Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese? Now, imagine combining that gooey, cheesy goodness with the savory taste of seafood seasoned with Old Bay. Intrigued? Hungry? You should be. This Old Bay Seafood Grilled Cheese is a game-changer, perfect for when you want to impress your taste buds with minimal effort. Stick around, and I’ll show you how to make seafood grilled cheese that’s so good, you’ll want it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Story Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for this masterpiece came to me after an event. I was craving comfort food but wanted something more than just the classic grilled cheese. I had some leftover seafood from a party the night before and a fresh container of Old Bay seasoning calling my name. The result? A mouthwatering blend of cheesy, crispy, seafood delight that was nothing short of magical. And so, the Old Bay Seafood Grilled Cheese was born, a recipe destined to become a household favorite.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
This grilled cheese variation is for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. Seafood aficionados, cheese enthusiasts, and anyone with a penchant for Old Bay seasoning will find this recipe irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a quick family dinner, a solo treat, or to impress your friends at a gathering, this sandwich fits the bill.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Seafood: Feel free to use any seafood you like. Crab meat, shrimp, or even lobster work wonderfully.
- Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix things up with gouda, mozzarella, or even a sharp provolone.
- Bread: Sourdough is fantastic for this recipe, but any sturdy bread like ciabatta or a French baguette will do.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of melted cheese and seafood is a textural dream. The seafood’s delicate sweetness pairs perfectly with the creamy, gooey cheese. Old Bay seasoning brings it all together with its unique blend of spices, adding a kick that takes this grilled cheese to the next level. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for any meal.
Ingredients (Without Measurements)
- Seafood (crab, shrimp, or lobster)
- Old Bay seasoning
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Bread (sourdough or ciabatta)
- Butter
- Dijon Mustard
- Lemon juice
- Green onions
Old Bay Seafood Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup Seafood crab meat, shrimp, or lobster or a combination of all
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- 4 slices Bread sourdough or ciabatta
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Green Onions
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood Mixture: In a bowl, combine the seafood, Old Bay seasoning, mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, and green onions. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mayo on one side of each bread slice. On the side without mayo, layer the seafood mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, then cut in half and serve. Enjoy the cheesy, seafood goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen seafood? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before using it in the recipe.
- What other cheeses work well in this recipe? Gouda, mozzarella, and provolone are great alternatives to cheddar.
- Can I make this grilled cheese in the oven? Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- What side dishes go well with this sandwich? A fresh green salad, coleslaw, or a cup of tomato soup make excellent companions.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the ultimate guide on how to make seafood grilled cheese with Old Bay seasoning. It’s a quick, delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Make sure you pair this with one of my favorite cocktails! Also, like my Facebook page here.
