Description

So you thought regular grilled cheese was good? Wait until you meet its fancy cousin who went to culinary school and came back with attitude. This is what happens when comfort food gets a glow-up — buttery, crispy sourdough bread loaded with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned shrimp that’s been kissed with garlic and a hint of lemon. It’s like surf and turf decided to crash a grilled cheese party and everyone’s better for it. My husband, who usually thinks “fancy” food is suspicious, took one bite and said “Why haven’t we been living like this?” Even my 8-year-old, who normally picks the cheese off everything, devoured this and asked if we could have “shrimp sandwiches” for dinner every night.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (31–40 count works great)
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Sandwich Build:

8 slices thick-cut sourdough bread (or your favorite bread)
4 tbsp butter, softened
2 cups shredded gruyere cheese (or sharp cheddar if you can’t find it)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For Extra Flavor:

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional but amazing)
1 avocado, sliced thin (if you’re feeling fancy)
Hot sauce for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Get That Shrimp Perfect

Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through
Add garlic and cayenne, cook 30 seconds until fragrant
Remove from heat, add lemon juice and parsley
Set aside to cool slightly

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mayo, lemon zest, chives, and garlic powder
Stir until smooth and creamy
This is your secret weapon for extra flavor

Step 3: Prep the Bread

Butter one side of each bread slice
Spread the cream cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of 4 slices
Layer with shredded cheese, cooked shrimp, and bacon if using
Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side out

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat
Place sandwiches in pan and cook 3-4 minutes until golden brown
Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until second side is golden
Press down gently with a spatula for even browning
Cheese should be melted and oozing

Step 5: Serve and Wow Everyone

Let sandwiches rest 1-2 minutes before cutting
Slice diagonally for maximum wow factor
Serve immediately with hot sauce and maybe some crispy chips
Watch people’s faces light up

Notes

Serve with a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
Add some kettle chips or sweet potato fries
Perfect with a cold beer or crisp white wine
Tomato soup for dipping takes this over the top

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~485 kcal
Fat: ~26g
Carbohydrates: ~32g
Protein: ~28g