How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread with Grilled Shrimp

Indulge in the best of both worlds with this Cheesy Garlic Bread and Grilled Shrimp combo—a crave-worthy dish that’s rich in flavor but light on SmartPoints! Perfect for a cozy dinner, party appetizer, or a fancy weeknight treat, this recipe pairs crispy, garlicky bread with tender, smoky shrimp for a meal that feels decadent without derailing your Weight Watchers goals. It’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your surf-and-turf cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• WW-Friendly Indulgence: All the cheesy, garlicky goodness of traditional garlic bread—without the guilt!
• Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, start to finish.
• Smart Swaps: Light cheese, whole-grain bread, and grilled shrimp keep points low.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or game-day gatherings.
• Versatile: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or keep it vegetarian with extra veggies.

Ingredients

For the Cheesy Garlic Bread:

• 1 small whole-grain baguette (about 12 oz, sliced lengthwise)
• 4 tsp light butter (or olive oil)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, divided)
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grilled Shrimp:

• 12 oz raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tsp olive oil (or cooking spray)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

Prep the Garlic Bread

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a small bowl, mix light butter, minced garlic, half the parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguette. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Grill the Shrimp

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil (or coat with cooking spray), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and slightly charred. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp.

Assemble & Serve

1. Slice the garlic bread into 8 pieces. Divide among plates and top with grilled shrimp.
2. Garnish with remaining parsley and a lemon wedge.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• WW SmartPoints: 5 (with cooking spray) or 6 (with olive oil).

Tips for Success

1. Boost Flavor: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp.
2. Lighter Option: Use fat-free mozzarella to save 1 SmartPoint per serving.
3. Meal Prep: Prep garlic butter and shrimp seasoning ahead for faster assembly.
4. Veggie Twist: Serve with grilled zucchini or a side salad (0 points) for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Lean Protein: Shrimp is naturally low in calories and points but high in protein.
• Smart Carbs: Whole-grain bread adds fiber, keeping you fuller longer.
• Cheese Control: Reduced-fat cheeses deliver gooey satisfaction without excess fat.

Serving Ideas

• Appetizer: Cut garlic bread into smaller slices for bite-sized party snacks.
• Dinner Upgrade: Pair with a zero-point tomato-basil salad or roasted veggies.
• Dip It: Serve with a side of light marinara or Greek yogurt ranch (track points).

This Cheesy Garlic Bread with Grilled Shrimp is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for fitness. With its crispy bread, melty cheese, and perfectly seasoned shrimp, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet fits seamlessly into your wellness journey. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this recipe is a delicious reminder that healthy eating can be exciting and satisfying!