Ingredients:
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (Italian, sourdough, or ciabatta work well)
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp is pink and opaque. If using, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of four slices, layer the shredded cheese, followed by the cooked shrimp, and then another layer of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Press down slightly with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Serve: Once the sandwiches are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan. Let them cool for a minute before slicing in half. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!
Recipe Variations
- Add Tomatoes: Add slices of fresh tomato to the sandwich for a burst of freshness and acidity.
- Spinach and Artichoke: Incorporate some spinach and artichoke hearts for a more complex flavor profile.
- Four-Cheese Blend: Use a combination of cheeses like Gouda, Fontina, and Parmesan for an even richer flavor.
- Cajun Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun spices for a Southern-inspired twist.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 4 servings):
