If you love the comforting embrace of grilled cheese sandwiches but want to elevate your lunch or dinner game, the Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe is here to excite your taste buds. Picture succulent garlic-infused shrimp nestled between layers of gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all hugged by crispy, golden sourdough bread brushed with rich garlic butter. This dish brings together the best of creamy, savory, and smoky flavors in a way that’s surprisingly simple yet utterly decadent. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorite seafood sandwiches to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together the perfect Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role — the shrimp brings a juicy, tender bite, the cheeses add luscious meltiness, and the seasoning layers give it depth and warmth. Let’s get to know these essentials:
- 8 large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, they’re the star seafood element packed with flavor and protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing shrimp to caramelized perfection without sticking.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds aromatic punch that complements both shrimp and cheese beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat to balance the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a smoky undertone that pairs wonderfully with seafood.
- 4 slices sourdough bread: The sturdy, tangy base that crisps up perfectly for grilling.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Soft meltiness that pulls in every bite.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness and color contrast that elevate the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened): Adds creamy richness and moisture inside the sandwich.
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened): Mixed with garlic powder to create that irresistible crust.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): Brings freshness and a burst of green that brightens the sandwich.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Blended into butter for an extra hit of garlicky goodness outside.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it gently infuse the oil for about 30 seconds. Then add the shrimp along with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook each side for around 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn bright pink and are cooked through. This quick sauté seals in the shrimp’s natural sweetness while adding savoriness from the spices. Remove the pan from heat and roughly chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces to make them easy to layer inside the sandwich.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the shrimp cools slightly, mix your softened butter with garlic powder in a small bowl. This flavorful spread will give your sandwich crust a golden, fragrant finish that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Grab your sourdough slices and spread a generous layer of cream cheese on one side of each piece. This creamy base will prevent the bread from getting soggy and add lush flavor. Then pile the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and chopped shrimp evenly on two slices. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you like a pop of freshness and color. Cap each open-faced sandwich with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, to encase all the delicious fillings securely.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Brush the outsides of each sandwich with your garlic butter mixture, making sure every edge is coated. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches in the pan. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is perfectly golden and crisp, and the cheeses melt into luscious gooeyness. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn — that gorgeous crust is what all the fuss is about!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this sandwich with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley adds a vibrant green pop that looks as good as it tastes. If you want to brighten the plate even more, lemon wedges on the side offer a zesty squeeze that lifts the rich cheesiness and seafood flavors delightfully.
Side Dishes
This grilled cheese pairs fabulously with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Alternatively, a bowl of tomato soup or roasted veggies complements the meal well, making for a satisfying and balanced dinner or lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the sandwich into smaller triangles and serve as appetizers or party snacks. Layer the shrimp and cheese on the bread for an open-faced version, then broil briefly for a meltier, rustic look. Adding fresh baby spinach or thin tomato slices inside can also introduce more texture and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though they’re likely to disappear fast), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps retain moisture and keeps the bread from getting too hard.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but ungrilled sandwiches by wrapping them well in plastic and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling fresh for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-pan crispiness, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of butter or oil. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make grilled cheese soggy and less satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could make the sandwich soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the cheeses and butter with dairy-free alternatives, but keep in mind that the rich, gooey texture will be slightly different. Cream cheese substitutes also exist to keep that creamy element.
Can I add vegetables to the sandwich?
Yes! Adding spinach, tomato slices, or even avocado can add freshness and variety to the sandwich without overpowering the delicious shrimp and cheese flavors.
What can I use instead of sourdough bread?
Any sturdy bread with a firm crust works well here, such as a rustic Italian loaf, a French baguette cut into slices, or even a multigrain bread for added texture and nutrition.
How spicy is this sandwich? Can I adjust it?
The smoked paprika gives a mild smoky warmth without overwhelming heat. To make it spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe is such a joyful way to elevate a beloved classic while enjoying the luxurious flavors of garlic, shrimp, and melty cheeses all in one handheld meal. Whether for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, it’s guaranteed to bring a smile and satisfy any craving for comfort food with a gourmet twist. Give this recipe a try soon — your taste buds will thank you endlessly!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a delicious and indulgent sandwich featuring tender garlic-spiced shrimp and a blend of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese, all grilled to golden perfection on sourdough bread. Perfect for a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Bread and Cheese
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, then the shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and roughly chop the shrimp.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread cream cheese on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On two slices, layer the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and chopped shrimp. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if using. Place the remaining slices over the fillings, cream cheese side down.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Spread the prepared garlic butter on the outsides of each sandwich evenly.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve: Remove from heat, slice the sandwiches, and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked crab or lobster for the shrimp for a different seafood variation.
- Add a slice of tomato or a few fresh spinach leaves inside the sandwich to add freshness and color.
- Feel free to use any melty cheese combination you prefer to customize the flavor.
