Raising Cane’s Texas Toast

If you love that perfect soft bread with a crispy, buttery edge from Raising Cane’s, these rolls are exactly what you need to try. This recipe brings homemade warmth with every bite, featuring layers of tender, buttery bread topped with a sesame-crusted, golden finish. Shaped into a pull-apart loaf, each roll is brushed with a savory garlic butter after baking and toasted on both sides for that iconic crunch. They’re ideal for enjoying on their own, dipping into sauces, or as a cozy side for any meal.

Let’s break down each part of this recipe to ensure your rolls come out perfectly! There is no need to go to Raising Cane’s anymore for their iconic Texas Toast. We got them at home!

Choosing the Right Tray

The right baking tray plays a big role in getting the perfect rise and shape for these rolls. For the best results, use a 15 by 6-inch baking pan or a similar-sized casserole dish. The rolls should be placed close enough to touch slightly, creating that pull-apart effect as they bake. A metal baking pan will encourage a more even browning and a bit of a crust on the bottom, while a ceramic or glass baking dish may create softer edges. If you’re making smaller rolls, you can use a different size pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as smaller pans may bake faster.

Here is the link to the tray I used: USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel New England Hot Dog Pan

Making the Dough

The dough for these garlic butter rolls is simple but requires patience to get that light and fluffy texture. Start by warming your milk; it should be warm but not hot—around 110°F. Mix in the yeast and a touch of sugar, then let it sit for a few minutes until it starts to bubble and foam. This step is essential because it shows that the yeast is active and ready to give the bread a good rise.

Next, add flour, softened butter, salt, and a couple of eggs into the same large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for around 5-7 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as too much flour can make the rolls dense. Once it’s smooth and elastic, transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shaping the Dough for Buttery Layers

To get that perfect layered texture, divide the dough into equal portions, about 10 pieces. You can make larger rolls for more substantial pull-apart bread, or go for smaller portions for individual rolls. Take each piece of dough and flatten it into a rectangle. Starting from one of the shorter sides, roll it tightly into a log. This method of flattening and rolling creates layers that will make the bread wonderfully soft and easy to pull apart. Repeat with each piece and place them side by side in your greased baking tray, with just a bit of space between each roll. This arrangement lets the rolls bake into one another, forming that satisfying pull-apart loaf.

Cover the tray loosely with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes. They should look puffy and slightly touching. This second rise helps them bake up soft and pillowy.

Adding the Egg Wash and Sesame Seeds

For that beautiful golden-brown top, brush each roll generously with an egg wash made by whisking an egg with a little milk. This simple step gives the rolls a glossy finish and helps the sesame seeds stick. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each roll for extra texture and a little bit of nutty flavor.

Baking and Finishing with Garlic Butter

Preheat your oven to ensure it’s hot and ready before the rolls go in. Bake the rolls until they’re golden brown and have a light crust on top. The sesame seeds should toast slightly, adding a delicious aroma to the bread. When they’re done, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before moving on to the finishing touch.

The garlic butter makes all the difference! Melt salted butter and add a pinch of garlic powder for a savory, flavorful topping. Brush the butter generously over each roll, letting it seep into the top layer. Then, to get that crispy edge, toast each roll on both sides in a skillet over medium heat until they’re lightly browned. This final step makes them even more irresistible, giving each bite a warm, crunchy exterior with a soft, buttery interior.

Tips for the Perfect Rolls

• Warm Ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can slow down the yeast’s activity, so make sure they’re at room temperature or slightly warm for a quicker rise.
• Kneading for Texture: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for the best texture. It should slightly bounce back when pressed with a finger.
• Rolling for Layers: Flattening and rolling each portion into a log helps create layers within each roll, making the final texture soft and easy to pull apart.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Herbed Garlic Butter: Add a sprinkle of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic butter for an herby twist that pairs perfectly with pasta or soup.
• Parmesan Crust: After brushing with garlic butter, sprinkle each roll with a bit of grated parmesan and toast them for a cheesy, savory flavor.
• Sweet Rolls: For a dessert variation, skip the garlic and sesame seeds. Instead, brush with honey butter or cinnamon sugar for a sweeter option that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

These rolls are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and complete the first rise, then shape the rolls and arrange them in the baking tray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking.

For leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, give them a quick toast in a skillet or air fryer with or without the garlic butter, or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil to keep them soft. These rolls also freeze well—wrap each roll individually and freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring them to a bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a low oven straight from the freezer until soft and warm.

These garlic butter rolls bring the warmth of freshly baked bread to your table with a satisfying crunch and buttery, garlicky finish. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a snack, they’re a homemade comfort that captures the flavor and texture of Raising Cane’s in the best way!

Craving More Bread? Try These Recipes Out!

• Garlic Naan
• Cheese Pide/Fatayer
• Focaccia
• Olive Garden Breadsticks
• Msammen

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