Hot, cheesy, crispylike that first bite of garlic bread right out of the oven. This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese brings that same buttery crunch, but with melty mozzarella and juicy shrimp packed between two golden, garlicky slices. It’s trending because folks are rediscovering how comforting a seafood sandwich can be when it’s fast, familiar, and totally indulgent.
This cozy dish starts with a quick garlic butter slathered on sandwich bread (nothing fancyjust the good stuff from your pantry). Add cooked shrimp, a little lemon, and a gooey combo of mozzarella and Parmesan for a boost of flavor and stretch. It’s like your favorite shrimp scampi got a grilled cheese makeover. Perfect for weeknights with a side salador a cozy lunch when you want something a little extra. Consider it your new go-to for seafood sandwich ideas.
Started making these back in summer 2020, when grocery trips were spaced out and we leaned on what was in the freezer. My husband bit into one and said, “This tastes like a restaurant sandwichbut better.” That’s when I learned the trick: don’t skimp on the garlic butter edge-to-edge. That crisp edge seals in everything. I’ve been writing and testing family-friendly sandwiches for years, but this one turns pantry shrimp into something crave-worthy, fast.
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese, a perfect blend of tender shrimp and gooey cheese nestled between crispy garlic bread. This Shrimp Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings together the best of Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese and seafood delights, making it a gourmet grilled cheese option that’s both family friendly and quick to prepare. Whether you’re craving a comforting weekend meal or an easy grilled cheese recipe with a seafood twist, this cheesy seafood grilled cheese is your go-to comfort food sandwich.
Mix the softened butter and minced garlic in a small bowl.
Spread the garlic butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add shrimp, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove shrimp from heat and set aside.
Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Place one bread slice garlic butter side down on the skillet.
Add mozzarella cheese generously on the bread.
Top the cheese with cooked shrimp and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Cover with another bread slice, garlic butter side up.
Cook until bottom is golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
Flip the sandwich carefully and cook the other side until golden and cheese is melted, 3-4 minutes more.
Remove sandwich from skillet and let rest for a minute before slicing.
Repeat steps to make remaining sandwiches.
Sprinkle dried parsley over the top for color and flavor.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the shrimp while cooking. Leftover sandwiches can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days, then reheated in a skillet for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Cozy and nostalgic: This isn’t just a sandwichit’s buttery garlic bread meets your favorite cheesy comfort food, all with a twist of seafood elegance.
Quick and practical: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or cozy lunch.
Simple ingredients: Everything is either in your pantry, fridge, or freezer. No fancy gadgets or rare ingredients needed!
Family favorite: This family-friendly sandwich strikes that perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients & Easy Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll needmost of it’s likely already in your kitchen!
Ingredient
Notes & Swaps
8 slices of your favorite bread
Thick-cut sourdough, whole wheat, or classic white bread work beautifully.
1/2 cup softened butter
Unsalted or salted worksjust adjust your additional salt seasoning accordingly.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is crucial for the best flavor punch.
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely first for optimal results. Small or medium shrimp are ideal.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Avocado oil or melted butter can be used as alternatives if needed.
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richnessoptional but highly recommended.
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Swap with provolone or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy profile.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can substitute for a similar salty, umami kick!
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Primarily for a pop of color and a subtle aromatic touch.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Prepare your garlic butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened butter with the minced garlic. Spread this generously on one side of each bread slice, ensuring edge-to-edge coverage.
Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp along with lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Immediately remove from the skillet and set asidetry to resist snacking (for now).
Start grilling the bread: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place one slice of bread, garlic butter side down, into the pan.
Layer the sandwich magic: Quickly top the bread in the pan with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella, a few cooked shrimp, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra cheesiness. Place another slice of bread on top, with the garlic butter side facing up.
Grill to golden perfection: Cook each side of the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted beautifully. Flip carefully to avoid losing any fillings. Repeat with remaining slices.
Pro Tips for Beginners
Edge-to-edge butter: Don’t skimp on the garlic butter; it’s essential for achieving that full, crispy, golden-brown crust every single time.
Even cooking: Maintain medium heat. If the pan is too hot, your bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt into gooey perfection.
Let it rest: After cooking, let each sandwich sit for about 1 minute before slicing. This brief rest helps the cheese set slightly and keeps all the delicious fillings intact and extra melty.
Storage & Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (it’s rare, but possible!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Storage Method
Steps
Reheating
Refrigerator
Place cooled sandwiches in an airtight container. Store for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, until heated through and crisp.
Freezer
Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using the methods above.
Expert Insight: Elevating Comfort Food with Seafood
Incorporating succulent shrimp into a Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese brilliantly melds rich, savory flavors with a lean protein boost, creating a truly satisfying twist on classic comfort food. The robust garlic and melty cheese perfectly complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp, enhancing both the texture and taste for a balanced, indulgent bite that feels both familiar and exciting.
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Mastering the Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese took several attempts to balance bold garlic, melty cheese, and fresh shrimp just right. Early tries were either too soggy or too bland, but after many evenings testing flavors and textures, I finally nailed a satisfying, family-friendly sandwich that feels indulgent and wholesome at once.
Yes, frozen shrimp works well if properly thawed. Defrost the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag in cold water for a quicker thaw. Pat them dry to avoid sogginess, ensuring a perfect texture in the sandwich.
What bread is best for the sandwich?
Use thick slices of sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast for the best results. These hold up well to the garlic butter and shrimp without becoming soggy. They also toast to a golden crisp, enhancing the flavors and crunch of this grilled cheese sandwich.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy bread, cook the shrimp separately until just done and allow them to cool slightly before assembling. Spread a thin, even layer of garlic butter on the outside of the bread and use slightly toasted bread to create a moisture barrier. This helps keep the sandwich crisp and delicious.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter shrimp in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Assemble and grill the sandwich just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. This makes the dish a convenient option for quick weeknight dinners.
What are good sides to serve with this dish?
Pair this meal with a fresh green salad or a light tomato soup to balance the richness. Crispy fries or roasted vegetables also complement the creamy, cheesy flavors. These sides keep the meal family friendly and satisfying.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese comes together in about 20 minutes, delivering a golden, garlicky crunch with tender shrimp and melty cheese that you’ll absolutely love sinking your teeth into. It’s an easy, approachable comfort food sandwich that feels special without any fussperfect for busy kitchens and family meals alike.
For a delightful twist, try swapping mozzarella for provolone or adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your garlic butter for a smoky depth. Got leftovers? Simply pop them in a hot skillet to revive that crispy, gooey magic. This quick garlic bread sandwich is as flexible as it is flavorfula simple yet elevated take on seafood sandwich ideas.
Give it a try and share how you made it your owndid you grow up enjoying seafood grilled cheese or a similar cozy sandwich? Pass it along to loved ones and enjoy the smiles that come with every cheesy, buttery bite. You’ll find yourself making it again and again!
