This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is the ultimate indulgent sandwich that combines buttery garlic bread, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned shrimp in every bite. It’s crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and bursting with flavor from the garlic butter and savory seafood. I make this recipe when I want something bold, comforting, and ready in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and easy this recipe is to prepare without sacrificing flavor. The rich, garlicky bread pairs beautifully with the juicy shrimp and melted cheese, creating a sandwich that’s satisfying enough for dinner or a luxurious lunch. It’s great for seafood lovers and anyone looking for a fun twist on a grilled cheese. Plus, it’s made with ingredients I usually have on hand.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Unsalted butter
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Mayonnaise
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper
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Crusty bread or thick sandwich bread
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Olive oil
directions
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I start by seasoning the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning. Then I sauté them in olive oil until pink and fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes per side.
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In a small bowl, I mix softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley to make a flavorful garlic butter spread.
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I then spread a thin layer of garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. On the other side, I spread a small amount of mayonnaise (this helps it toast up beautifully).
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I place the bread butter-side-down in a skillet over medium heat. Then I layer on the cheeses, cooked shrimp, and top it with another slice of bread, butter-side-up.
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I grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
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Once done, I remove it from the pan, let it cool slightly, and slice it in half before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 sandwiches and takes about 20 minutes total (10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking).
Variations
I sometimes switch up the cheese combo and use Monterey Jack or provolone for a different flavor. If I want some heat, I’ll add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking. For extra crunch, I’ve also added thinly sliced onions or fresh spinach before grilling.
storage/reheating
If I have leftovers, I wrap the sandwich in foil and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat or an oven at 350°F until warmed through. I avoid microwaving it to keep the bread crisp.
FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
I use medium or large raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work great.
Can I make this sandwich without butter?
If I’m out of butter, I use olive oil to toast the bread. It won’t be quite as rich but still delicious.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
I make sure the shrimp are dry before cooking and avoid overloading the sandwich with cheese or fillings. Cooking on medium heat helps the bread crisp up properly.
What’s the best bread for this grilled cheese?
I like using thick-cut bread like sourdough, French bread, or a hearty white sandwich loaf to hold up to the fillings.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
I sometimes cook the shrimp and mix the garlic butter in advance, then assemble and grill the sandwich when ready to eat.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a crave-worthy sandwich that I keep coming back to. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for when I want to treat myself to something a little extra special. Whether I’m making it for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, it always hits the spot.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a crispy, buttery sandwich loaded with juicy shrimp, melted cheese, and garlicky flavor—perfect for a quick and indulgent lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 tsp mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices crusty bread or thick sandwich bread
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to create garlic butter.
- Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. On the opposite side, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side-down, in a skillet over medium heat. Layer with mozzarella, cheddar, cooked shrimp, and another slice of bread, butter-side-up.
- Grill the sandwich until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, slice in half, and serve.
Notes
Use Monterey Jack or provolone for a different cheese flavor.
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
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