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Ultimate Garlic Butter Shrimp Grilled Cheese

Taking a cozy classic and giving it a grown-up, gourmet twist! This Ultimate Shrimp Grilled Cheese made with delicious garlic butter bread is decadent, cheesy, and guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. Quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for a weekend treat.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices thick bread Sourdough, country loaf, or Texas toast
  • 1/2 lb shrimp peeled and deveined, medium or large
  • 3 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped, optional

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Heat your favorite pan (a cast iron skillet is perfect!) over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of your melted butter to the hot pan. Let the garlic get fragrant for about 30 seconds. Add your seasoned shrimp and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway, until they turn pink and opaque. Set them aside on a plate.
  4. Step 4: Take your remaining melted butter and brush it generously over one side of each of your four bread slices. Sprinkle a little of that leftover minced garlic from the pan onto the buttered sides.
  5. Step 5: Flip two of your bread slices over so the unbuttered side is facing up. Pile the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese onto these two slices.
  6. Step 6: Arrange your cooked shrimp on top of the cheese layer on both sandwiches.
  7. Step 7: Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, buttered-side facing OUT.
  8. Step 8: Carefully place your two sandwiches into the same pan you used for the shrimp. Turn the heat down to medium.
  9. Step 9: Grill the sandwiches for about 4-5 minutes per side, until a deep golden brown crust forms and the cheese is gooey and melted. Gently press down with a spatula occasionally.
  10. Step 10: Carefully remove from the pan, slice in half, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if you like. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Swap cheese for Monterey Jack, Provolone, Fontina, Pepper Jack, or sharp cheddar. Any sturdy, thick bread works. Add red pepper flakes for spice. Sauté finely chopped bell pepper or onion, or wilt fresh spinach inside. Use chives or dill instead of parsley.
Tips for Success: Don't overcook shrimp (cook until pink and slightly curled). Use medium heat for grilling to avoid burning. Ensure the side of bread hitting the pan is well-buttered with garlic. Pat shrimp dry to prevent steaming and get a sear.
Storing & Reheating: Best eaten fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium-low heat, covered, or in an air fryer.