Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread

Here’s a recipe for an Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread. This dish combines the rich, melty comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich with succulent shrimp and garlic-butter flavor. It’s a luxurious twist on the classic!

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Bread:

• 1 loaf of Italian bread or baguette
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Grilled Cheese:

• 4 slices of thick bread (sourdough, white, or any bread of choice)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened (for grilling the bread)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispiness)

Instructions:

Prepare the Garlic Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the loaf of bread into thick slices (about 1-inch each).
3. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, and salt.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on one side of each slice of bread.
5. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, garlic butter side up.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
3. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Assemble the Grilled Cheese:

1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread. If you want extra crispiness, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter side down, on the skillet. Layer with shredded cheese.
4. Add a few cooked shrimp on top of the cheese.
5. Top with another slice of bread, butter side up. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
6. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

Serve:

1. Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet and cut it in half.
2. Serve with the garlic bread on the side.

Enjoy your Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread! This combination of shrimp, melted cheese, and garlic-infused bread creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures.