Name: Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491982H57M42S
Total time: PT-491982H57M42S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried); Pinch of salt; 4 slices thick bread (sourdough, Italian, or Texas toast); 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped; 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or mix with provolone/cheddar); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: red pepper flakes or squeeze of lemon juice

I absolutely love this Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese because it’s the perfect combination of crispy, buttery bread, gooey melted cheese, and succulent shrimp. Every bite is packed with garlic flavor and a hint of Parmesan that makes it feel indulgent but totally doable for a quick meal.

Ingredients

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

For the Garlic Butter:

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

Pinch of salt

For the Sandwiches:

4 slices thick bread (sourdough, Italian, or Texas toast work great)

1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped

1 cup shredded mozzarella (or mix with provolone/cheddar)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: a few red pepper flakes or squeeze of lemon juice

Directions

Make garlic butter: I mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.

Prep the bread: I spread the garlic butter on one side of each bread slice; this will be the outside for toasting.

Assemble sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of two slices, I layer a handful of mozzarella, evenly distributed chopped shrimp, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes or lemon zest. I top it with more mozzarella and then place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.

Cook: I heat a skillet over medium heat, add the sandwiches, and cook 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently until golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Serve: I let the sandwiches rest for 1–2 minutes, then slice and enjoy that cheesy, garlicky, shrimpy goodness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 sandwiches

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 20–22 minutes

Variations

I love switching up this recipe depending on what I have:

Swap shrimp for lobster or crab for a more decadent version.

Add a smear of marinara or pesto for extra flavor layers.

Use a cheese blend of provolone, cheddar, or gouda to change up the gooey factor.

For spice, I sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle a little hot sauce inside the sandwich.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the sandwiches wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days. I reheat them in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melty. I avoid the microwave because it makes the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and optionally sauté them in a little garlic butter before assembling to enhance the flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prep the sandwiches ahead, store them ungrilled in the fridge, and cook them just before serving for maximum freshness.

What kind of bread works best?

I prefer thick slices of sourdough, Italian, or Texas toast because they hold the filling well and get golden and crispy.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! I substitute the shrimp with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. I also add extra cheese for richness.

Can I freeze this sandwich?

I can freeze ungrilled sandwiches in foil for up to a month. I reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is a quick, satisfying, and indulgent meal that I make whenever I crave something cheesy, garlicky, and comforting. It’s flexible, easy to customize, and perfect for a special lunch or dinner that feels like a treat without the fuss.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating