Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe

Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe for Dinner

Melted cheese and succulent shrimp create pure magic in this cheesy garlic bread shrimp grilled cheese that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

Crispy golden bread hugs a luxurious filling of perfectly seasoned seafood and rich, gooey cheese.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable depth.

The combination of garlic-infused bread and tender shrimp elevates this sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp edges give way to a molten center packed with marine and dairy delights.

This isn’t just another sandwich – it’s a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

You’ll want to savor every single decadent morsel of this ultimate comfort food fusion.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese: What Makes It Unique

  • Combines succulent shrimp with rich garlic butter and melted cheese for an incredible taste sensation that elevates classic grilled cheese.
  • Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, perfect for home cooks wanting a gourmet-style meal without complicated techniques.
  • Delivers a delightful twist on traditional grilled cheese that appeals to both seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts, making it ideal for casual dinners or weekend lunches.
  • Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adding extra herbs and spices to customize the sandwich.

What Goes into Shrimp Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a succulent and tender protein for the sandwich.
  • Italian Bread: A sturdy bread that creates a crispy and flavorful base for the grilled cheese.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that adds a creamy and stretchy texture to the sandwich.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Chopped Parsley: Fresh herbs and aromatics that bring depth and brightness to the garlic butter.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for sautéing the shrimp and preventing sticking during grilling.
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that helps create a golden, crispy exterior on the bread and adds richness to the sandwich.

Tools for Toasty, Cheesy Shrimp Sandwiches

  • Skillet: Essential for sautéing shrimp and grilling the sandwich.
  • Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining garlic butter ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helpful for flipping sandwich and moving shrimp.
  • Cheese grater: Needed for grating Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
  • Cutting board: Used for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.

Assembling the Perfect Shrimp Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Sizzle The Seafood

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in shrimp and minced garlic, stirring until the shrimp transforms into a lovely pink color.

Transfer the succulent shrimp to a separate plate and let them rest.

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Spread

In a mixing bowl, blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly chopped parsley

Combine ingredients until they form a smooth, aromatic mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Bread Canvas

Generously coat one side of each Italian bread slice with the herb-infused butter blend.

Ensure complete and even coverage for maximum flavor impact.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

Create a mouthwatering sandwich stack by:
  • Placing sautéed shrimp on bread
  • Sprinkling shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Topping with another bread slice, buttered side facing outward

Step 5: Transform Into Golden Perfection

Place sandwich in a heated skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Cook until bread turns golden brown and cheese melts completely.

Flip once during cooking to ensure even crispiness and gooey cheese goodness.

Pro Tips for Golden, Melty Grilled Cheese

  • Remove shrimp from heat immediately after turning pink to maintain tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
  • Add minced fresh garlic or garlic powder to the butter mixture for an extra punch of aromatic flavor.
  • Select thick-cut, sturdy Italian bread that can hold up to grilling and won't become soggy from butter and cheese.
  • Use medium-low heat to ensure the bread browns evenly and the cheese melts completely without burning.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt more smoothly and create a gooey, irresistible filling.

Grilled Cheese Variations for Shrimp Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace Italian bread with gluten-free bread slices, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetable medley, keeping the cheesy garlic butter and mozzarella for rich taste.
  • Low-Carb Alternative
  • Spicy Seafood Version: Add red pepper flakes to the shrimp during sautéing and incorporate a spicy pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Serving Shrimp Grilled Cheese at Lunch or Dinner

  • Coastal Picnic Pairing: Pack this grilled cheese with crisp cucumber salad and chilled white wine for a breezy seaside lunch experience.
  • Appetizer Transformation: Cut sandwiches into smaller triangles for elegant party finger food that'll impress guests with minimal effort.
  • Soup Companion: Serve alongside creamy tomato bisque or seafood chowder to create a rich, comforting meal that highlights the sandwich's gourmet flavors.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner: Pair with simple mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a complete meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Storing Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese for Later

  • Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap cooled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap and place sandwich on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and bread crisps up.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

  • What type of bread works best for this grilled cheese?

Italian bread or sourdough are ideal choices because they provide a sturdy base and crisp up nicely when grilled. Avoid very soft or thin bread that might fall apart.

  • How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp is done when it turns pink and slightly curled. It typically takes 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.

Print
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Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory shrimp grilled cheese blends coastal flavors with comfort food charm. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a mouthwatering sandwich you’ll crave long after the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Cheese:

  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Bread and Seasonings:

  • 8 slices Italian bread
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a skillet at medium temperature. Introduce shrimp and minced garlic, sautéing until seafood transforms into a vibrant pink hue, approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
  2. Create garlic butter by blending softened butter with grated Parmesan and finely chopped parsley until ingredients form a harmonious mixture.
  3. Generously coat one surface of each bread slice with the prepared garlic butter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. Construct sandwich layers by positioning cooked shrimp and shredded mozzarella between bread slices, making certain the buttered surfaces face outward.
  5. Preheat skillet or griddle to medium heat. Carefully position assembled sandwiches and grill until bread develops a golden-brown exterior and cheese melts completely, flipping once midway through cooking process, roughly 3-4 minutes per side.

Notes

  • Choose medium-sized shrimp for the best texture and even cooking, ensuring they’re not overcooked and remain tender.
  • Drain excess liquid from sautéed shrimp before adding to the sandwich to prevent soggy bread.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan for a more intense, authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or ciabatta for varied taste and crunch.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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