Gourmet Shrimp Grilled Cheese

This hearty Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese sandwich combines two comfort food favorites into one incredible meal. The garlicky butter infuses every bite while succulent shrimp and melty cheese create a gourmet experience that somehow still appeals to the pickiest eaters in my family.

I created this recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick that would please both my seafood loving husband and cheese obsessed children. Now it has become our Friday night tradition, with everyone gathering in the kitchen to help assemble their perfect sandwich.

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound medium shrimp: peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp provides the best texture but frozen works well when thawed properly.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: for sautéing. Use a good quality oil as it will impact the final flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic: minced. Fresh garlic delivers much more flavor than pre minced varieties.
• Salt and pepper: to taste for seasoning the shrimp perfectly.

• For the Garlic Butter:

• 1/2 cup butter: softened. Using real butter rather than margarine makes all the difference in this recipe.
• 4 cloves garlic: minced. This seems like a lot but creates that authentic garlic bread experience.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: which adds brightness to cut through the richness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: to enhance all the flavors.

• For Assembly:

• 8 slices sourdough bread: The slight tanginess complements the rich filling beautifully.
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese: for that perfect stretchy pull.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese: for sharp flavor that balances the mild shrimp.
• Fresh herbs: for garnish which add color and a final pop of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Cook the Shrimp:

Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Toss with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid crowding the pan or they will steam rather than sauté. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl combine the softened butter with minced garlic fresh parsley and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The butter should be at room temperature for easy spreading. This can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator but will need to soften again before using.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each bread slice. This will be the outside of your sandwich that contacts the pan. Place four slices butter side down on your work surface. Layer each with a portion of mozzarella cheese followed by the cooked shrimp and topped with cheddar cheese. The cheese on both sides helps seal in the shrimp. Cover with remaining bread slices butter side up.

Grill to Perfection:

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium low heat. Place sandwiches carefully onto the cooking surface allowing space between them. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown checking frequently to prevent burning. The garlic in the butter can burn easily so adjust heat as needed. Carefully flip using a spatula and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until second side is golden and cheese is completely melted.

Rest Before Serving:

Remove sandwiches to a cutting board and allow to rest for 2 minutes before cutting. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly preventing it from oozing out completely when cut. Slice diagonally and serve immediately garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

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My children now help make this sandwich regularly. Jack always wants to help cook the shrimp while Aliana has become our official butter spreader. Their excitement for this meal makes the preparation as enjoyable as the eating and they have begun suggesting their own variations which we incorporate into our family cookbook.

Storage Tips for Components

While these sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after preparation there are ways to prepare components ahead of time. The garlic butter can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator just bring it to room temperature before using. Shrimp can be cooked earlier in the day and refrigerated but should be brought to room temperature before assembling the sandwiches for even melting of the cheese.

Adaptable Ingredients

This recipe welcomes substitutions based on what you have available. Brioche or Texas toast can replace sourdough for a different texture and flavor profile. Fontina or provolone cheese work beautifully in place of mozzarella. For those who prefer a different protein grilled chicken or even avocado can substitute for shrimp. The garlic butter however is non negotiable for the authentic garlic bread experience.

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Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches pair perfectly with a light tomato soup or simple green salad to balance the richness. For a full comfort food experience serve alongside sweet potato fries or crispy onion rings. A cold crisp pickle spear provides a welcome contrast to the warm gooey sandwich. For adults a glass of unoaked Chardonnay or light beer complements the flavors beautifully.

Family Tradition Origins

This sandwich was inspired by my grandmother who always made both garlic bread and seafood dishes for special occasions. One holiday when we had leftover garlic bread and shrimp scampi my mother created an impromptu sandwich that became an instant family classic. Each generation has added their touch to the recipe with my children now suggesting additional herbs and spice levels to make it their own.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this sandwich?

Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to ensure they brown properly rather than steam.

→ What's the best cheese substitute if I don't have mozzarella?

Provolone makes an excellent substitute for mozzarella in this sandwich as it has similar melting properties and a complementary flavor. Alternatively, Monterey Jack or Gouda would work well alongside the cheddar.

→ How can I make this sandwich lighter?

To lighten the sandwich, use reduced-fat cheese, light butter or olive oil for the spread, and whole grain bread instead of sourdough. You could also increase the shrimp proportion while slightly decreasing the cheese.

→ What sides pair well with this sandwich?

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Other great pairings include tomato soup, pickle spears, sweet potato fries, or a light coleslaw with vinegar dressing.

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Absolutely! The garlic butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored refrigerated. The shrimp can be cooked a day ahead and refrigerated. Just assemble and grill the sandwiches when ready to eat for best results.

→ How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?

The key is using medium-low heat and patience. Cover the pan with a lid while cooking to help the cheese melt before the bread gets too dark. You can also pre-toast the bread lightly in the oven before assembly.