Health-Conscious Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Bread:
– 1 whole grain French bread loaf, sliced in half lengthwise (for extra fiber)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or a heart-healthy alternative like olive oil spread
– 3 cloves garlic, minced (rich in antioxidants)
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for added vitamins)
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (use sparingly for low sodium)
For the Shrimp:
– 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (high in lean protein)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (rich in healthy fats)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste (use lightly to keep sodium levels in check)
For the Grilled Cheese:
– 8 slices of your favorite reduced-fat cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss)
– 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
– Olive oil spray or a small amount of butter for grilling
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a small bowl, mix the softened butter or olive oil spread with minced garlic, parsley, basil, and sea salt.
– Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the whole grain bread.
2. Bake the Garlic Bread:
– Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
– While the bread is baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
– Season the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
– Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Shrimp is a great source of omega-3s, promoting heart health.
4. Assemble the Grilled Cheese:
– Place one slice of the garlic bread, buttered side down, on a skillet over medium heat.
– Layer with slices of reduced-fat cheese and sprinkle with low-fat shredded mozzarella. Add the cooked shrimp for lean protein.
– Cover with the second slice of garlic bread, buttered side up.
5. Grill the Sandwich:
– Lightly spray olive oil on the top of the sandwich or use a small amount of butter. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve:
– Slice the sandwich in half and serve hot.
This delicious grilled cheese provides a satisfying balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber for a heart-healthy meal. Enjoy guilt-free!
