Sizzling Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Monterey Jack Recipe

Melted monterey jack cheese and succulent shrimp dance together in this mouthwatering garlic bread shrimp grilled cheese that promises pure comfort.

Crispy edges promise a delightful crunch with each delectable bite.

Seafood lovers will adore how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Garlic’s bold flavor mingles perfectly with tender shrimp and creamy cheese.

A quick lunch or casual dinner becomes an instant favorite in just minutes.

Warm, gooey, and packed with irresistible flavors, you won’t be able to resist this tempting sandwich.

Grab your skillet and let’s make magic happen!

Why Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese Is Irresistible

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic grilled cheese into a gourmet experience with succulent shrimp and rich Monterey Jack cheese, creating a mouthwatering fusion of flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare a restaurant-worthy meal in just minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving something special without complicated techniques.
• Seafood Meets Cheese Delight: Combine the tender, seasoned shrimp with melty cheese on garlic bread, offering a luxurious twist on traditional sandwich options that surprises and satisfies taste buds.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Utilize basic pantry staples and minimal cooking skills to craft an impressive dish that looks and tastes like it came from a trendy restaurant kitchen.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds a succulent and tender protein to the grilled cheese sandwich.

• Garlic Bread, Monterey Jack Cheese: Flavorful bread infused with garlic that provides a crispy base and melty cheese that creates a rich, creamy texture.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Butter: Seasonings and cooking fats that enhance flavor, help with cooking, and provide a golden, crispy exterior for the sandwich.

How to Prepare Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the shrimp. Carefully place shrimp in the hot skillet and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color and become completely opaque, which takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Get your griddle or large skillet ready by heating it to a medium temperature. This will ensure a perfect golden-brown crust on your sandwich.

Step 3: Butter the Bread

Take your garlic bread slices and generously spread butter on one side of each slice. The butter will create a crispy, golden exterior when grilled.

Step 4: Layer the Delicious Components

Place one slice of bread, butter side down, onto the heated surface. Sprinkle a generous handful of Monterey Jack cheese over the bread.

Carefully arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the cheese.

Cover with the second slice of bread, butter side facing up.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

• Bread turns a rich golden-brown color
• Cheese melts completely
• Edges become crispy and slightly crunchy

Step 6: Repeat and Serve

Repeat the process with any remaining ingredients. Plate the sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and melty.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Culinary Creation

Serve the sandwiches right away. The combination of buttery garlic bread, melted cheese, and succulent shrimp creates an irresistible meal that’s sure to impress.

Cooking Tips for Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

• Swap regular shrimp for smaller bay shrimp for easier sandwich assembly and more even distribution.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy edges.
• Select day-old garlic bread for sturdier texture and better grilling performance.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Use high-quality unsalted butter for consistent browning and controlled salt levels in the final dish.

Variation Suggestions for Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the shrimp for a fiery flavor boost and sprinkle red pepper flakes on the cheese.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Monterey Jack with feta cheese and mix in chopped fresh oregano and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
• Cajun Seafood Blast: Coat shrimp in Cajun seasoning before cooking and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty New Orleans-style grilled cheese.
• Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped basil, parsley, and chives into the butter spread and mix with garlic for an aromatic herb-infused version.

Suggested Pairings for Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

• Pair with Zesty Citrus White Wine: A crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the richness of the cheesy shrimp sandwich, enhancing its delicate seafood flavor with bright, refreshing notes.
• Complement with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette to create a light, tangy side that balances the sandwich's heavy, indulgent profile and adds a crisp texture contrast.
• Match with Spicy Sriracha Mayo Dip: Whisk sriracha into mayonnaise for a creamy, fiery condiment that amplifies the garlic's warmth and adds a kick to the shrimp's mild sweetness.

Storing Tips for Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

• Store leftover sandwich in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Place cooled sandwiches in freezer-safe bags or containers. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Can be frozen for 1-2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap frozen sandwich, place on baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Cover with foil to prevent burning.
• Thaw sandwich in refrigerator overnight. Heat skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula to restore crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have Monterey Jack cheese?

Substitute with cheddar, provolone, or white American cheese for similar melting qualities.

• How spicy are these shrimp?

The recipe uses mild garlic powder, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.

• Is this a good recipe for meal prep?

Best enjoyed immediately after cooking, as the bread stays crispy and cheese remains melted.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Monterey Jack Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15-19 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crusty garlic bread meets succulent shrimp in this mouthwatering Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese, blending bold flavors from land and sea. Monterey jack melts into golden perfection, creating a sandwich that delivers pure comfort and irresistible indulgence for hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 slices garlic bread
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Grilling Ingredient:

• Butter for grilling

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, preparing for shrimp preparation.
2. Sprinkle shrimp with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then sauté until they transform to a vibrant pink and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp from pan.
3. Heat griddle or skillet to medium temperature, creating an ideal surface for grilling.
4. Generously spread butter across one side of each garlic bread slice, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Position first bread slice butter-side down on heated griddle, creating a crispy foundation.
6. Layer Monterey Jack cheese evenly across bread surface, covering entire slice.
7. Arrange cooked shrimp strategically over melting cheese, distributing them uniformly.
8. Crown the sandwich with second bread slice, positioning butter-side facing upward.
9. Grill sandwich for 3-4 minutes, allowing bottom to develop a golden-brown crust and cheese to melt completely.
10. Carefully flip sandwich, continuing grilling until second side achieves similar golden-brown coloration and cheese reaches optimal melting point.
11. Repeat process with remaining ingredients for additional servings.
12. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are completely deveined and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and achieve perfect searing.
• Use fresh garlic bread or homemade garlic butter for more intense flavor and a gourmet touch to elevate the sandwich.
• Select medium-sized shrimp that cook quickly and evenly, preventing rubbery texture and maintaining tender meat.
• Consider alternative cheese options like pepper jack for extra heat or smoked gouda for a deeper, richer profile if Monterey Jack isn’t available.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg