This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is an indulgent comfort food that combines crispy, buttery garlic bread with melted mozzarella, succulent shrimp, and a burst of lemon. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy meal or a quick, satisfying treat to enjoy on a Friday night. With a golden, crispy crust and cheesy, shrimp-filled goodness, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
Ingredients
8 slices of your favorite bread
½ cup of softened butter
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Start by mixing the softened butter with minced garlic in a small bowl. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a slice of bread, garlic butter side down, on the skillet.
Add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on the bread, followed by some of the cooked shrimp and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Top with another slice of bread, garlic butter side up.
Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted, another 3-4 minutes.
Remove from the skillet and let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
Sprinkle a little dried parsley over the top of each sandwich for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
If you want to change up the flavor, here are a few variations to consider:
Spicy Shrimp Grilled Cheese: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheese Lovers Delight: Use a mix of different cheeses like cheddar or gouda along with mozzarella for a richer, more complex flavor.
Veggie Twist: Add some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers to the sandwich for extra flavor and color.
Herbed Garlic Butter: If you like herbs, mix in some fresh thyme or rosemary with the garlic butter for a fragrant twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until the bread is crispy again and the cheese is warm.
FAQs
How do I make the garlic butter for this recipe?
To make the garlic butter, simply mix softened butter with minced garlic and spread it generously on the bread before grilling. This creates a rich, flavorful base for the sandwich.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh shrimp. Be sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking to ensure the best texture.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, like cooking the shrimp and mixing the garlic butter, then assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.
What bread works best for grilled cheese?
I like using a thick, sturdy bread like sourdough or a hearty white bread that can hold up to the cheesy, shrimp filling. However, feel free to use your favorite bread!
Can I add more cheese to this sandwich?
Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra cheese layers to your sandwich. Mozzarella and Parmesan work best, but cheddar or gouda could be great additions as well.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. The crispy garlic bread, rich mozzarella, and flavorful shrimp make for a mouthwatering sandwich that’s easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quick meal or a special treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Recipe:

Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
An indulgent twist on a classic grilled cheese, combining crispy garlic bread, gooey mozzarella cheese, and succulent shrimp with a burst of lemon.
Ingredients
8 slices of your favorite bread
½ cup of softened butter
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix softened butter with minced garlic in a small bowl. Spread the garlic butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a slice of bread, garlic butter side down, on the skillet.
- Add a layer of mozzarella cheese on the bread, followed by the cooked shrimp and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Top with another slice of bread, garlic butter side up.
- Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted, another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from the skillet and let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
- Sprinkle dried parsley over the top of each sandwich before serving.
Notes
If you like spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the shrimp mixture.
Try adding different cheeses such as cheddar or gouda for a richer flavor.
For a veggie twist, sauté spinach or add roasted red peppers to the sandwich.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg