Description
This Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is a decadent and flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Featuring sautéed garlic shrimp melted between layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all nestled on garlic-butter brushed thick bread and grilled to golden perfection, this sandwich is perfect for a quick, indulgent meal that combines the best of seafood and cheesy comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter, melted (for cooking and brushing bread)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices thick bread (sourdough or your choice)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp along with the minced garlic and sauté in melted butter for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Bread: Brush each slice of bread generously with melted butter and sprinkle with extra minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On two slices of the prepared bread, evenly layer shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Top the cheese layers with the sautéed garlic shrimp.
- Close the Sandwiches: Place the remaining two slices of bread on top to form two sandwiches, garlic buttered sides facing out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Using the same pan used for cooking the shrimp, place the sandwiches over medium heat. Press down gently with a spatula and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese inside has melted fully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the grilled sandwiches from the pan. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with your choice of sides such as a crisp salad or potato chips for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use thick, sturdy bread like sourdough for best results to hold the shrimp and cheese without sogginess.
- Freshly minced garlic in the butter adds a robust flavor—adjust the quantity to your liking.
- Cook the shrimp just until pink to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery.
- Pressing the sandwich with a spatula while grilling helps achieve even browning and melting.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp while sautéing.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet for best texture; avoid microwaving to keep the bread crispy.
