🥪 Introduction
This indulgent sandwich is not for the faint of heart — it combines buttery garlic bread with juicy shrimp sautéed in herbs and spices, layered between gooey, melted cheeses. Each bite is packed with savory seafood flavor, cheesy goodness, and crispy golden bread. It’s perfect for a decadent lunch, a dinner treat, or an impressive dish to serve your friends on a cozy night in.
đź›’ Ingredients (Makes 2 Sandwiches)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Shrimp:
- 8–10 medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-off)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Squeeze of lemon juice
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of thick sourdough or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (for extra garlic bread flavor)
- Garlic butter (from above)
- Cooked shrimp (from above)
🔪 Instructions & Method
Step 1: Prepare Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze in lemon juice, toss to coat, and remove from heat.
- Roughly chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the non-buttered side, layer shredded mozzarella, shrimp pieces, then cheddar. Add cream cheese in small dollops if using.
- Close the sandwich with the buttered side facing out.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Place sandwiches in the pan and grill for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Optionally, sprinkle a little Parmesan on the outer side of the bread during the last minute of grilling for extra garlic bread crunch.
🍽️ Serve
Let the sandwiches rest for a minute, then slice diagonally and serve hot with:
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- A side of salad or garlic parmesan fries
- A cold drink or crisp white wine
👨‍🍳 Tips & Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try provolone or Gruyère for a gourmet twist.
- Add-ins: A few slices of tomato or spinach add freshness.
- Make it Spicier: Add hot sauce to the shrimp or sandwich layers.
- Seafood Twist: Swap shrimp for crab meat or lobster for a luxe version.