When it comes to cooking frozen Texas toast in the oven, the most important factor is ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature so any bacteria that may be present is eliminated. The amount of time needed to cook frozen Texas toast depends on several factors, including the thickness and starting temperature of the bread. Here is a look at how long you can expect to bake frozen Texas toast at 350°F to get piping hot, golden brown slices.
Quick Answer
Most frozen Texas toast takes 10-15 minutes to cook through at 350°F. Thicker slices or loaves may take up to 18-20 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the toast cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How Thick Is the Bread?
The thickness of the frozen Texas toast will impact the cooking time. Thinner sliced breads will cook faster than thicker loaves. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times based on thickness:
| Thickness | Cook Time at 350°F |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch slices | 10-12 minutes |
| 1/2 inch slices | 12-15 minutes |
| 3/4 inch slices | 15-18 minutes |
| 1 inch slices | 18-20 minutes |
As you can see, the thinner the Texas toast, the less time it needs in the oven. Thicker loaves will require more time for the heat to penetrate fully and cook through the center.
What Temperature Is the Oven?
The oven temperature also affects cooking times. The above times are based on baking at a temperature of 350°F. Here is how the cooking duration may change at other common oven temperatures:
| Oven Temperature | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 325°F | Add 2-3 minutes |
| 350°F | 10-20 minutes |
| 375°F | Subtract 2-3 minutes |
| 400°F | Subtract 3-5 minutes |
Higher oven temperatures will shorten the cooking time. Lower temperatures will lengthen it. Use an oven thermometer to check that your oven is heating to the correct temperature if cook times seem off.
What Was the Starting Temperature?
Was the Texas toast frozen solid or simply refrigerated when it went in the oven? The starting temperature makes a difference:
- Frozen solid – Will take the full cook time.
- Partially thawed – May cook 5-10 minutes faster.
- Refrigerated – Will cook much faster, closely match fresh bread cook time.
Make sure frozen foods are cooked from fully frozen for food safety. If bread has been left on the counter and is cool or room temperature, reduce cook times.
Check Internal Temperature
The best way to test doneness for Texas toast is to check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the loaf. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you don’t have a thermometer, insert a knife into the center of the loaf. If the knife comes out clean, the toast should be fully cooked through.
The color of the toast can also indicate doneness. Look for a deep golden brown color on both the top and bottom of the slices.
Allow To Cool Before Eating
Once the Texas toast is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest 5 minutes before eating or serving. This allows the interior to finish cooking without over browning the exterior.
Cutting into the toast too soon can cause the steam to escape and result in a gummy texture.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Texas Toast
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked frozen Texas toast straight from the oven:
- Place frozen slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake at 350°F, adding 2-3 minutes for thicker breads.
- Check temperature in thickest part with an instant read thermometer.
- Look for deep golden brown color on both sides.
- Let toast rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Common Texas Toast Brands
Popular brands of frozen Texas toast you may find at the grocery store include:
- Pepperidge Farm
- Sara Lee
- Oroweat
- Arnold
- Market Pantry (Target’s store brand)
- Great Value (Walmart’s store brand)
Be sure to check the nutrition label and ingredients for any variety of Texas toast to fit your dietary needs. Reduced calorie and whole grain options are available.
Serving Ideas
Once cooked, Texas toast can be served in many ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
- French toast – Dip in egg mixture and pan fry.
- Garlic bread – Spread with butter and minced garlic before baking.
- Cheese toast – Top with cheese and bake until melted.
- Bruschetta – Top with tomato, basil, olive oil after baking.
- Sandwiches – Use as bread for burgers, BLTs, or grilled cheese.
- Bread bowls – Hollow out loaf and fill with soup or chili.
- Stuffing – Cube and use in place of baguette in stuffing recipes.
- Croutons – Dice, toss in oil, and bake into crunchy croutons.
The possibilities are endless for ways to serve oven baked Texas toast! It can take the place of baguette, sandwich bread, and dinner rolls in all types of recipes.
Storing Leftover Texas Toast
Leftover Texas toast should be stored properly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Room Temperature: If cooled completely, Texas toast can be left out at room temperature in a bread box or paper bag for up to 2 days. The bread may stale faster than refrigerating.
- Refrigerator: For best results, place leftover Texas toast in a plastic freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag. It will keep fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- Freezer: Texas toast can be frozen for 2-3 months. Cool completely before freezing in an airtight container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before using.
Avoid letting Texas toast sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature before storing to prevent mold growth.
Troubleshooting
Having an issue getting your frozen Texas toast perfectly baked? Here are some common problems and solutions:
Undercooked in the Middle
If the center of the Texas toast is still doughy or raw looking, it needed more time in the oven. Try cooking a few minutes longer, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Overbrowned Outside
If your toast is burnt on the outside but undercooked inside, the oven temperature is too high. Try lowering 25°F and cook a few minutes longer.
Not Rising
Frozen Texas toast may not puff up and rise like fresh bread. This is normal for most commercial varieties due to the freezing process. Focus on internal doneness rather than rise.
Uneven Cooking
If one side is cooking faster, make sure the rack is centered in the oven so air can circulate. Also, use a baking sheet so the hot pan doesn’t scorch the bottom.
Dry, Crumbly Texture
Overcooking can cause the bread to dry out. Try taking it out of the oven just before the toast reaches the desired color. It will continue cooking on the hot pan.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen Texas toast straight from the freezer at 350°F takes between 10-20 minutes depending on thickness. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F and golden brown color when the time is up. Let the toast rest before slicing into warm, delicious bread ready for all kinds of tasty recipes. With the proper baking time and temperature, you can enjoy freshly oven-baked flavor using convenient frozen bread.