Crispy Parmesan Cheese Toast (Easy Oven Toast Like Dad Made)


Crispy parmesan cheese toast with a golden cheese crust. A simple, classic recipe inspired by childhood dinners.

A Simple Cheese Toast With A Little Family History

This Crispy Parmesan Toast may be simple, but it was a deeply loved recipe my dad made for us often because he knew how much we adored it. His secret was never held back. He blanketed every square inch of bread with parmesan, making sure each bite was buttery, golden, and irresistibly crisp.

My dad didn't have a long list of recipes, but the ones he made were always special and always good. It's a reminder that cooking doesn't have to be fancy to be memorable.

Every time I make this toast now, I'm transported back to my childhood kitchen, standing in front of the oven and watching through the glass, already knowing something delicious is just minutes away.

If simple, comforting sides are your thing, my English Muffin Garlic Bread or is another easy favorite worth trying.

Ingredients You Need

It's recommended to use freshly grated parmesan, but growing up, Dad almost always reached for the classic can. Somehow, it still came out perfectly golden, cheesy, and irresistible every time.

  • Bread- You'll want to use a sturdy, thick bread like Italian or sourdough.
  • Butter
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried parsley
Ingredients displayed for crispy parmesan toast. Thick white bread, fresh parmesan, butter, garlic powder, dried parsley.

How To Make Crispy Parmesan Cheese Toast

  • Preheat your oven to 375℉ and place a baking rack inside a large sheet pan.
  • Combine butter with garlic powder and parsley in a small bowl then spread on one side of each bread slice.
  • Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese, covering the entire surface.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Ang's Helpful Tips

  • Use a baking rack - This will help air flow and prevent the bottom from becoming soggy, however, if you don't have a baking rack, just use parchment paper.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese -This isn't the time to be shy. A generous layer gives you better flavor and crunch.
  • Watch closely in the oven - Parmesan goes from golden to burned really fast. Stay nearby.
  • Choose sturdy bread - Thicker slices hold up better and give you a soft center with a crisp top.
  • Serve right away - This toast is best fresh from the oven while the cheese is still crispy.

Make-Ahead and Freeze For Later

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it freezes. You can make a batch ahead of time and have crispy, cheesy toast ready whenever you need it.

Serve Parmesan Toast With These Main Meals

May I suggest these cheesy toasts as the perfect dunking companion for my Easy Tomato Soup with White Beans, or even a simple appetizer with marinara for dipping. If that's not your thing, here are a few more great options to try.

Crispy Parmesan Cheese Toast

Crispy parmesan cheese toast with a golden cheese crust. A simple, classic recipe inspired by childhood dinners.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 168kcal

Equipment

  • Large sheet pan
  • baking rack optional but helps with air flow

Ingredients

  • 8 slices, thick Italian bread
  • 6 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

Heat oven to 375℉. Place a baking rack in the inside of a large sheet pan.

  • In a small bowl combine butter, parsley, and garlic powder until smooth. It should be soft and spreadable.
  • Use a knife to spread butter mixture on one side of each bread slice and place butter side up on baking rack.
  • Cover the surface of each bread slice with parmesan cheese. About 2 tablespoon per slice. Don't skimp on the parm so grate more if needed.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Enjoy warm out of the oven.

Notes

Freezing tips: 
Once cooled, wrap the bread slices tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, then add a layer of foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place slices on a sheet pan and bake at 350℉ until warmed and crisp, about 4–5 minutes.
 
More garlic flavor: 
Add fresh minced garlic to the butter mixture if you want a punch of garlic flavor. 
 
See post for additional tips and suggestions. 
 
Nutritional facts include 1 bread slice. 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be understood as an estimate rather than a guarantee. The Menu Maid makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 287mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 312IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 1mg

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