Indulge in our Shrimp Grilled Cheese on Garlic Bread—crispy, cheesy, and deliciously loaded with juicy shrimp for the ultimate flavor bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful: The combination of gooey cheese and garlicky shrimp makes every bite unforgettable.
- Quick to prepare: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or weeknight dinner.
- Comfort food with a twist: Adds an exciting seafood flair to the traditional grilled cheese sandwich.
- Customizable: Use your favorite bread or cheese to tailor it to your taste.
- Restaurant-quality at home: This sandwich delivers a gourmet feel without the complexity.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick bread (sourdough or your choice)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté with minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of melted butter until pink and fully cooked (about 3–4 minutes). Set aside.
- Brush each bread slice with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with minced garlic.
- On two slices of bread, layer mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.
- Add cooked shrimp on top of the cheese layer.
- Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- In the same skillet, grill the sandwiches over medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side).
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with a side of chips or salad.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add heat: Mix in some red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices with the shrimp.
- Cheese swap: Try cheddar, provolone, or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
- Garlic butter upgrade: Add finely chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter for an aromatic touch.
- Avocado twist: Add slices of avocado inside the sandwich before grilling for extra creaminess.
- Open-faced version: Skip the top slice and broil for a melted, crisp-topped toast.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispness of the bread.
FAQs
What kind of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal for easy cooking and bite-sized satisfaction in every sandwich.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best bread for grilled cheese?
Thick-cut sourdough, Italian, or rustic country bread works best for holding the fillings and getting that golden, crispy exterior.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and assemble the sandwich ahead of time—just grill it when ready to eat.
What sides pair well with shrimp grilled cheese?
A fresh green salad, tomato soup, or seasoned potato chips complement the sandwich nicely.
How can I make it healthier?
Use whole grain bread, reduced-fat cheese, and less butter. You can also grill it in a nonstick pan with minimal oil.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Spinach, tomatoes, or sautéed onions make great additions.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
Mozzarella gives the best stretch, while Parmesan adds flavor. You can also use Monterey Jack or fontina for variation.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—just make sure to chop the shrimp finely or use small ones, and consider milder cheese.
How do I make this spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking or sprinkle chili flakes inside the sandwich before grilling.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is everything you want in a comfort food—melty, buttery, flavorful, and irresistibly crispy. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy lunch or impressing guests with a creative sandwich, this recipe delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to twist on a classic.
Explore More Gourmet Twists
Looking to expand your culinary creativity beyond our Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread? Dive into some of our most savory ideas that pair beautifully with seafood, cheese, and bold seasonings. For a spicy Southern classic, try the indulgent New Orleans-Style Barbecue Shrimp. If garlic’s your love language, you’ll be obsessed with our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni or the richly layered Shallot Garlic Bread. Craving even more comfort food? Our Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwiches bring a creamy twist to a lunchtime favorite. And if citrus flavors call your name, don’t miss the zesty Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp for a lighter seafood option.
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Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Indulge in our Shrimp Grilled Cheese on Garlic Bread—crispy, cheesy, and deliciously loaded with juicy shrimp for the ultimate flavor bite!
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick bread (sourdough or your choice)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, and sauté with minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of the melted butter until pink and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes). Set aside.
- Brush each slice of bread with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with garlic.
- On two slices of bread, layer mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.
- Add the cooked shrimp over the cheese layer.
- Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- In the same skillet, grill the sandwiches on medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with a side salad or crispy chips.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Try adding a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone for a sharper taste.
- Leftover shrimp can be used if reheated properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American