What the heck is this?
A grilled cheese, but make it fancy. A LOT fancier. The Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is exactly what it sounds like: creamy, cheesy, golden, buttery bread loaded with garlicky shrimp, melty cheese, and a flavor explosion that’ll make you rethink what you thought was a simple sandwich. Think shrimp scampi meets grilled cheese, but it’s messy, indulgent, and so good you’ll want to eat it for every meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Shrimp and cheese? Yes, please.
– It’s like garlic bread got a gourmet upgrade with shrimp and cheese.
– Super easy to make, even if you’re not a pro chef.
– Buttery, garlicky, crispy bread that’s the perfect base for all that gooey cheese.
– Perfect for a fancy weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
– 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt + pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
– A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Garlic Bread:
– 4 slices of thick bread (sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche)
– 4 tbsp butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 tsp dried oregano (optional)
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated if you can)
For the Grilled Cheese:
– 2 slices provolone cheese (or any good melty cheese)
– Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Toss in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice, cooking for another 30 seconds. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Bread
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and oregano. Spread this mixture generously on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the buttered side of each slice. This is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Build the Grilled Cheese
Place two slices of the garlic-buttered bread (cheese side up) on a skillet over medium heat. Layer each slice with a slice of provolone cheese, a handful of shrimp, and then top with another slice of garlic-buttered bread, butter side out.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Grill each sandwich for about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing slightly, until the bread is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted. If needed, lower the heat to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
Step 5: Serve and Swoon
Once your sandwiches are perfectly golden, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Slice them in half (watch out for gooey cheese pull!) and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you want to feel fancy.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with a side of crispy fries, chips, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
– Pair with a zesty dipping sauce like marinara or a spicy mayo for some extra flavor.
– A cold glass of white wine or iced tea would be the perfect drink to pair with these cheesy creations.
Switch It Up
– Add extra veggies like spinach or arugula for a burst of freshness.
– Swap shrimp for scallops or even lobster if you’re feeling bougie.
– Make it extra cheesy by layering in some ricotta or goat cheese for added creaminess.
– If you want a spicy kick, add a few slices of jalapeños to the shrimp before grilling.
– Try a different bread like garlic naan or an everything bagel for a unique twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
– You can prep the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
– Cook the shrimp in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just assemble and grill.
– Leftovers? Store the sandwiches in the fridge for 1–2 days and reheat in a skillet or air fryer to keep the crispy bread texture.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking them, so they don’t release too much water.
Q: Can I make this without shrimp?
A: You sure can. Try grilled chicken, bacon, or even roasted veggies as the filling for a new twist.
Q: Can I freeze these sandwiches?
A: Grilled cheese doesn’t freeze well due to the crispy texture of the bread, but you can freeze the cooked shrimp and garlic butter bread. Assemble and grill fresh when you’re ready to serve!
Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Seafood-Loaded Grilled Cheese Dream
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Description
A grilled cheese, but make it fancy. A LOT fancier. The Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese is exactly what it sounds like: creamy, cheesy, golden, buttery bread loaded with garlicky shrimp, melty cheese, and a flavor explosion that’ll make you rethink what you thought was a simple sandwich. Think shrimp scampi meets grilled cheese, but it’s messy, indulgent, and so good you’ll want to eat it for every meal.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
– 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt + pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
– A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Garlic Bread:
– 4 slices of thick bread (sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche)
– 4 tbsp butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 tsp dried oregano (optional)
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated if you can)
For the Grilled Cheese:
– 2 slices provolone cheese (or any good melty cheese)
– Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Toss in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice, cooking for another 30 seconds. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Bread
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and oregano. Spread this mixture generously on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the buttered side of each slice. This is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Build the Grilled Cheese
Place two slices of the garlic-buttered bread (cheese side up) on a skillet over medium heat. Layer each slice with a slice of provolone cheese, a handful of shrimp, and then top with another slice of garlic-buttered bread, butter side out.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Grill each sandwich for about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing slightly, until the bread is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted. If needed, lower the heat to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
Step 5: Serve and Swoon
Once your sandwiches are perfectly golden, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Slice them in half (watch out for gooey cheese pull!) and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you want to feel fancy.
Notes
– Serve with a side of crispy fries, chips, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
– Pair with a zesty dipping sauce like marinara or a spicy mayo for some extra flavor.
– A cold glass of white wine or iced tea would be the perfect drink to pair with these cheesy creations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~570 kcal
- Fat: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Protein: ~28g