Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a bold, indulgent sandwich that combines the buttery crunch of garlic bread with tender shrimp and loads of gooey, melted cheese. Each bite offers savory seafood flavor, golden toasted bread, and rich, garlicky goodness—perfect for lunch, dinner, or an upgraded snack you won’t forget.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sandwich is the ultimate comfort food fusion. It brings together three crowd-pleasers: cheesy grilled cheese, buttery garlic bread, and succulent shrimp. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and easily customizable. Whether you’re making it for a hearty weeknight meal or a game-day treat, it’s sure to be a hit with seafood and cheese lovers alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic, minced
• Parsley, chopped
• Italian seasoning
• Bread (thick slices like sourdough or Italian loaf)
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Cheddar cheese or provolone, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil or additional butter (for grilling)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes or lemon zest

directions

1. In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix the cheeses together.
4. Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
5. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto the skillet. Layer with cheese, shrimp mixture, and more cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
7. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
8. Let rest for 1 minute before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the shrimp.
• Creamy Shrimp: Mix shrimp with a bit of cream cheese or garlic aioli before assembling.
• Extra Garlic: Rub raw garlic on the bread before buttering for more intense flavor.
• Surf & Turf: Add cooked bacon or pancetta along with the shrimp.
• Herbed Cheese: Use herbed cream cheese or flavored cheeses for added depth.

storage/reheating

Best served fresh, but you can store cooled sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat on a skillet over low heat or in an oven at 350°F until the bread is crispy and cheese is melted.
Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sandwich.

What kind of bread is best?

Thick slices like sourdough, Italian, or French bread hold up well and toast beautifully.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter and shrimp mixture in advance, but assemble and grill just before serving for best texture.

What cheeses work best?

A mix of mozzarella and cheddar or provolone gives great melt and flavor. Parmesan adds a salty punch.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, just make sure not to overcook it when sautéing with the garlic butter.

Is this sandwich spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes or hot sauce—it’s easy to customize the spice level.

Can I bake it instead of grilling?

Yes, bake assembled sandwiches at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free bread.

How do I keep the bread crispy?

Grill over medium heat and don’t overload the sandwich with too much filling or butter.

What goes well with this grilled cheese?

Pair with tomato soup, a side salad, or crispy fries for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a flavor-packed, indulgent twist on the classic sandwich. With buttery garlic bread, melty cheese, and juicy shrimp, it delivers big taste in every bite. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect go-to when you’re craving something bold, cheesy, and a little over the top—in the best way.

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