Indulge in a burst of flavor with our Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer. This tantalizing recipe combines succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic and rich, melted cheese for a mouthwatering appetizer that’s sure to impress. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these savory bites are quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and zesty shrimp flavor.
Delicious Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup about 120g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup about 25g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to broil setting.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shrimp are slightly browned on top.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve the Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp before eating. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Selection: A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese creates a gooey, cheesy topping with a mix of melty and slightly crispy textures. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for variation.
- Spice Level: The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat to the dish. Adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your preference for spice.
which cheese balances out the shrimp?
For a Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer, mozzarella cheese works well to balance out the flavors of the shrimp. Its mild and creamy taste complements the savory garlic and shrimp without overpowering them. Additionally, mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey and stringy texture that adds richness to the dish. If you’re looking to add more depth of flavor, you can also incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, which offers a nutty and slightly salty taste that pairs nicely with seafood. Together, these cheeses create a deliciously cheesy topping that enhances the overall taste of the shrimp appetizer.
can i make this diary free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of the Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer by using dairy-free alternatives for the cheese and butter. Here are some substitutes you can try:
- Dairy-Free Cheese: Opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives made from ingredients such as coconut oil, soy, almonds, or cashews. Look for varieties that melt well and have a similar texture to regular cheese. You can find shredded or sliced dairy-free cheese in most grocery stores.
- Dairy-Free Butter: Use dairy-free butter substitutes made from plant-based oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. These alternatives provide a similar richness and flavor to traditional butter but without the dairy.