Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Grilled Cheese Sandwich
“Juicy, garlicky shrimp nestled between layers of melty cheese and crispy golden bread—this seafood twist on a classic grilled cheese is pure indulgence!”
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Grilled Cheese:
4 slices sourdough or thick-cut bread
2 tbsp butter, softened
4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
2 slices cheddar cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Toss in shrimp, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp is pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Sandwich
Butter one side of each bread slice.
Place a slice of mozzarella and cheddar on the unbuttered side.
Layer the garlic butter shrimp evenly, then top with another slice of mozzarella or provolone.
Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
Grill the Sandwich
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
A crispy, cheesy, garlicky shrimp masterpiece—perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect execution. First, ensure your shrimp are patted dry to prevent steaming. In your skillet, melt the butter until it just begins to foam before adding the garlic; this prevents burning. Sauté until fragrant. Add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring each piece touches the pan for proper searing. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate immediately to stop the cooking process. For assembly, spread the softened butter all the way to the edges of each bread slice for uniform browning. Layer cheeses on the cool, unbuttered side to act as a moisture barrier. Distribute the shrimp evenly, then top with the final cheese slice to glue the sandwich together.
Serving Suggestions
This rich sandwich pairs beautifully with lighter, acidic sides to cut through the richness. Consider a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, a bowl of tomato soup for classic dipping, or tangy pickles. For a heartier meal, serve with sweet potato fries or a chilled pasta salad.
How-to Summary
Sauté shrimp in garlic butter with paprika and spices. Butter two slices of sourdough bread. Build the sandwich with layers of mozzarella, cheddar, the cooked shrimp, and more cheese. Grill in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is thoroughly melted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? It’s not recommended, as they can become rubbery when reheated. Using raw shrimp allows them to absorb the garlic butter flavors perfectly during cooking.
What’s the best cheese for maximum melt? While mozzarella and provolone are excellent melters, combining them with a slice of cheddar adds a sharper flavor. Gouda or fontina are also superb choices.
How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts? Use medium-low heat and a lid or foil tent over the skillet for the last minute. This traps heat, melting the cheese faster without over-toasting the bread.
Can I make the shrimp filling ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the shrimp 1 day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before assembling the sandwich.
How can I make this recipe lighter? Use a cooking spray or olive oil instead of butter for grilling, opt for low-fat cheese, and increase the proportion of shrimp to cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Cooking too many shrimp at once steams them instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- High Heat for Grilling: Too high a heat will burn the butter in the bread before the interior cheese melts. Patience with medium-low heat is key.
- Wet Shrimp: Failing to pat shrimp dry introduces excess moisture, making the bread soggy.
- Uneven Buttering: Not buttering the entire bread surface leads to uneven browning and dry spots.
Conclusion
The Garlic Butter Shrimp Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a decadent upgrade to a beloved comfort food. By mastering the simple techniques of properly searing shrimp and grilling with patience, you create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of savory garlic butter, succulent shrimp, and perfectly melted cheese encased in crispy bread is irresistibly satisfying. This versatile recipe is sure to become a new favorite for a special lunch or a quick, impressive dinner.