Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled cheese is comforting on its own, but when you combine it with garlic bread and juicy shrimp, it transforms into a gourmet experience. This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese has everything: golden, buttery bread infused with garlic, melty cheese that stretches with every bite, and tender shrimp tucked inside for a rich seafood twist.
What I love about this recipe is how indulgent yet simple it feels. I once tried it with a mix of mozzarella and provolone for the ultimate cheese pull, and it was absolutely divine. Whether you enjoy it for a weekend lunch, a late-night craving, or as a decadent dinner, this sandwich is guaranteed to impress.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a decadent sandwich made with buttery garlic bread, juicy shrimp, and layers of gooey melted cheese. It’s a seafood twist on grilled cheese that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 slices Italian or sourdough bread
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, then sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, parsley, and garlic powder to make garlic butter.
- Spread garlic butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Heat a griddle or skillet to medium-low. Place 4 slices of bread, butter-side down, on the skillet.
- Top each with mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and a layer of shrimp. Cover with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
- Cook sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted, pressing gently with a spatula.
- Remove, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use sourdough or Italian bread for best flavor and sturdiness.
- For extra garlic punch, add roasted garlic to the butter mixture.
- Pairs perfectly with tomato soup or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp
Peeled, deveined, and lightly seasoned for a tender, savory filling.
Butter
Softened butter is mixed with garlic and herbs for the garlic bread base.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic gives the bread its bold, aromatic flavor.
Parsley
Adds a fresh, herby note to balance the richness.
Bread (Italian, sourdough, or Texas toast)
Thick slices that hold up to the cheese and shrimp.
Mozzarella cheese
Perfect for gooey, stretchy texture.
Cheddar or provolone cheese
Adds sharpness and depth to the cheesy filling.
Olive oil
Used to sauté the shrimp quickly without overpowering flavor.
Salt and black pepper
Enhance the shrimp and cheese filling.
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Add a hint of spice to balance the richness.
Directions
Start by preparing the garlic butter. Mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Spread this mixture generously on one side of each bread slice.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Sauté until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low. Place one slice of garlic-buttered bread, buttered side down, into the skillet. Layer with mozzarella and cheddar (or provolone), then add shrimp. Top with more cheese and the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Cook until the bottom slice is golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden and the cheese has fully melted.
Slice in half, garnish with extra parsley, and serve hot.
Equipment needed
- Skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Small bowl for garlic butter
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 sandwiches. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking requires 15 minutes, making the total time about 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day. To reheat, warm in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Cajun Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Season the shrimp with Cajun spice for a smoky, spicy kick.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Melt
Add grated Parmesan to the garlic butter for extra richness.
Caprese Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Layer fresh tomatoes and basil inside with mozzarella and shrimp.
Buffalo Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Toss shrimp in buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.
Creamy Alfredo Twist
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce inside before adding cheese and shrimp.
Tex-Mex Version
Use pepper jack cheese and add jalapeños for a spicy Southwestern flavor.
Lobster & Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Upgrade with a mix of lobster and shrimp for a luxurious sandwich.
Pesto Shrimp Melt
Spread basil pesto inside for a fresh, herby layer.
Four-Cheese Garlic Bread Shrimp
Mix mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan for ultimate cheesiness.
Low-Carb Option
Use keto bread or make it open-faced on garlic toast.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the shrimp before adding it to the sandwich?
Yes, cook the shrimp fully before assembling to ensure they’re safe and tender.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Thick, sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian loaf works best.
Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Yes, assemble the sandwiches and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and melty.
Can I make this spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the shrimp.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but quickly sauté them with garlic and butter for extra flavor.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for sharpness, provolone for smooth melt.
Can I make this into sliders?
Yes, use smaller rolls and bake them pull-apart style.
How do I keep the bread from burning before the cheese melts?
Cook over medium-low heat so the bread crisps slowly as the cheese melts.
What sides go best with this sandwich?
Tomato soup, Caesar salad, or fries pair perfectly.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is the ultimate indulgence, combining the best of garlic bread, grilled cheese, and shrimp in one decadent bite. With its garlicky crunch, gooey cheese layers, and tender shrimp, this sandwich elevates comfort food to gourmet status. Whether you keep it classic or explore one of the variations, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!