Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but when you add tender, garlicky shrimp and upgrade the bread and cheese, it transforms into something truly gourmet. This Shrimp Grilled Gourmet Cheese is golden and crispy on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside, and packed with the savory sweetness of shrimp. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve as a casual but elevated meal.
What I love most about this sandwich is how versatile it is. I once tried it with sourdough, Gruyère, and a touch of pesto spread—it was absolutely out of this world. Whether you stick to the classic cheddar-and-shrimp combination or experiment with fancier cheeses, this recipe proves that grilled cheese can be so much more than a childhood staple.
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Shrimp Grilled Gourmet Cheese – A Luxurious Twist on a Classic Sandwich
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Diet: Halal
Description
Shrimp Grilled Gourmet Cheese is a rich, indulgent sandwich featuring buttery toasted bread stuffed with juicy sautéed shrimp, melty cheeses, and a hint of garlic and herbs. A seafood twist on the classic grilled cheese, it’s decadent and perfect for a special lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 slices artisan bread (such as sourdough or brioche)
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking shrimp)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp butter (for bread)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Preheat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices butter-side down on the skillet.
- Top each slice with a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Add shrimp and sprinkle with parsley.
- Cover with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Slice in half and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle sandwiches with a touch of garlic aioli before serving.
- Use brioche for a richer sandwich or sourdough for a tangier bite.
- Pairs perfectly with tomato soup or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp
Peeled, deveined, and lightly seasoned before sautéing. They add a succulent, seafood twist to the classic grilled cheese.
Butter
Used both for sautéing the shrimp and for toasting the bread to golden perfection.
Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the shrimp with rich, aromatic flavor.
Bread (sourdough, artisan white, or brioche)
Thick slices of sturdy bread hold the fillings and crisp beautifully when grilled.
Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or provolone)
Choose one cheese or combine several for the best melty, gooey effect.
Mayonnaise (optional)
Spreading a thin layer on the outside of the bread helps achieve a perfectly golden crust.
Fresh parsley or chives
For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Lemon juice (optional)
A quick squeeze brightens the shrimp and balances the richness of the cheese.
Directions
In a skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and drizzle lightly with lemon juice if desired.
Butter or spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice. Place one slice, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium-low heat. Layer with cheese, shrimp, and more cheese, then top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3–4 minutes. Carefully flip and continue cooking until the other side is crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
Slice in half, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Equipment needed
- Skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 sandwiches. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking requires 10 minutes, making the total time about 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Shrimp grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Shrimp Scampi Grilled Cheese
Cook shrimp in butter, garlic, and white wine for a scampi-inspired filling.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Season shrimp with Cajun spice for a smoky, spicy twist.
Shrimp Pesto Melt
Spread pesto on the bread before adding cheese and shrimp.
Caprese Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Add fresh tomato slices and basil along with mozzarella.
Buffalo Shrimp Grilled Cheese
Toss shrimp in buffalo sauce and pair with blue cheese crumbles.
Shrimp Alfredo Grilled Cheese
Add a thin layer of Alfredo sauce inside before toasting.
Tex-Mex Shrimp Melt
Season shrimp with taco seasoning and add pepper jack cheese.
Lobster-and-Shrimp Gourmet Cheese
Combine shrimp with chunks of lobster for a seafood extravaganza.
Low-Carb Version
Use keto bread or serve as an open-faced melt.
Shrimp & Spinach Grilled Cheese
Layer sautéed spinach with shrimp and provolone for extra greens.
FAQs
What kind of shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, are easiest to work with.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
What cheese melts the best?
Cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and provolone are excellent choices.
Can I make this in a panini press?
Yes, it will crisp beautifully and cook evenly.
Do I need to cook the shrimp first?
Yes, the shrimp should be fully cooked before assembling the sandwich.
Conclusion
Shrimp Grilled Gourmet Cheese is a luxurious upgrade to a beloved comfort food. With its golden, buttery bread, melty cheese, and garlicky shrimp, it’s the kind of sandwich that turns a simple meal into something special. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with bold flavors like Cajun spice or pesto, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy both seafood lovers and grilled cheese fans alike.