Description
This Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is a decadent twist on classic comfort food, combining succulent shrimp seasoned with garlic and spices, melted cheddar cheese, and creamy cream cheese, all sandwiched between golden, buttery garlic bread. Perfectly grilled until crispy and melty, it’s an indulgent and flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with extra garlic bread on the side.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 12-15 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 4 slices sourdough bread (or preferred bread)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creamy texture)
- 2 tbsp butter (for grilling the sandwiches)
For the Garlic Bread:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, shrimp, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp. Set aside while preparing the sandwich.
- Assemble the grilled cheese: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice generously with the prepared garlic butter. On the unbuttered side, spread cream cheese if using. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over two slices of bread, on top of the cream cheese. Evenly distribute cooked shrimp over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outwards.
- Grill the sandwiches: Place the sandwiches on the griddle or skillet. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even browning and melting of cheese. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning and allow cheese to melt fully.
- Make the garlic bread: While sandwiches cook, spread remaining garlic butter on additional bread slices if desired. Toast garlic bread slices on the griddle or in the oven for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Once cooked, slice the shrimp grilled cheese diagonally and serve hot with garlic bread on the side. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try different cheese combinations such as Gruyère, provolone, or pepper jack.
- Add a zest of lemon to the shrimp before cooking for a bright citrus note.
- Include sautéed spinach or arugula inside the grilled cheese for added veggies and texture.
- Serve with a spicy mayo or aioli for a delicious dipping sauce.
