Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is a decadent twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring succulent shrimp, creamy cheese, and the rich, savory goodness of garlic butter bread. The combination of crispy, buttery garlic bread with melty cheese and juicy shrimp makes this an indulgent comfort food that’s perfect for a special dinner or a fun twist on a classic favorite.
Here’s how to make this irresistible Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread:
Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for serving)
For the Garlic Bread:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough, French bread, or your favorite bread)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or Havarti works well)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (optional for extra creamy texture)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, helps achieve golden, crispy bread)
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for a tangy kick)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp in the spices and garlic.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. If you like a little extra flavor, add a dash of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Let them cool slightly before slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on one side of each slice of bread.
- Arrange the bread slices, buttered side up, on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy on the edges. For an even crispier texture, you can broil it for the last 2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
3. Make the Grilled Cheese:
- While the garlic bread is baking, prepare the cheese filling for the grilled cheese.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded cheese with the cream cheese (if using) and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy. If you like a tangy bite, add a little Dijon mustard to the cheese mixture.
- Once the garlic bread is done and crispy, set aside two slices to use for the grilled cheese sandwiches.
4. Assemble the Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese:
- Lay one slice of the garlic buttered bread (garlic side facing down) on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous amount of the creamy cheese mixture on top.
- Add the sliced shrimp on top of the cheese.
- Top with another slice of garlic bread, with the garlic butter side facing up.
5. Grill the Sandwich:
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Once hot, carefully place the sandwich in the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- You can add a bit of extra butter to the skillet before grilling if you’d like a richer, crispier exterior.
6. Serve:
- Once the grilled cheese is crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted, remove it from the skillet.
- Slice the sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for a fresh kick.
Tips for the Best Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese:
- Shrimp Size: Use large or jumbo shrimp for more flavor and texture in the sandwich. Smaller shrimp may get lost in the bread.
- Cheese Combinations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combos. Gruyère, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Havarti are all great choices. You can even add a little blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you like heat, sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or drizzle some sriracha over the shrimp before assembling the sandwich.
- Garlic Bread Alternative: If you’re short on time, you can also use store-bought garlic bread or garlic butter spread for a quicker prep.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: Serve the shrimp grilled cheese with a side of crispy fries, salad, or a cup of tomato soup for a comforting, indulgent meal.
- Drink Pairing: Pair with a cold beer, iced tea, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the richness of the grilled cheese.
This Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is a decadent, elevated twist on a classic comfort food. The buttery garlic bread, creamy melted cheese, and perfectly cooked shrimp create a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to impress!
