This sandwich is a variation on the classic tuna melt (which is itself a variation on the classic grilled cheese sandwich.) This one's a bit more upscale, since it uses shrimp and crabmeat in place of tuna, and it's garnished with green olive 'eyes' to make it a bit more fun as well.
The Crab and Shrimp Salad recipe makes enough for four hearty sandwiches. Try these for a charming and unusual lunch treat.
(View the Full Size Photo of Crab and Shrimp Salad Cheddar Melt Sandwich)
Ingredients
- 8 thick slices of bread (see Cook's Note)
- Softened butter
- Paprika
- Crab and Shrimp Salad (see this recipe)
- 6-8 ounces mild or medium cheddar, shredded
- Stuffed Spanish olives for garnish
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 Sandwiches
Preparation
Generously butter the bread slices on one side and dust lightly with paprika.Place 4 of the slices butter side down in a large skillet or griddle. Distribute half the cheese evenly over the 4 slices.
Top the bread with the seafood salad and the remaining cheese. Place the remaining bread slices butter side up on top.
When the underside is golden and crisp, carefully turn the sandwiches (use a turner underneath and a flexible spatula on top to make turning easier.) Cook the other side until golden and crisp.
Cut the sandwiches in half and garnish with olives on toothpick 'stalks' set at an angle for that endearingly crabby appearance.
Makes 4 delicious Crab and Shrimp Salad Cheddar Melt Sandwiches.
Cook's Note: A large store bought Italian bread is good for this. You want a bread that has a moderate crust and a fairly soft crumb. A coarse-textured peasant bread or a dense sourdough might be too hard to bite through without making a mess of the filling.