Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level with our Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread and Monterey Jack Cheese. This recipe adds succulent shrimp and the savory goodness of garlic bread to the beloved grilled cheese, creating a sandwich that’s both decadent and irresistible. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special treat, this twist on a classic is sure to become a new favorite. Let’s get started and bring a touch of gourmet to your grilled cheese!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread:
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or French bread works well)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Sandwich Filling:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp is pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place 4 slices of the garlic buttered bread, butter side down, on a clean surface.
- Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp over the bread slices.
- Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the shrimp.
- Top with the remaining 4 slices of garlic buttered bread, butter side up.
- Cook the Sandwiches:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet.
- Cook each sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and melting.
- Serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing them in half.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Prepare
The key to this delicious sandwich is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The garlic butter adds a rich, savory base to the bread, while the Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, complementing the succulent shrimp. Cooking the shrimp just until pink ensures they remain tender and juicy. Assembling and cooking the sandwiches with care will give you a golden, crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Servings
This recipe makes 4 sandwiches, serving 4 people.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just chop and season them as instructed, then heat briefly in the skillet before assembling the sandwiches.
What other cheeses can I use?
- Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses would work well in this recipe.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
- Absolutely. You can prepare the garlic butter and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What side dishes go well with this sandwich?
- A fresh green salad, tomato soup, or sweet potato fries would make excellent accompaniments.
Can I bake the sandwiches instead of grilling them?
- Yes, you can bake the assembled sandwiches in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.