gooey cheese.
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What other cheeses melt well for Cheese Toast?
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, provolone, Havarti, or a blend of anything melty in your fridge work great. Each one brings its own flavor personality, so try your favorite combos.
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Can I make Cheese Toast in a skillet or on a griddle?
Yes! Cook buttered bread cheese-side up over medium-low heat, covering loosely with foil if needed to melt the cheese without burning the bottom. The oven and air fryer make it hands-off, but the skillet works in a pinch.
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Is the preserve topping really necessary?
It’s totally optional, but if you’re a fan of sweet and savory, it’s a revelation. Try with raspberry, apricot, or hot pepper jelly for fun twists—or skip it if you’re a purist.
Final Thoughts
Cheese Toast is proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe (or tons of time!) to create something downright delicious. Fast, customizable, and foolproof, it’s a classic snack or side dish you’ll come back to again and again. Experiment with toppings, mix up the cheese, and have fun—the most important step is simply enjoying every cheesy, toasty bite!
Print
Cheese Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Cheese Toast recipe features thick Texas toast generously buttered and topped with melted cheddar cheese, creating a golden, flavorful snack or side dish. Enjoy it plain or topped with fruit preserves for a savory-sweet twist. Ready in under 10 minutes with your choice of oven or air fryer!
Ingredients
Bread
- 2 slices Texas toast
Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cheese
- 2 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/4 cup per slice)
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons raspberry preserves or your favorite preserve (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread unsalted butter evenly on both sides of each slice of Texas toast, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top side of each slice of buttered bread.
- Toast the Bread: Place the cheese-topped bread slices in a preheated 400°F oven for 10 minutes, or in a 370°F Air Fryer for 4 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, spread 1 tablespoon of raspberry preserves or your favorite preserve over each slice of hot cheese toast. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- For best results, use thick-sliced Texas toast, but any sturdy bread works.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
- The optional fruit preserves add a delightful sweet note; try other flavors such as apricot or strawberry.
- Keep an eye on the toast during cooking to prevent over-browning, especially in the air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
