What is white bread with BBQ, and how did this come to be? There is a very active tradition of serving white bread and BBQ, especially in the southern part of the United States. Let us understand why white bread with BBQ is complimentary.
Many American communities serve white bread with BBQ for various reasons. Essentially, one serves white bread under the premise that it acts as a condiment that compliments BBQ. This practice is akin to serving cucumber slices with a fresh glass of water.
This article will tackle where these practices originate and what are the reasons why white bread with BBQ is a thing.

White Bread And BBQ History
Although white bread with BBQ is common practice in the glorious state of Texas, one could argue that the tradition of meat grilled over open fire originates in Carolina. Historians note that the first records of the modern BBQ were by Sir Walter Raleigh in the late 16th century (1585), as reported by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
In the year 1585, Sir Walter Raleigh sent his men to modern-day Carolina, in which a part of the expedition team was someone named John White. White was integral to the first records of BBQ, as he was the one who sketched Native Americans “broyling their fishe over the flame—they took great heed that they bee not burnt.” (source)
However, the modern iteration of the white bread with BBQ has humble beginnings in Texas. The white bread served with BBQ is a special bread cooked to crisp to turn it into Texas toast. Texas toast is double the size of regular sliced bread and has butter spread over two sides. Occasionally, garlic is added to the butter to form garlic Texas toast, which the bread goes under a grill until it turns into a golden brown color.
One can credit the most famous claim to the origins of why white bread with BBQ is a Texan favorite to Kirby’s Pig Stand. Also claiming the origins of the world-renowned onion ring, Kirby’s Pig Stand had over a hundred branches during its peak in the 1940s.
The pig stand in question is in Denton, Texas, and has claimed the Texas toast’s origins served with BBQ. The toast was an accidental breakthrough wherein a bakery request for more giant slices of bread resulted in pieces too thick for the toaster. As the chef, Wiley W. W. Cross recommended buttering and grilling them as a remedy. (source)
However, why do we pair white bread with BBQ? Here are a few reasons why.
Why White Bread With BBQ Is A Good Pairing
- White bread balances the salt in BBQ.
- White bread creates a filling meal, contrary to eating BBQ by itself.
- White bread soaks the grease and liquids in the BBQ.
- White bread serves as a condiment or a complementary food with BBQ.
Types Of Bread For BBQ Foods
Now that we have discussed the origins of why white bread with BBQ is a well-recognized practice, let us discuss the possible partners you can have with your backyard BBQ. Below, we present four fantastic options.
The Best Bread To Pair With BBQ
- Texas toast
- Garlic Texas toast
- Cornbread
- Wheat bread options
Texas Toast And Garlic Texas Toast
If you want the original option, you might want to go with Texas toast along with garlic Texas toast. Both are traditional options that do well as condiments to your Texan BBQ. The thickness in Texan toasts helps balance out the strong taste of BBQ, and it helps mellow out the saltiness and seep-in grease.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a great partner with BBQ! We always enjoy corn on the cob paired with freshly roasted BBQ, and the taste completely vibes with the strong umami in roasted meat.
Cornbread perfectly pairs with BBQ as it retains that corn taste while acting as a mellowing agent.
Check out out Sweet Cornbread recipe!
Wheat / Brown Bread
BBQ is not the healthiest option, but making it a bit healthier would improve it. Although wheat bread is an unorthodox option for a BBQ pairing, it certainly makes sense from a health standpoint. For example, because brown bread retains the bran, wheat bread contains double the fiber but half the calories!
Pairing Bread With Barbecue Types
There are many variations of barbecue styles in the United States. Below we will be tackling the three most prominent techniques and pair them with the best bread for BBQ.
Three Prominent BBQ Styles
- Kansas City style BBQ
- Memphis style BBQ
- Texas style BBQ
Kansas City-style BBQ is made famous due to its signature burnt ends cooked over hickory wood. The burnt ends of the BBQ are fatty, delicious portions of smoked brisket trimmed from the point half (superficial pectoral). When cooked into rich, Kansas City-style baked beans, their texture softens.
The best partner for Kansas City-style BBQ is cornbread. The burnt essence of the sides pairs well with the saliva-inducing smell of cornbread.
Memphis-style BBQ is known for its wet ribs. The best partner for this BBQ style is any thick style cut bread, such as Texas toast. The reasoning behind this is to remove the grease. The bread will absorb the oil through its inch-thick slices.
Meanwhile, what else is best for Texas-style BBQ other than the classic garlic Texas toast? The garlic smell will penetrate your nose, along with the burnt butter. It makes for a delicious lunch!
Summary
White bread with BBQ is famous because of its tasteful origins and taste. While BBQ’s first appearance in historical records dates back to Carolina, the practice of white bread with BBQ originated in Texas.
Today, the best white bread pairings are cornbread with Kansas city-style BBQ, thick cuts with Memphis-style BBQ, and garlic Texas bread with Texas-style BBQ.
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