Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese
If you love garlic bread, shrimp, and melty cheese, this recipe is the perfect fusion of all three. Imagine buttery garlic bread pressed together with tender, juicy shrimp and gooey cheese—it’s comfort food with a touch of elegance. This grilled cheese is hearty enough for lunch or dinner but also indulgent enough to serve when you want to impress.
Ingredients:
-
1 loaf of crusty bread (French or Italian works best)
-
2 cups shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large size)
-
2 tbsp butter (plus extra for toasting bread)
-
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispness on the bread)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the garlic butter.
In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt. Stir in parsley and set aside. This will infuse the bread with rich garlic flavor.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp.
In another skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Assemble the sandwich.
Slice the bread into thick pieces. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on the outer sides. On the inside, sprinkle a mixture of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Add a generous layer of shrimp, then top with more cheese. Press the second slice of bread on top.
Step 4: Grill to perfection.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. For extra crispiness, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before grilling. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to help the cheese fuse everything together.
Step 5: Serve hot.
Once golden and crispy, remove from the pan. Let it rest for a minute before slicing to prevent the cheese from oozing out. Serve with a side of marinara or creamy garlic dipping sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips & Variations:
-
Cheese lovers: Add provolone or fontina for an even cheesier bite.
-
Spicy kick: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on the shrimp before cooking.
-
Lighter version: Use whole-grain bread and a mix of part-skim cheeses.
-
Party snack: Cut into smaller triangles and serve as appetizers.
Why You’ll Love It:
This grilled cheese isn’t just a sandwich—it’s an experience. The garlicky crunch of the bread, the juicy tenderness of shrimp, and the stretchy melted cheese come together for the ultimate comfort food upgrade. It’s quick enough to whip up in 20 minutes yet fancy enough to feel like something you’d order at a bistro.