This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a decadent fusion of three comfort food favorites—garlic bread, grilled cheese, and shrimp. Imagine buttery, golden garlic bread hugging layers of gooey melted cheese and juicy, seasoned shrimp. It’s crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner, a weekend treat, or a show-stopping lunch, this sandwich is guaranteed to impress
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Bread:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (Italian, French, or sourdough)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt
For the Shrimp:
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss for a milder flavor)
- Optional: 2 slices of provolone or American cheese for extra melt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
- Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces once slightly cooled.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each bread slice.
- Place half the slices buttered-side down on a clean surface.
- Layer with shredded mozzarella and cheddar, then add a generous amount of chopped shrimp.
- Add another layer of cheese over the shrimp for extra gooeyness.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up.
4. Grill the Sandwiches
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- If needed, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning while the cheese melts.
5. Serve
- Slice each sandwich in half and serve hot.
- Optional: Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of garlic aioli.
Tips & Variations:
- Bread Choice: Use a sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian loaf to hold up to the fillings.
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp.
- Make It a Meal: Serve with tomato soup, a crisp salad, or sweet potato fries.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Bold Flavor: Garlic, cheese, and shrimp are a match made in heaven.
- Crispy & Gooey: Golden crust with a melty, savory center.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or a decadent snack.
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is the kind of sandwich that turns heads and satisfies cravings. It’s rich, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable. Want a Cajun shrimp version or one with caramelized onions next? 🔥🧅