There’s something about a thick slice of buttery, golden toast with garlic that just makes everything better. Raising Canes bread is that crispy-edged, soft-centered magic you crave after one bite and now you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.
I spent a summer working in a Texas diner back in 2015, and we’d brush butter on toast straight from the griddle while it was still sizzling. The smell alone had customers asking what we were making. The trick? Real butter, good timing, and a hot pan it’s easier than you think, and I’ve tested this version more times than I can count to get that perfect golden crust.
Enjoy a simple and delicious copycat bread recipe that perfectly mimics Raising Canes Bread. This Texas toast style garlic butter bread is quick to make and brings the taste of Canes toast recipe right into your kitchen. It’s a perfect side for any meal or to enjoy on its own.
Combine the softened butter with garlic salt in a small bowl until well blended.
Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over each slice of bread.
Warm a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
Place the bread slices buttered side down onto the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
Take the bread off the skillet and serve while warm.
Notes
For best results, use a heavy skillet like cast iron to get a perfect sear. Serve immediately to enjoy the garlic butter at its best.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Bread Recipe
This is the kind of toast that makes everyone at the table stop and ask what you did differently. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and buttery in the middle, and takes less than five minutes from start to finish.
Ridiculously simple: Just four ingredients and one skillet no oven, no waiting.
Restaurant-quality at home: That golden, garlicky crust you crave? It’s all about the sear.
Perfect with everything: Pairs beautifully with chicken tenders, fries, soup, or even scrambled eggs.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters love this buttery toast.
Key Ingredients & What Makes Them Work
You only need a handful of pantry staples to pull off this Raising Canes bread. Here’s what each one does:
Unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads easily and gives you control over the salt level. It creates that rich, golden crust when it hits the hot skillet.
Garlic salt: The magic seasoning it adds savory depth without needing fresh garlic or extra steps.
BBQ sesame bread: This thick-cut bread holds up to the butter and heat without getting soggy. The sesame seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and texture.
Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is soft enough to mix easily, but not melted. Room temperature is ideal.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Here’s the process broken down so you can get perfect toast every single time. The key is a hot skillet and patience during the sear don’t rush it.
Step
What to Do
Time
1
Mix softened butter and garlic salt in a small bowl until well combined
30 seconds
2
Spread garlic butter generously over the top of each bread slice
1 minute
3
Preheat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat
2 minutes
4
Place bread butter-side down in skillet and sear without moving
2 minutes
5
Remove when golden brown and crispy, serve immediately
Note: Don’t flip the bread you only sear the buttered side. The other side stays soft and tender, just like the original.
Tips for Golden, Crispy Perfection
After testing this dozens of times in my own kitchen, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. The biggest one? Let the skillet get fully hot before you add the bread.
Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one: It holds heat evenly and gives you that restaurant-style sear.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between slices so they brown evenly.
Watch the heat: Medium-high works best too high and the butter burns before the bread crisps.
Serve immediately: This toast is best right off the skillet while it’s still warm and crispy.
Simple Swaps & Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe based on what’s in your kitchen or your family’s preferences. Here are a few tried-and-true swaps:
Ingredient
Swap Option
Unsalted butter
Salted butter (reduce or skip garlic salt)
Garlic salt
Garlic powder + fine sea salt (equal parts)
BBQ sesame bread
Texas toast, thick-cut white bread, or sourdough slices
Pro Tip: If you love extra garlic flavor, add a tiny pinch of garlic powder to the butter mix along with the garlic salt.
How to Serve and Store
This toast is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to handle them:
Serving ideas: Pair with fried chicken, chicken tenders, crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or a bowl of soup.
Storage: Store leftover toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute per side to crisp it back up. Avoid the microwave it makes the bread soggy.
Note: You can prep the garlic butter ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it soften before spreading.
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FAQs ( Raising Canes Bread )
What type of flour works best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour gives the best results for authentic texture and flavor. Bread flour can work but creates a slightly denser loaf. I’ve tested both extensively and all-purpose consistently delivers that signature soft, fluffy interior.
How long should I let the dough rise?
The first rise needs 60-75 minutes in a warm spot until doubled in size. Second rise after shaping takes 30-45 minutes. Room temperature affects timing, so watch for visual cues rather than strict time limits.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and final rise. This actually improves flavor development.
Why is my bread coming out dense?
Dense results usually mean over-kneading, insufficient rising time, or expired yeast. Check your yeast’s freshness first, then ensure proper kneading technique. The dough should be smooth and elastic, not overworked.
What temperature should I bake at?
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. Internal temperature should reach 190°F when fully cooked. Cover with foil if browning too quickly during the last 10 minutes.
You’ll love how quickly this Raising Canes bread comes together golden and crispy on the outside, buttery soft in the middle, and ready in under five minutes. The garlic butter creates that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and brings everyone to the table. It’s the kind of toast that turns a simple meal into something special.
Try brushing on a little extra melted butter right after it comes off the skillet for an even richer finish. If you want a hint of herbs, sprinkle dried parsley or Italian seasoning into your garlic butter before spreading. Leftover slices crisp up beautifully in a hot skillet the next day. A trick I picked up from photographing hundreds of recipes: serve it on a wooden board with a little dish of honey butter on the side for dipping.
I’d love to see how yours turns out snap a photo and share your favorite way to serve this toast. Did you grow up with thick, buttery bread like this at family dinners? Save this recipe for the next time you’re craving something comforting and simple, or share it with someone who deserves a little kitchen magic today.
