Experience a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese with this Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese. It combines the rich flavors of garlic butter bread with succulent shrimp and gooey cheese, making it a perfect comfort meal or special treat.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Bread:

1 loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Shrimp:

1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grilled Cheese:

8 slices of your favorite cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Butter for grilling

Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Bread:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the softened butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, dried basil, and salt.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the French bread.

Bake the Garlic Bread:

Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

While the garlic bread is baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Grilled Cheese:

Place one slice of the baked garlic bread, buttered side down, on a skillet over medium heat.
Layer with slices of cheese and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Top with cooked shrimp.
Cover with the second slice of garlic bread, buttered side up.

Grill the Sandwich:

Butter the top of the sandwich. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serve:

Slice the sandwich in half and serve hot. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy, garlic-infused goodness with succulent shrimp!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for added spice or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed spinach or tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the shrimp for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispiness of the bread.

10 FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them before cooking.
What if I don’t have French bread?
Any sturdy bread, like sourdough or ciabatta, will work.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
How can I make this spicier?
Add hot sauce or use spicy cheese.
What cheese combinations work best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great, but feel free to mix and match!
Can I bake the sandwich instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the shrimp mixture separately.
Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, cook and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the sandwich.
What sides pair well with this sandwich?
A side salad or crispy fries complement it nicely.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
It should be pink and opaque when fully cooked.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a delicious fusion of flavors and textures that elevates the classic grilled cheese to new heights. Whether for a casual meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the rich, savory goodness!