Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

For the Garlic Bread:

• 4 slices thick bread (sourdough or Italian works great)
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Shrimp Filling:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Bread Spread:
   • In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
   • Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each bread slice.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Season shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
   • Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
   • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
   • Place a slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
   • Add a layer of mozzarella, cheddar, shrimp, Parmesan, then more mozzarella.
   • Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
4. Grill to Perfection:
   • Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese melts.
   • Repeat for the second sandwich.
5. Serve:
   • Slice in half and serve hot — extra marinara or garlic aioli on the side makes a tasty dip!

Want me to brainstorm some fun sauce ideas or side pairings too?