If you're on the hunt for a mouthwatering sandwich that combines the best of seafood and cheesy goodness, look no further. This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a crispy exterior and a gooey, savory interior. Perfect for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even as a special treat for your next gathering, this sandwich is sure to impress. Let's dive into the details of this delicious recipe, starting with the ingredients.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1/2 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined. Opt for fresh shrimp if possible, but frozen shrimp will also work. Ensure they are properly thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic will give the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be a time-saver.
- Butter: 1/4 cup of softened butter. This will be mixed with other ingredients to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Italian Bread: 8 slices of Italian bread. Choose a loaf with a good crust that will crisp up nicely when grilled.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. For the best melt, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nutty, savory flavor to the garlic butter.
- Parsley: 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Fresh parsley is best for a bright, herbal note, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This is used to sauté the shrimp to perfection.
Instructions
1. Sauté the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add peeled and deveined shrimp along with minced garlic. Sauté until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a medium bowl, mix 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Combine well to form a flavorful garlic butter spread.
3. Prepare the Bread
Lay out 8 slices of Italian bread. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on one side of each slice, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
Take 4 slices of the buttered bread (butter side down) and evenly distribute the sautéed shrimp. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the shrimp, then cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread (butter side up).
5. Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Grill the assembled sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for even cooking.
6. Serve
Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve hot with sides like tomato soup, a fresh salad, or fries. Store leftovers by wrapping in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness.
Helpful Notes and Variations
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with cheddar, Gruyere, or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Herb Options: Substitute parsley with basil or cilantro for a unique twist.
- Bread Choices: Use sourdough or ciabatta for added texture.
- Additional Fillings: Add spinach, arugula, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.