If you’re craving something that combines the juicy tenderness of shrimp with the comforting, gooey melty goodness of cheese, this Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese that elevates it with a burst of savory seafood flavor and a perfect balance of textures. Every bite is a delightful dance of crispy bread, melted cheese, and those plump, seasoned shrimp that make this sandwich truly unforgettable. Whether for lunch, a quick dinner, or a special treat, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction in every sandwich.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe lies in its simple, essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together so beautifully.
- 8 oz shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star protein packed with flavor and a tender bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Perfect for melting smoothly, it provides that stretchy, creamy texture.
- 4 slices of sourdough or thick-cut bread: Thick enough to hold the fillings, with a tangy flavor and a crust that crisps nicely.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used for toasting the bread until golden and irresistibly crispy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp and garlic, adding richness without overpowering.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Provides fragrant warmth and depth of flavor to the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that brings a savory and aromatic note.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a garnish.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little spicy kick to complement the creaminess.
How to Make Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp to Perfection
Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and adding the minced garlic. Let it cook just until fragrant — about 30 seconds — so it doesn’t burn but releases all those wonderful aromas. Toss in the shrimp, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and are cooked through, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Once done, remove the shrimp from heat and set aside. This perfectly cooked shrimp will be the flavorful centerpiece of your sandwich.
Step 2: Assemble Your Sandwich Layers
Next, spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread — this side will be toasted to crispy golden perfection. On the unbuttered side of one slice, sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella cheese in an even layer. Layer the sautéed shrimp on top of the cheese, then add the remaining cheese over the shrimp. Finally, place the other slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing out. This assembly ensures every mouthful is melty, cheesy, and has shrimp perfectly nestled inside.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich Until Golden and Gooey
Warm up a skillet or griddle over medium heat and place your sandwich down, buttered side touching the hot surface. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bread becomes golden brown and crispy, and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich and repeat on the other side until you see that rich golden crust and the cheese is fully melted inside. This grilling step is crucial for achieving the ideal texture that makes this Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe such a treat.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve with a Smile
Once grilled to perfection, transfer your sandwich to a plate. If you like, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to introduce a little heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and shrimp. Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy every gooey, flavorful bite!
How to Serve Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley not only brighten the sandwich visually but also add a subtle herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese and shrimp. A pinch of red pepper flakes is an excellent option for those who like a bit of spice—it wakes up your taste buds and adds excitement to every bite.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a crunchy side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of creamy tomato soup that complements the cheesy shrimp in the sandwich beautifully. Crispy fries or kettle-cooked chips are also great if you want a more indulgent, classic pairing that adds texture and heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe at a gathering or want to impress, consider cutting the sandwich into triangles and securing them with a toothpick. Arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy mayo. This not only makes the sandwich easy to share but elevates its visual appeal and flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Leftovers are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to maintain the freshness of the shrimp and the texture of the bread.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not recommended for this sandwich due to the shrimp and the bread’s texture. If you do freeze it, wrap very securely in foil and a freezer bag, and consume within 1 month. Be aware that the bread might become soggy and shrimp could lose some of its delicate flavor.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers or thawed sandwiches, use a pan on medium-low heat to gently warm through while crisping the bread again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the grilled texture intact, as the microwave can make the bread rubbery or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe?
Absolutely! Mozzarella is great for melting, but you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or a blend for a sharper or more complex flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep that gooey texture.
Is it necessary to devein the shrimp?
Deveining shrimp is recommended because it removes the digestive tract, which can sometimes have a gritty texture or slightly bitter taste. It also looks more appealing when served in your sandwich.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian-friendly?
While the star ingredient is shrimp, you could replace it with sautéed mushrooms or seasoned tofu for a vegetarian version. Just keep the seasoning vibrant to keep that same depth of flavor.
How spicy is this sandwich?
The traditional recipe is mild with just a hint of heat if you add red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level based on your preference by increasing or omitting the flakes.
What bread works best for the Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe?
Thick-cut breads like sourdough or artisan white bread hold up well during grilling and contribute a nice tangy flavor and sturdy texture. Avoid very soft or thin breads which may become soggy or fall apart with the fillings.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe is a delightful way to elevate your usual sandwich game with fresh seafood and melted cheese magic. It’s simple enough to make any day but special enough to impress your taste buds and guests alike. Don’t hesitate to try it out and savor that perfectly grilled, juicy, cheesy, and flavorful bite that you’re going to want again and again!
Print
Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp & Cheese Grilled Sandwich combines succulent sautéed shrimp with melted mozzarella cheese between crispy, buttery sourdough bread slices. A quick and delicious meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner, enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Sandwich
- 4 slices of sourdough or thick-cut bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melting cheese)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sauté until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice. Place half of the shredded cheese on the unbuttered side of one bread slice. Add the sautéed shrimp evenly over the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Place the other bread slice on top with the buttered side facing out.
- Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip and grill the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your shrimp & cheese grilled sandwich!
Notes
- Use any melting cheese of your preference like cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella.
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp briefly in garlic and Italian seasoning before cooking.
- You can add sliced tomatoes or avocado inside the sandwich for added texture and taste.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain a tender texture.
- Butter the bread evenly to achieve a crispy and golden crust when grilling.
