This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a decadent fusion of three comfort food favorites: buttery garlic bread, succulent shrimp, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite delivers crispy golden crust, creamy cheese pull, and savory seafood richness. It’s the kind of sandwich that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make—perfect for cozy dinners, weekend treats, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Whether you pan-grill it or toast it in the oven, this sandwich is a flavor-packed experience that elevates grilled cheese to gourmet status.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder for extra punch
For the Shrimp:
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices thick-cut Italian or sourdough bread
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for sharpness)
- Butter or olive oil for grilling
🔥 Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder if using. Stir until well combined. Set aside at room temperature.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prep the Bread
Lay out the bread slices. Spread garlic butter generously on one side of each slice. This will be the outer side when grilling, giving the sandwich its signature crispy, garlicky crust.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, layer shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Add chopped shrimp evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
5. Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. The bread should turn golden and crisp, and the cheese should melt into a gooey dream.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and let rest for a minute. Slice diagonally to reveal the cheesy shrimp layers. Serve hot with tomato soup, a fresh salad, or crispy fries.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Bread Choices: Sourdough, ciabatta, or Texas toast work beautifully.
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, arugula, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha before grilling.
- Make Ahead: Cook shrimp and prep garlic butter in advance for quick assembly.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness.
This sandwich is a celebration of textures and flavors—crispy, creamy, savory, and just a little fancy. Want to explore more seafood twists or grilled cheese mashups? I’ve got plenty more delicious ideas to keep your skillet sizzling.