Description
Juicy garlic butter shrimp are folded into a creamy Parmesan mozzarella sauce, spooned into a hollowed French bread loaf, topped with more cheese, and baked until warm, bubbly, and golden. This cheesy shrimp bread boat is perfect for sharing as an appetizer, party snack, or cozy comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
1. 1 lb / 450 g medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. 1 tbsp olive oil
3. 2 tbsp butter, for cooking the shrimp
4. 4 cloves garlic, minced, for the shrimp
5. 1 tsp paprika
6. 1/2 tsp salt
7. 1/2 tsp black pepper, for the shrimp
8. 2 tbsp butter, for the cheese sauce
9. 2 cloves garlic, minced, for the cheese sauce
10. 1 cup heavy cream
11. 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
12. 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, for the sauce
13. 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
14. 1/4 tsp black pepper, for the sauce
15. 1 large French bread loaf
16. 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, for topping
17. 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
2. Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise to create a bread boat. Carefully hollow out some of the soft center, leaving enough bread around the edges and bottom to hold the filling.
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp, 4 minced garlic cloves, paprika, salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Do not overcook, because the shrimp will bake again inside the bread.
6. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir often so the cream does not scorch.
8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
9. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
10. Fold the cooked shrimp into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
11. Spoon the creamy shrimp mixture into the hollowed French bread loaf, spreading it evenly from end to end.
12. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
13. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes for a golden top, watching carefully so the bread does not burn.
15. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Pat the shrimp dry before cooking, especially if using thawed frozen shrimp. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm as a shareable appetizer, party snack, game day dish, or casual dinner. Pair it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, pasta, soup, or extra garlic butter for dipping.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F / 175°C oven until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become tough.
Nutrition:
Estimated nutrition per serving: 680 calories, 42 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein, 3 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 980 mg sodium. Nutrition is approximate and may vary based on bread size, cheese brand, and portion size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American