Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread recipe brings together the best flavours of two worlds: Shrimp Scampi and Garlic Bread. It’s a tasty dish with juicy shrimp, garlicky goodness, and melted cheese on crispy bread. Making it is easy for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen. You’ll love the buttery, garlicky taste combined with the zesty shrimp and cheesy goodness. Serve it as a delicious appetizer or snack at a party, and try it with a fresh salad, creamy soup, or roasted vegetables.

Why this recipe works

• Easy and effortless: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, even those with minimal cooking experience can achieve restaurant-worthy results. From preparation to serving, this dish takes minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying it with loved ones.
• Quick preparation: In just a matter of minutes, you can have the garlic butter mixture ready and the shrimp cooked to perfection. The entire assembly takes no more than 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Versatile and customizable: This dish offers endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer to use shrimp/prawns, or even substitute with vegetables for a vegetarian version, the choice is yours. Adjust the spice level, experiment with different cheeses, or add a sprinkle of herbs to cater to your personal taste.
• Perfect party appetizer: Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread effortlessly transforms into the star of any party spread. Its visual appeal and irresistible aroma are sure to capture the attention and appetites of your guests. Plus, the easy-to-slice presentation makes it ideal for serving a crowd.

What is Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread

Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread is a delicious appetizer that originated from the famous shrimp scampi pasta dish, but with a twist! Instead of serving the shrimp scampi over pasta, we load all those savory shrimp onto a garlic-infused buttered baguette or ciabatta loaf. The result is an incredible medley of flavors that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Best ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread

• Baguette or ciabatta loaf: Always choose a fresh and crusty baguette or ciabatta loaf. The sturdy texture will hold up well to the delicious toppings.
• Shrimp/king prawns: Choose raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp or king prawns. Look for the freshest ones available, as they will give your dish a naturally sweet and succulent taste.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. Softened butter makes it easier to spread the garlic mixture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a star ingredient here, infusing the bread and shrimp with its aromatic goodness.
• Fresh parsley: Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of herbaceousness to the dish.
• Spices: Salt, pepper and red chilli flakes enhance the flavors and add a touch of heat if you like it spicy.
• Parmesan and mozzarella cheese: Choose high-quality parmesan and shredded mozzarella for the perfect gooey cheese topping. Grate them yourself whenever possible.

How to make Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Prepare the garlic butter spread

In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup (1 stick/115g) of softened unsalted butter with 3 minced cloves of garlic. Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley to the mixture. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) for a kick of heat. Incorporate 1/2 cup (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture for a savory, cheesy taste. Mix all the ingredients well until the garlic butter spread is smooth and evenly combined.

Step 2: Prep the bread and shrimp

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a large baguette or ciabatta loaf, and slice it lengthwise to create two halves. Place the two halves on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up, ready for the next steps. If using raw shrimp or king prawns, peel, devein, and chop about 2 cups (300g) of them to get them ready for cooking.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp

In a pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. Add the minced garlic to the heated oil, sautéing it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Carefully add the chopped shrimp or prawns to the pan, and cook them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are heated through. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp, and season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread

Take the prepared garlic butter spread and generously spread it over the cut side of both halves of the baguette or ciabatta loaf. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the bread with the garlic butter for maximum flavor. Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp or prawns over the buttered bread halves, creating a delicious seafood layer.

Step 5: Add the cheese topping

Sprinkle 1 cup (115g) of shredded mozzarella cheese over the shrimp layer, ensuring it covers the shrimp evenly. Top it off with an additional sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch.

Step 6: Bake until golden brown and cheesy

Place the baking sheet with the assembled Garlic Bread into the preheated oven. Let it bake for approximately 12-14 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on the bread to avoid overcooking, as you want it to be perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

Once the Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut the bread into slices using a sharp knife, and serve it while it’s still warm. Enjoy!

Storing and freezing tips

If you have any leftovers of this Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop the slices into the oven or microwave until they’re warm again.

For freezing, it’s best to freeze the uncooked garlic bread before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be kept in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to indulge, bake the frozen garlic bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Top tips for the best Shrimp Scampi Garlic Bread

• Freshness is key: Choose the freshest shrimp or king prawns available for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t skimp on garlic: The more garlic, the better! It’s what gives this dish its mouthwatering aroma and taste.
• Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preferences. You can even omit them if you prefer a milder version.
• Let the flavors meld: If time allows, let the garlic butter mixture sit for a while before spreading it on the bread to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Experiment with cheese: While mozzarella and parmesan are classic choices, feel free to explore other cheeses that melt well and complement shrimp.

Serving suggestions

• Fresh garden salad: Balance the richness of garlic bread with a crisp and refreshing garden salad. Toss together a mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
• Creamy tomato basil soup: Warm up your taste buds with a creamy tomato basil soup. The velvety texture and robust flavors of the soup complement the buttery garlic bread, making it a comforting and satisfying combination for a cozy lunch or dinner.
• Grilled asparagus: Add a touch of freshness and a pop of color to your meal with some grilled asparagus. Drizzle the asparagus spears with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and grill them until they’re tender with a slight char. The earthy taste of asparagus pairs wonderfully with the garlicky shrimp and cheesy bread.
• Roasted cherry tomatoes: Create a burst of flavor and vibrant colors by roasting cherry tomatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano. Roast until they’re slightly caramelized and serve them alongside the garlic bread for a delicious accompaniment.

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Polish version of this recipe available here.

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