This Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is the perfect twist on the classic comfort food. I combine juicy, tender shrimp with melty mozzarella cheese and crispy, garlicky bread for a sandwich that’s totally irresistible. Every bite is packed with flavor and texture—savory, buttery, cheesy, and a little bit indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this grilled cheese feels both familiar and totally elevated. The shrimp adds a nice protein boost and some elegance to the dish, while the garlic bread gives it a bold, savory kick. It’s quick to put together and makes for a perfect lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack. Plus, it’s super satisfying and easy to customize.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 lb (225 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 slices thick-cut white or sourdough bread
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
2 teaspoons garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish
Directions
I start by seasoning the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder. Then, I sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until they turn pink and opaque—this usually takes about 3–4 minutes. I set them aside once cooked.
In a small bowl, I mix the butter with garlic powder or minced garlic to make a simple garlic spread.
I spread the garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
Then, I place the bread butter-side down on a skillet and layer the inside with mozzarella cheese, cooked shrimp, and more cheese.
I top it with another slice of bread, butter-side up, and grill over medium-low heat until golden and crispy on both sides and the cheese is melted—about 3–5 minutes per side.
Once done, I let it cool slightly, slice in half, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 hearty sandwiches, ideal for 2 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
I like adding sliced tomatoes or spinach inside for a fresh twist.
For a spicier version, I use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
Sometimes I drizzle a little lemon juice over the shrimp for a bright contrast.
For an extra garlicky kick, I rub a fresh garlic clove on the toasted bread before assembling.
Storage/Reheating
I recommend eating this grilled cheese fresh for the best texture. If I have leftovers, I wrap them in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to 1 day.
To reheat, I use a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make it soggy, so I avoid that if I can.
FAQs
How do I keep the bread crispy?
I cook the sandwich over medium-low heat to let the cheese melt slowly while the bread gets perfectly golden and crisp. I avoid high heat because it can burn the bread before the cheese melts.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, I can use pre-cooked shrimp. I just make sure to warm them through and season them well before adding them to the sandwich.
What’s the best bread to use?
I prefer thick-cut white or sourdough bread for this recipe. They hold up well to the filling and give the best crunchy texture when grilled.
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the texture of the bread and shrimp can suffer. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
What cheese substitutes work well?
If I’m out of mozzarella, I sometimes use Monterey Jack, provolone, or a sharp white cheddar. They all melt beautifully and pair well with shrimp.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is my go-to when I want something quick, comforting, and a little special. It takes the nostalgic grilled cheese I grew up with and turns it into something a little fancier—but still super easy to make. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or just treating myself, it always hits the spot.
This Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread combines juicy shrimp, melty mozzarella, and crispy garlic-buttered bread for a bold, savory twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
1/2 lb (225 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 slices thick-cut white or sourdough bread
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
2 teaspoons garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat until pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix the butter with garlic powder or minced garlic to create a garlic spread.
Spread the garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
Place bread butter-side down on a skillet. Layer with mozzarella cheese, cooked shrimp, and more cheese.
Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up. Grill over medium-low heat until golden and crispy on both sides, and cheese is melted, about 3–5 minutes per side.
Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, slice in half, and serve hot.
Notes
Add sliced tomatoes or spinach for a fresh twist.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy variation.
Drizzle lemon juice over shrimp for a bright contrast.
Rub a garlic clove on toasted bread for extra flavor.
Best eaten fresh; store leftovers in foil in fridge for up to 1 day.
