If you adore the creamy, melty goodness of grilled cheese sandwiches and the savory, garlicky flavor of shrimp, then you are about to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender, buttery shrimp infused with garlic and spices, tucked inside crunchy, golden sourdough with a luscious blend of mozzarella and white cheddar melting into every bite. This sandwich is a show-stopper for comfort food lovers and seafood fans alike, delivering rich flavors with a satisfying texture that feels both indulgent and delightful. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From buttery shrimp to melted cheeses and tangy lemon, every component is essential for that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color you’ll love.
- 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped: Using fresh or thawed shrimp ensures the star protein is tender and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness and helps achieve that crispy, golden crust on the bread.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and a savory punch to the shrimp mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp and balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Delivers a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the shrimp and cuts through the richness with a zesty finish.
- 4 slices sourdough or rustic bread: Chosen for its sturdy texture that crisps beautifully without getting soggy.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or softened butter for spreading: Ensures an extra layer of flavor and crispness on the outside of the bread.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides wonderful stretching melt and mild creaminess.
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese: Adds a sharper bite and rich depth to the cheese blend.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional): Infuses a fresh herbal note and vibrant green color.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and melting 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped shrimp, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir frequently as they cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness, plus parsley if you’re using it. This shrimp mixture will be the flavorful, juicy filling that makes this sandwich extraordinary.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Spread mayonnaise or softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This simple step is critical—it not only helps the bread crisp up to a golden brown but also adds a hint of indulgent flavor. Place the slices butter-side down on a clean skillet over medium heat, ready for the layering.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Shrimp
On the bread slices in the skillet, sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and white cheddar cheese. Then, evenly distribute the shrimp mixture on top of the cheese. Follow with another layer of cheese which acts as a melty glue to hold the sandwich together once topped with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up. This layering ensures gooey cheese envelops every bit of shrimp.
Step 4: Grill Until Golden and Melty
Cook the sandwiches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage even browning and melting. The bread should come out beautifully golden brown and crisp, while the cheeses inside become perfectly melted and gooey. Once done, remove from the skillet and let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing for a clean cut.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. If you love a bit of heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce pairs wonderfully with the rich shrimp and cheese flavors.
Side Dishes
Because this sandwich is deeply satisfying and filling, light sides work best. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber salad helps balance the richness. If you want to stick to comfort food themes, crispy sweet potato fries or a bowl of tomato soup makes it a perfect classic combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, cut the sandwich into small triangles and stack them on a wooden board with a little ramekin of aioli or lemon garlic dipping sauce. You can also serve open-faced by layering shrimp and cheese atop toasted bread slices and broiling briefly to melt the cheese, making for a shareable appetizer style dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining the flavor and a decent texture.
Freezing
While grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this sandwich by wrapping it very tightly in foil and placing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month. Keep in mind the bread may lose some crispness when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sandwich and warm it in a skillet over low to medium heat, flipping occasionally to regain crunchy bread and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving as it will make the bread soggy and cheese rubbery. A toaster oven works well for best results too.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid extra moisture, which can affect the sandwich texture.
What other cheeses can I use instead of mozzarella and white cheddar?
Gruyère or provolone make excellent alternatives if you want a different flavor profile that still melts beautifully.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s mild but flavorful. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you crave some heat.
Can I prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, which makes assembling the sandwich quick and easy later.
What bread works best for this grilled cheese?
Sourdough or other rustic breads with a chewy crumb and sturdy crust are ideal because they hold up to the juicy shrimp and melted cheese without falling apart.
Final Thoughts
If you want to create a grilled cheese sandwich that is anything but ordinary, try this Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe. It combines the comforting charm of melted cheese and buttery toasted bread with the sophisticated, savory allure of garlicky shrimp. Trust me, once you give this a try, it will become one of the sandwiches you reach for again and again whenever you want something cozy, special, and downright delicious.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese sandwich combines succulent garlic shrimp with melted mozzarella and white cheddar cheeses, all sandwiched between crispy, buttered sourdough bread. It’s a decadent, flavorful seafood twist on a classic grilled cheese perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Bread and Cheese
- 4 slices sourdough or rustic bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or softened butter for spreading
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped shrimp, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, if using. Set the shrimp mixture aside.
- Prepare the Bread: Evenly spread mayonnaise or softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help achieve a golden, crispy texture when cooking.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, onto a clean skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and white cheddar cheese over the bread. Evenly distribute the garlic shrimp mixture on top of the cheese layer. Add the remaining cheese on top of the shrimp, then cover with the remaining two slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula to help everything meld together. Flip carefully to avoid spilling the cheesy shrimp filling. Continue cooking until the bread is golden brown on both sides and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet and serve the Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese sandwiches hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chop the shrimp finely for easier eating and more even distribution in the sandwich.
- Gruyère or provolone cheese can be substituted for mozzarella or cheddar to vary the cheese flavor.
