Shrimp-Stuffed Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Shrimp-Stuffed Grilled Cheese because it combines all the things I love—juicy shrimp, melty cheese, and golden, garlicky bread. The shrimp add a savory and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich cheeses, while the garlic butter gives the bread an irresistible crunch. This sandwich is a delicious and indulgent way to enjoy both seafood and comfort food in one bite. It’s a unique and elevated take on grilled cheese, perfect for when you’re looking for something a little more special.

Ingredients

• 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 slices sourdough bread

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp garlic butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Slice the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are cooked and cooled slightly, slice them into smaller pieces, suitable for stuffing inside the sandwich.

Prepare the Sandwich:

1. Assemble the Sandwich: Lay out the slices of sourdough bread on a flat surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread.

2. Layer the Cheese and Shrimp: On the unbuttered side of two slices of bread, layer the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Evenly distribute the sliced shrimp on top of the cheese.

3. Close the Sandwich: Place the other slices of bread on top of the shrimp and cheese layers, buttered side facing outward, to form two sandwiches.

Grill the Sandwiches:

1. Grill the Sandwiches: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, place the sandwiches in the skillet. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

2. Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing them in half. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 indulgent sandwiches. Prep time is around 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 10-15 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Variations

This recipe is already packed with flavor, but here are a few ideas to switch it up:

• Add some greens: If you want to add a little freshness, toss some spinach or arugula in with the shrimp and cheese before grilling.

• Spicy kick: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sandwich for an extra spicy kick.

• Cheese variations: Try swapping the cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like gouda, Swiss, or even brie for a different flavor profile.

• Herb butter: You can make the garlic butter extra special by adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Storage/Reheating

While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat and cover it with a lid to allow the cheese to melt again without burning the bread.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use any bread you like for this sandwich—ciabatta, whole wheat, or even a baguette would work great. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the sandwich fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp in advance and refrigerate them. Just assemble and grill the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.

Can I make this without shrimp?

Yes, you can omit the shrimp and substitute it with other fillings like grilled chicken, turkey, or even roasted vegetables for a different twist.

How do I avoid the sandwich getting soggy?

To avoid soggy bread, make sure to cook the shrimp thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the sandwich. Also, pressing down gently while grilling will help the bread crisp up without getting soggy.

Can I make this recipe with a panini press?

Yes, you can! A panini press is a great option for making grilled cheese sandwiches. Just preheat the press and cook the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy.

Conclusion

This Shrimp-Stuffed Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is the ultimate indulgence—succulent shrimp, melted cheeses, and buttery garlic bread all in one delicious sandwich. It’s a perfect combination of comfort and luxury, ideal for seafood lovers looking to elevate the classic grilled cheese. Whether you’re making it for lunch or dinner, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite that will have you craving it again and again!