Shrimp Grilled Gourmet Cheese

A delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese, this Shrimp Grilled Gourmet Cheese melds tender, seasoned shrimp and melted cheese between buttery toasted bread—perfect for a luxurious lunchtime treat or satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this sandwich elevates comfort food with juicy, flavorful shrimp and gooey cheese. It feels indulgent but comes together quickly, and offers a satisfying combination of seafood, creaminess, and crisp, golden bread all in one bite.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Cajun or Old Bay seasoning (optional for spice)

• Olive oil or butter (for cooking shrimp)

• Bread slices (sourdough, ciabatta, or your favorite)

• Butter (for spreading on bread)

• Cheese slices (Swiss, Provolone, Havarti, or Monterey Jack)

• Optional spread: garlic aioli, lemon mayo, or pesto

• Optional add‑ins: spinach, roasted red peppers, tomato slices, caramelized onions

directions

1. I season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and Cajun or Old Bay seasoning if I want a little kick.

2. I heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—about 1–2 minutes per side. I remove them from the pan and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

3. While the shrimp cook, I butter one side of each bread slice and spread garlic aioli or pesto on the unbuttered side if using.

4. I assemble the sandwich: buttered-side down on the skillet, layer cheese on the inside, top with chopped shrimp and any add‑ins like spinach or tomato, then add another cheese layer and top with the second bread slice, buttered side up.

5. I cook the sandwich over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

6. I remove it, let it rest for a minute, then slice in half and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches. Prep takes about 5 minutes, and cooking takes around 10 minutes—so you can have this gourmet sandwich on the table in about 15 minutes total.

Variations

• Spicy shrimp: I toss shrimp in sriracha or smoked paprika before cooking for extra heat.

• Cheesy upgrade: I use pepper jack or a mix of Gruyère and cheddar for more complex flavor.

• Veggie boost: I add sautéed mushrooms, arugula, or sliced avocado inside.

• Herb twist: I sprinkle chopped fresh dill or basil over the shrimp before assembling for brightness.

storage/reheating

I recommend enjoying this sandwich fresh for best texture. If I have leftovers, I wrap the sandwich in foil and refrigerate for up to 1 day. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently until heated through and crisp—adding no more than 2 minutes per side to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—I thaw them completely, pat them dry, and proceed with seasoning and cooking as directed for best texture.

What kind of cheese melts best?

I find Swiss, Provolone, Havarti, or Monterey Jack melt beautifully and pair well with shrimp without overpowering them.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes—I substitute vegan cheese and use dairy-free butter or olive oil. It still gets crispy and melty.

Can I make this in a sandwich press or panini maker?

Absolutely—I use a panini press for perfect, even crisping and melted cheese in just a few minutes.

What sides go well with this sandwich?

I like serving it with a crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness.

Conclusion

I find this Shrimp Grilled Gourmet Cheese to be a flavorful, comforting twist on a classic. It’s easy, satisfying, and elegant enough for a special lunch. Let me know if you’d like alternative fillings or tips for snack-sized versions!

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