Name: Shrimp-Stuffed Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed if desired); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (finely shredded); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (finely shredded); 4 slices sourdough bread (room temperature); 2 tbsp butter (room temperature for grilling); 2 tbsp garlic butter (softened for spreading on bread); 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing shrimp); salt (to taste); pepper (to taste); lemon wedges (for serving); red pepper flakes (for garnish); chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Creamy, juicy, and utterly comforting — this Shrimp-Stuffed Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is the kind of sandwich that turns a simple dinner into a small celebration. Imagine succulent, lightly seasoned shrimp tucked between two oozy layers of cheddar and mozzarella, all hugged by golden, garlicky sourdough slices. Fun fact: coastal cooks have been tossing seafood into grilled sandwiches for decades, and this mash-up brings that seaside charm to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. It’s simple, quick, and kid-approved, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend lunches. If you enjoy bold, saucy bites, be sure to also try my take on a hearty dip like this Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip to round out a snack spread. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in.

What is Shrimp-Stuffed Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread?

What’s in a name? This playful title tells you everything and sparks a few questions: is it grilled cheese or garlic bread? The answer is yes — it’s both. Think of it as a grilled cheese sandwich upgraded with buttery garlic on the outside and a succulent shrimp filling on the inside. Who came up with the idea? Maybe a seafood lover who also believed “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Imagine a chef at a beach shack asking, why choose between grilled cheese and garlic bread when you can have both? Give it a try and see why this cheesy, garlicky sandwich might just become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This:

Irresistible main highlight: The contrast of crisp, garlic-buttered sourdough and warm, melty cheese wrapped around tender shrimp creates a perfect texture and flavor balance — creamy, savory, and slightly briny in the best way.
Cost-saving and simple: Making this at home uses just a few inexpensive ingredients and takes only minutes to prepare. Buying shrimp and shredding your cheeses beats ordering out and gives you a restaurant-style sandwich at a fraction of the cost.
Flavor-packed toppings and tweaks: A squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a smear of garlic butter for dipping adds layers of flavor without complicated steps.
This sandwich delivers comfort like a classic grilled cheese but with a seafood twist that feels special. If you love breakfast-for-dinner vibes, you might also enjoy the hearty flavors in this Bacon Egg Cheese Breakfast Burrito for a different kind of indulgence. Give it a go tonight — your taste buds will thank you.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and satisfying. You’ll sauté shrimp quickly, layer cheeses, and grill until golden brown. The standout elements are the creamy melted cheeses and the crispy, garlicky exterior. Total time: about 20–25 minutes. Prep is minimal and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed if desired
4 slices sourdough bread, room temperature
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, finely shredded
2 tbsp butter, room temperature for grilling (if not using garlic butter)
2 tbsp garlic butter, softened for spreading on bread
1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing shrimp
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: lemon wedges, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.
Spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of regular butter with 1 tablespoon of garlic butter.
Place two slices of bread, garlic-buttered side down, on a clean griddle or nonstick skillet set to medium heat.
On each bread slice, layer half the mozzarella, then half the cheddar, arranging the cooked shrimp evenly on top of the cheese.
Add the remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the shrimp for extra melty goodness.
Top with the remaining bread slices, garlic-buttered side up.
Grill the sandwiches for 4–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread browns too quickly, reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet briefly to speed melting.
Remove from the pan, let rest 1 minute, then slice in half. Serve immediately with a small bowl of extra garlic butter for dipping and lemon wedges on the side if desired. Enjoy this cheesy, savory indulgence!

Shrimp-Stuffed Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread

What to Serve With:

Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Coleslaw or a light cucumber salad for fresh crunch.
Sweet potato fries or classic fries for extra comfort-food vibes.
A cup of tomato soup makes this feel like a grown-up version of the classic combo.
For drinks, iced tea, a crisp white wine, or a citrusy soda pair beautifully.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use room-temperature butter and softened garlic butter so it spreads easily and browns evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp — quick, high-heat searing keeps them tender.
For extra flavor, toss shrimp in a little smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning before cooking.
If cheese won’t melt fast enough, cover the pan for 30–60 seconds to trap heat.
Avoid soggy bread by patting shrimp dry and using a hot skillet for grilling.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigerator: Store leftover assembled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Best eaten the same day.
Freezing: Sandwiches don’t freeze well once assembled due to shrimp texture; instead store cooked shrimp separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid the microwave to prevent rubbery shrimp and soggy bread.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat dry, and proceed with the recipe. Make sure they’re fully thawed to ensure even cooking.

What other breads work well?
Ciabatta, French bread, or a hearty multigrain loaf work nicely. Sourdough gives the best balance of tang and crispness.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace shrimp with grilled mushrooms, sliced roasted peppers, or seasoned tofu for a vegetarian twist.

How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?
Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet for a short time to allow the cheese to melt without over-browning the bread.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. Remove any strong seasonings and chop the shrimp small for younger eaters; the melty cheese and familiar textures make it very kid-approved.

Conclusion

This Shrimp-Stuffed Grilled Cheese with Garlic Bread is a fast, flavorful way to elevate a simple sandwich into something memorable. It’s easy enough for weeknight cooking, indulgent enough for company, and economical compared to takeout. If you want more grilled cheese inspiration, check out this Shrimp Grilled Cheese | Easy Weeknight Recipe – Love & Zest for another seafood twist, or try the Garlic and herb loaded grilled cheese sandwich for a garlicky, herb-forward take that pairs perfectly with the ideas in this recipe. Give it a try, share it with friends, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite.