There’s nothing more comforting than a hot, melty grilled cheese—unless you take it up a notch with juicy shrimp, garlic butter, and two types of cheese.
This Shrimp Grilled Cheese Sandwich is packed with buttery flavor, stretchy mozzarella, Parmesan, and golden toasted bread.
It’s indulgent, fast, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines the best of both worlds: shrimp scampi meets grilled cheese
Uses pantry staples and cooks in under 30 minutes
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a savory brunch treat
Makes an impressive seafood sandwich with minimal effort
That garlic butter and melted cheese? Pure heaven.
Ingredient Highlights
Bread – Use your favorite type! Sourdough, white, or multigrain all work well
Garlic butter – Made fresh with softened butter and minced garlic for a rich base
Shrimp – Peeled, deveined, and quickly sautéed for flavor
Olive oil & lemon juice – Add brightness and help cook the shrimp
Mozzarella & Parmesan – One melts creamy, the other adds salty bite
Dried parsley, salt, pepper – For finishing touches and extra flavor
Pro Tips Before You Start
Make sure your butter is fully softened for easy spreading
Use large shrimp for better texture and bite
Preheat the skillet well so your bread toasts evenly
Press the sandwich slightly with a spatula for a crisp crust
Let the sandwich rest briefly before slicing—cheese stays intact
How to Make Shrimp Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Step 1: Prep the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic.
Stir until well combined, then spread generously on one side of each bread slice.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the peeled shrimp, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto a skillet or griddle over medium heat. T
op with shredded mozzarella, a layer of cooked shrimp, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Add a second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown.
Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Remove the sandwich from heat and let rest for a minute.
Sprinkle with dried parsley for a pop of color. Slice and serve warm.
What to Serve It With
A bowl of tomato soup for dipping
Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges
A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Coleslaw or pickled veggies for crunch
A drizzle of hot honey or sriracha for extra heat
Variations & Substitutions
Swap shrimp for crab meat or lobster for a luxe twist
Use cheddar or Gruyère instead of mozzarella
Add spinach or arugula inside the sandwich before grilling
Try a ciabatta or focaccia bread for texture variation
Spread a little Dijon mustard inside for tang
Storage & Leftovers
Best eaten fresh off the skillet
Store leftovers wrapped in foil or airtight container in fridge (up to 2 days)
Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispiness
Not freezer-friendly (shrimp and cheese textures change when thawed)
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, just sauté briefly to reheat with lemon juice, salt, and pepper before adding to the sandwich.
What’s the best bread for grilled cheese?
Sourdough, Texas toast, or thick-cut white bread hold up best to the fillings and provide great crunch.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, but pan-grilling gives the best texture.
How do I prevent soggy sandwiches?
Make sure the shrimp is drained well, and don’t overload the sandwich with wet ingredients.
Is this spicy?
No, but you can add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you want a kick.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can cook the shrimp and prep the garlic butter ahead, but assemble and grill just before serving.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano work well as substitutes for that salty sharpness.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Grilled Cheese is everything I love in a sandwich—crispy, gooey, buttery, and full of bold flavor.
It feels like something you’d get at a fancy café, but you can make it right in your kitchen in minutes.
If you’re a fan of seafood and melty cheese, you need to give this one a try.
