Succulent Shrimp Grilled Cheese With Garlic Bread Recipe

Juicy Succulent Shrimp Grilled Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe

Melted cheese and perfectly grilled white shrimp dance together in this mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich that promises pure culinary delight.

Every bite of this garlic bread shrimp grilled cheese delivers a symphony of flavors and textures.

Crispy golden bread cradles tender, juicy shrimp nestled between layers of creamy, gooey cheese.

Garlic adds a robust, aromatic punch that elevates this classic comfort food to new heights.

Fresh herbs and a hint of zesty seasoning make this sandwich irresistibly tempting.

The combination of seafood and melted cheese creates a unique twist on the traditional grilled cheese.

Summer lunches or quick dinners will never be the same once you savor this delectable creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Kick Off Shrimp Grilled Cheese With Garlic Bread

For The Base:
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a golden, crispy bread exterior.
  • Garlic: Infuses intense aromatic warmth and depth to the sandwich.
  • Parsley: Brings fresh, herbal brightness and subtle green color.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other ingredients.
For The Protein:
  • Shrimp: Delivers tender, succulent seafood with a delicate sweetness.
  • Garlic Powder: Amplifies savory undertones and complements shrimp's natural flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky complexity and vibrant reddish color.
  • Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic spiciness.
For The Cheese and Bread:
  • Mozzarella, Cheddar Cheese: Create gooey, stretchy melted layers with complementary tangy and mild flavors.
  • Bread: Serves as the perfect crispy, golden vessel for the delicious filling.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle fruity undertones during grilling.

Kitchen Staples That Help Bring It All Together

  • Skillet or griddle: Essential for grilling the sandwich and cooking shrimp with even heat.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing garlic butter with herbs and seasonings.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping shrimp, parsley, and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping and slicing.
  • Spatula: Helps flip sandwiches and transfer cooked shrimp without breaking.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for shrimp and butter mixture.

Build This Sandwich With Crunch and Melt

  • Prepare Garlic Butter

Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

  • Cook Savory Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet, then add shrimp seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink and fully cooked.

  • Build Cheesy Sandwich

Spread garlic butter on one side of bread slices. Place a slice butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat.

  • Layer Delicious Fillings

Add mozzarella cheese, cooked shrimp, and cheddar cheese on the bread slice in the skillet.

  • Top and Grill

Cover with another bread slice, butter-side up. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until bread turns golden and crispy, and cheese melts completely.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Cut sandwiches diagonally and serve hot. Optional: Pair with a fresh salad or marinara sauce for extra flavor.

Mix and Match Your Add-Ins

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing and easy spreading, creating an even, flavorful coating on bread slices.
  • Select fresh, high-quality shrimp and pat them dry before cooking to achieve maximum flavor and prevent excess moisture in the sandwich.
  • Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for optimal melting and a rich, creamy texture that complements the shrimp perfectly.
  • Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread slices and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Swap bread with large lettuce leaves or use low-carb tortillas as a wrapper, maintaining the delicious shrimp and cheese flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate intake.

Serve With Soup or Chips for a Cozy Combo

  • Seaside Picnic Pairing: Pack this grilled cheese in a beach cooler alongside crisp cucumber salad and chilled white wine for a delightful coastal lunch experience.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve with zesty marinara sauce, tangy remoulade, or homemade garlic aioli to elevate the sandwich's rich, seafood flavor profile.
  • Fresh Accompaniment: Create a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the sandwich's rich, cheesy texture and complement the succulent shrimp.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform this sandwich into a weekend brunch centerpiece by adding a small side of fresh fruit or a light herb-infused coleslaw for a complete meal.

Best Tips to Keep It Crisp After Cooking

  • Store leftover grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Revive cold sandwiches by using a skillet or toaster oven, which helps restore the crispy texture and melty cheese qualities better than microwave heating.
  • Keep cooked shrimp and cheese separate during storage to prevent sogginess, placing components in individual sealed containers for optimal texture maintenance.
  • Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, which allows storage up to 1 month; thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat gently for best results.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they don’t release excess moisture and make the sandwich soggy.

  • What if I don't have both mozzarella and cheddar cheese?

You can use any melting cheese you have on hand, like provolone, monterey jack, or even a cheese blend. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well.

  • How can I make this sandwich spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp while cooking, or drizzle some hot sauce on the sandwich before serving to give it an extra kick.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

You can cook the shrimp and prepare the garlic butter ahead of time, but assemble and grill the sandwich just before eating to keep the bread crispy and cheese melted.

Print
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Succulent Shrimp Grilled Cheese With Garlic Bread Recipe

Succulent Shrimp Grilled Cheese With Garlic Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent grilled cheese with shrimp nestles between golden garlic bread, creating a luxurious coastal twist on classic comfort. Southern coastal flavors merge seamlessly, promising a memorable meal for seafood enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices bread (sourdough or French bread)
  • 3 tbsps (45 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp salt (for shrimp)
  • ¼ tsp salt (for bread)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Garlic Butter Preparation: Blend softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a mixing bowl to create a rich, aromatic spread.
  2. Shrimp Seasoning and Cooking: Toss shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté in olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until pink and fully cooked.
  3. Sandwich Assembly: Spread garlic butter generously on one side of each bread slice. Place a slice butter-side down in a preheated skillet, layer with mozzarella, cooked shrimp, and cheddar cheese.
  4. Grilling Technique: Top with the second bread slice, butter-side up. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown and cheese melts completely.
  5. Serving: Cut sandwich diagonally and serve hot, optionally pairing with a side salad, soup, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they’re properly deveined and cleaned before cooking.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Watch the skillet temperature to prevent burning the bread while achieving a perfectly golden-brown exterior and melted cheese.
  • Seasoning Balance: Adjust spices moderately – smoked paprika and garlic powder should enhance, not overpower, the delicate shrimp flavor.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before grilling to ensure smooth, even melting throughout the sandwich.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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