Description
Shrimp Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A decadent twist on the classic grilled cheese, loaded with juicy shrimp and gooey cheese!
Ingredients
4 slices of sourdough or artisan bread
200g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or gouda cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Set aside.
Butter the Bread:
Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Place a layer of shredded cheese on the unbuttered side of one bread slice, add the cooked shrimp, sprinkle with parsley, and top with more cheese. Cover with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Grill to Perfection:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve Hot:
Slice the sandwich in half, garnish with extra parsley, and serve immediately.
This shrimp grilled cheese sandwich is a rich and satisfying treat—perfect for a quick meal or a cozy snack!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed method. Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with a paper towel; this ensures a good sear. In your preheated skillet with olive oil, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant before adding the seasoned shrimp. Cook just until opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a cutting board and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces—this makes the sandwich easier to eat and distributes flavor evenly. When assembling, place a thin layer of cheese directly on the unbuttered bread to create a “glue,” then add the chopped shrimp and parsley, and finish with the remaining cheese. This technique prevents fillings from falling out.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate this gourmet sandwich with complementary sides. A light, acidic salad like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with a bowl of tomato bisque or roasted red pepper soup for dipping. For a casual touch, classic sweet potato fries or crisp dill pickle spears are perfect accompaniments.
How-to Summary
Sauté seasoned shrimp with garlic until cooked, then chop. Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer cheese, shrimp, parsley, and more cheese. Top with second slice, buttered side out. Grill in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but to maximize flavor, quickly sauté them in the garlic butter just to warm through. This prevents them from becoming rubbery.
What other cheeses work well?
Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, pepper jack brings heat, and a sharp white cheddar offers a bold tang that pairs well with the shrimp.
How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?
Use medium-low heat and cover the skillet with a lid for part of the cooking time. This traps heat, melting the cheese faster without over-browning the bread.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp filling and store it refrigerated for up to a day. Assemble and grill the sandwich fresh for the best texture.
Is there a lighter alternative to butter?
You can use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. It creates an incredibly crisp, golden crust and browns beautifully at a slightly higher temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the sandwich with shrimp, which makes it difficult to cook evenly and can lead to a messy, falling-apart result.
- Using high heat, which burns the butter before the interior cheese has a chance to properly melt.
- Not seasoning the shrimp adequately. They need a good amount of salt and pepper to stand up to the rich cheese.
- Using cheese that’s too cold. Let shredded cheese sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before assembling for quicker melting.
Conclusion
This shrimp grilled cheese sandwich transforms a simple comfort food into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal extra effort. The key lies in the flavorful, garlicky shrimp and the technique of low-and-slow grilling for maximum melt. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a decadent, gooey, and utterly satisfying sandwich that is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy this perfect fusion of seafood indulgence and classic comfort.