Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled cheese

This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a delicious and indulgent twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It’s loaded with juicy shrimp, gooey cheese, and the irresistible flavor of garlic butter, all sandwiched between two slices of golden, crispy garlic bread. Perfect for a hearty lunch, dinner, or special treat, this sandwich brings together the best of both worlds—garlic bread and grilled cheese, with the added luxury of shrimp.

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Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Garlic Bread:

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, Italian, or your preferred bread)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
• Pinch of salt (to taste)

For the Grilled Cheese:

• 8 slices of cheese (American, cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)

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Time & Temperature

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches (adjust for more servings)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Season the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Season with paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Add lemon juice: Once the shrimp is cooked, squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

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Step 2: Make the Garlic Bread

1. Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Butter the bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Toast the garlic bread: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the bread slices buttered side down on the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes, ensuring both sides are toasted and crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Assemble the Shrimp Grilled Cheese

1. Layer the cheese: On one slice of each garlic-buttered bread, layer 2 slices of cheese (or more if you want it extra cheesy). You can mix and match cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and American cheese for the ultimate melt.
2. Add the shrimp: Carefully place the cooked shrimp over the cheese layer, spreading them evenly.
3. Top with more cheese: Place 2 more slices of cheese on top of the shrimp layer for an extra gooey grilled cheese.
4. Close the sandwich: Top with the second slice of garlic buttered bread, buttered side facing out.

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Step 4: Grill the Sandwich

1. Grill the sandwich: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted inside.
2. Press down: You can press the sandwich down slightly with a spatula or a heavy pan to ensure an even golden crust and perfect melt.
3. Check for golden perfection: Once both sides are golden brown, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it sit for a minute before slicing.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and serve: Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey. Garnish with extra parsley or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
2. Optional sides: Serve with a side of crispy fries, a green salad, or some sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

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Notes and Tips

• Shrimp Variations: You can swap the shrimp for other proteins such as grilled chicken, lobster, or even vegetarian options like grilled mushrooms or tofu.
• Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyère, fontina, and provolone are all great choices for a rich, melty filling.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before assembling your sandwiches.
• Spice it Up: Add a bit of hot sauce or sriracha to the shrimp mixture for an added kick, or drizzle some spicy mayo on the inside of the bread for extra heat.
• Bread Options: Use any sturdy bread for this sandwich—sourdough and Italian bread are ideal because they hold up well to the shrimp and cheese, but you can use whatever you prefer.

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Nutritional Information (approximate, per sandwich)

• Calories: 600-700 kcal (depending on bread and cheese choices)
• Protein: 35-40g (mostly from the shrimp)
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Fat: 30-35g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 4-6g (from the bread and any added condiments)

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Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a true indulgence for any grilled cheese lover! The crispy, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the rich, melty cheese and tender, flavorful shrimp. It’s a great way to elevate your grilled cheese game with a savory seafood twist. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this sandwich is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!