Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese on Cheesy Bread! It’s one of those recipes that combines two of my favorite things: melty, gooey cheese and succulent shrimp, all cooked up together in a sandwich that will have you coming back for seconds. I remember the first time I made this, I had a craving for something cheesy but wanted to spice it up a bit! You’d be surprised how well garlic shrimp pairs with that rich, cheesy goodness.
The flavor is out of this world! You’ll get the savory garlic notes mixed with the sweetness of the shrimp, all complemented by the buttery, toasted cheesy bread that makes each bite heavenly. Seriously, it’s like a cozy hug in sandwich form! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Everyone in my family loves it, and my husband always requests it when he wants something indulgent! If you love cheese and shrimp as much as I do, this is a must-try. And hey, if you’re also in the mood for something cheesy, check out my recipe for classic cheesy garlic bread—it’s the perfect side for this meal!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese on Cheesy Bread
- Irresistible combination of creamy cheese and succulent garlic shrimp
- Bold flavors with the addition of garlic and a kick from red pepper flakes
- Enjoy the crisp, buttery bread that’s grilled to perfection
- Easily customizable with different cheeses or added veggies
- Quick to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch
- Impressive yet simple, great for entertaining guests
This recipe transforms a classic grilled cheese into a dazzling seafood delight that will impress anyone at the table!
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese on Cheesy Bread
This grilled cheese sandwich takes comfort food to a whole new level! Gooey cheese, juicy garlic shrimp, and crispy bread make it perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun lunch adventure.
What You’ll Need:
- Crusty bread – 8 slices (sourdough or ciabatta work great!). I love sourdough for its tangy flavor and chewy texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup. It melts beautifully and gives that stretchy cheese effect we all love!
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup. Aged cheddar adds a rich, sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- Large shrimp – 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp make all the difference, but frozen works well too—just thaw them thoroughly!
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic punch.
- Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons. Always opt for unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons. I recommend a good quality extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor.
- Red pepper flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Spice it up if you like a bit of heat!
- Salt and pepper – to taste, of course.
- Fresh parsley – for garnish. It adds a lovely color and fresh flavor to finish off your sandwich.
The Directions:
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant—yum!
- Now, toss the shrimp into the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, around 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove them from heat and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This combination is heavenly!
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of four slices, layer a generous amount of cheese, followed by the cooked garlic shrimp, and then top with more cheese. Add the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
- In the same skillet (or a clean one if you prefer), grill the sandwiches over medium heat. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes or until the bread is a beautiful golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Once grilled, remove them from the skillet and let cool slightly. Then, cut in half, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice over the shrimp just before assembling for an extra burst of flavor. This garlic shrimp grilled cheese is sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To do this quickly, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding them to the skillet.
What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
You can definitely mix up the cheese! Feel free to try Gruyère, fontina, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just make sure to stick to cheeses that melt well to achieve that gooey texture!
How to Store Leftover Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat, covering it to help melt the cheese evenly, or use a toaster oven to keep the bread crispy!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Grilled Cheese?
Absolutely! Adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or even sliced tomatoes can elevate your grilled cheese. Just be sure to cook any vegetables beforehand to remove excess moisture and prevent sogginess in your sandwich.
More Delicious Recipes!
If you love shrimp, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below:
- Cajun Honey Butter Glazed Salmon
- Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese
- Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Creamy Gravy
- Cheesy Ham & Bacon Potatoes
- Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew
Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese on Cheesy Bread
A delicious twist on a classic, this Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese features savory shrimp and melty cheeses sandwiched between crispy, cheesy bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 slices of crusty bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Set aside.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of four slices, layer a generous amount of the cheese mixture, followed by the cooked garlic shrimp, and then top with more cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- In the same skillet, or a clean skillet, grill the sandwiches over medium heat. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly. Cut in half, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the cheese types based on your preferences.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice over the shrimp before assembling.
Keywords: garlic shrimp, grilled cheese, seafood sandwich
