Name: Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons cream cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 4 slices sourdough or hearty white bread; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or additional butter (for spreading)

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There are grilled cheese sandwiches, and then there are decadent, showstopping masterpieces like Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese. This crave-worthy sandwich marries tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and a whisper of spice, plenty of stretchy, melty cheese, and crispy golden bread for a gourmet twist you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you’re trying to impress at lunch or spoiling yourself with an indulgent dinner, the Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese is guaranteed to deliver the ultimate comfort and big smiles every single time.

Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese spectacular are its accessible, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each brings something special—think buttery goodness, pops of garlicky flavor, luscious cheeses, and that irresistible seafood punch. Here’s what you’ll want handy:

Shrimp: 8 large, peeled, deveined, and chopped—plump shrimp deliver juicy bites and that sweet, briny flavor that takes your grilled cheese up several notches.
Butter: 1 tablespoon—perfect for sautéing and infusing your shrimp and garlic with richness.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced—fresh garlic gives a punchy aroma and irresistible savoriness.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon—for a pop of heat; dial it up or down to your taste.
Cream Cheese: 2 tablespoons—adds silky creaminess that marries the cheeses and shrimp together.
Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded—brings that awesome melt and gooey texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded—sharp cheddar offers depth and a tangy kick that balances the richness.
Sourdough or Hearty White Bread: 4 slices—choose something sturdy to hold all that delicious filling and get extra crisp.
Mayonnaise or Butter (for spreading): 1 tablespoon—creates that perfectly golden, crunchy exterior when toasted.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp with Garlic

Start by melting your butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Toss in the chopped shrimp next. Give them 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are just cooked through. This quick sizzle builds such a flavor base and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and let the shrimp mixture cool for a couple of minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Filling

Grab a small mixing bowl and mash together the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and sharp cheddar. This trio is where the magic lies—the creamy, the stretchy, and the tangy all in one bite. When your shrimp have cooled slightly, gently fold them and all those garlicky pan bits right into the cheese mixture. This ensures every mouthful will have a generous amount of both shrimp and cheese.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Take your four slices of hearty bread and spread mayo (or additional butter) on one side of each—this is the secret to that shatteringly crisp crust. Flip the slices over and, on the unbuttered side of two pieces, evenly pile the cheesy shrimp mixture. Be generous! Top with the remaining bread slices, keeping the buttered sides facing out.

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Heat your skillet or a griddle over medium heat. Add your assembled sandwiches and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press lightly with a spatula for that glorious, even browning. You’re looking for a deeply golden crust and gooey, melted cheese inside. Don’t rush this step—the wait is worth every second for true Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese heaven. Slice in half and serve while hot!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and a dash of freshness to offset all the richness. For an extra zing, a dusting of Old Bay seasoning or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can take your Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese from comfort food to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Classic tomato soup is a dreamy partner for this sandwich, echoing the flavors of a seafood bisque. You can also pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or even crunchy kettle chips for a casual, satisfying meal. The Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese plays beautifully with bright, tangy sides that balance its melty richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, cut your Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese into dippers and serve alongside a shot glass of tomato soup for dunking. Elevate things further by serving open-faced with a runny fried egg on top or try mini sliders for party starters! Don’t be afraid to get playful and put your own spin on this already irresistible sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare with something this delicious!), wrap your Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to two days. The bread will soften a bit, but the flavors remain fantastic.

Freezing

For best results, assemble the sandwiches but don’t grill them. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready, grill straight from the freezer over a lower heat, allowing enough time for the cheeses to melt and the shrimp filling to warm through. Freezing after cooking can change the texture a touch, but it’s doable in a pinch.

Reheating

To restore the crispy crust, reheat your sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop it in a toaster oven. A microwave will melt the cheese, but the bread can get soggy, so stovetop or oven is always preferred. Just a few minutes, flipping once, will bring your Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese back to melty, crunchy glory.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp; just chop and add them to the garlic butter for a minute or so, allowing them to soak up all the garlicky goodness without overcooking. This is a great shortcut for busy nights!

What’s the best bread for Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese?

Sourdough or any hearty white bread works beautifully since it holds up well to the rich filling and gives you that coveted crunchy exterior. Avoid thinly sliced or super soft breads, which might get soggy.

Can I substitute other cheeses?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in Swiss, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Fontina—any good melter that you love. Just keep a balance of one mild, gooey cheese (like mozzarella) and one sharp or flavorful cheese for depth.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

You can amp up the heat by adding a bit more red pepper flakes, dicing in some jalapeño, or using a spicy cheese like pepper jack. A drizzle of hot sauce over the finished sandwich is another fiery option!

Can I make this Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese gluten-free?

Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free bread and make sure the cheeses and any spreads you use are certified gluten-free. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can get in on the comfort.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t get much better than the gooey, garlicky, shrimp-studded goodness of Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese. Whether you’re treating yourself for lunch or wowing friends on the weekend, this sandwich turns an everyday classic into something truly unforgettable. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite indulgence!

Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese. A decadent combination of succulent shrimp, creamy cheeses, and garlic butter, all grilled to perfection between slices of sourdough bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

8 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese Mixture:

2 tablespoons cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Additional:

4 slices sourdough or hearty white bread
1 tablespoon mayonnaise or additional butter (for spreading)

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Instructions

Sauté Shrimp: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Let cool.
Mix Cheese: Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar. Fold in the cooked shrimp.
Assemble Sandwiches: Spread mayo or butter on bread slices. Spread shrimp mixture, top with bread, and grill.
Grill: Cook sandwiches in a skillet until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve hot.