A buttery, cheesy, seafood-filled roll that’s crispy on the outside and packed with juicy garlic shrimp inside. Perfect as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 rolls

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Rolls

• 6 soft sandwich rolls or hot dog buns
• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped shrimp.
4. Season with paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Cook for 3–4 minutes until shrimp turn pink.
6. Remove from heat.
7. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice each roll lengthwise without cutting completely through.
3. Hollow out a little of the center to make room for the filling.

Step 3: Stuff the Rolls

1. Fill each roll generously with the shrimp mixture.
2. Mix softened butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
3. Spread the garlic butter over the tops of the rolls.
4. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired.

Step 4: Bake

1. Arrange rolls on a lined baking tray.
2. Bake for 12–15 minutes until heated through.
3. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crisp, golden top (watch carefully).
4. Serve immediately.

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Tips

• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
• Add spinach for extra vegetables.
• Use lobster or crab instead of shrimp for a luxurious variation.
• Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for extra richness.

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Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer: Freeze assembled (before baking) for up to 1 month.

Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.

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Nutrition (Approximate Per Roll)

• Calories: 365
• Protein: 27 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg

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Nut Information

Contains Tree Nuts: ❌ No

Contains Peanuts: ❌ No

This recipe is naturally nut-free, provided all packaged ingredients (bread, cheeses, butter, and seasonings) are verified to be free from cross-contamination if preparing for someone with a severe nut allergy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q3: What bread works best?
Soft hot dog buns, brioche rolls, hoagie rolls, or small French rolls all work well.

Q4: Can I air fry these?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes until the tops are golden and the filling is hot.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or green onions make excellent additions.

Q6: How do I prevent soggy rolls?
Cook the shrimp just until done, avoid excess liquid in the filling, and lightly toast the rolls before stuffing if desired.

Q7: What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?
Provolone, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or white cheddar are all delicious alternatives.

Q8: Can I make this spicy?
Yes. Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the filling.

Q9: What side dishes pair well with these rolls?
Serve with Caesar salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, potato wedges, fries, or a light tomato soup.

Q10: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written. Use certified gluten-free rolls to make it gluten-free while checking all other ingredients for gluten-free certification.