Name: Shrimp Grilled Cheese Gourmet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 large clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 6 ounces cocktail shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked (about 1.25 cups); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¾ cup grated Gruyere cheese; ¾ cup grated mozzarella cheese; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 slices sourdough bread; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Shrimp Grilled Cheese Gourmet takes the classic comfort food to new heights with succulent shrimp, a blend of Gruyere, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all nestled between crispy, buttery sourdough bread. The combination of savory, tangy, and indulgent flavors makes this a perfect indulgent meal for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love a classic grilled cheese but want something with a gourmet twist, this Shrimp Grilled Cheese is the answer. The tender shrimp adds a rich, seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with the melty cheeses, while the lemon zest and juice bring a refreshing brightness to the dish. The crispy, buttery sourdough bread takes it all to the next level, making each bite a perfect combination of savory and indulgent. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish. Shrimp Grilled Cheese Gourmet

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
6 ounces cocktail shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked (about 1.25 cups)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¾ cup grated Gruyere cheese
¾ cup grated mozzarella cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 slices sourdough bread
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Shrimp Mixture

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute.
Stir in the lemon zest and cook for an additional minute.
Add the shrimp and heat through. Transfer the shrimp mixture to a bowl, drizzle with lemon juice, and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Cheese and Shrimp Filling

Grate the Gruyere and mozzarella cheeses.
Stir the cheeses into the cooled shrimp mixture along with the ground black pepper.

3. Prepare the Bread

Spread softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the buttered side and press down lightly to ensure it sticks.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

Flip two slices of bread, buttered side down, and top with half of the shrimp and cheese mixture.
Cover with the second slice of bread, butter side up.

5. Air Frying Method

Set your air fryer to 400°F on the ROAST or GRILL setting for 5 minutes.
Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes.
Flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Add 1-2 extra minutes if desired.

6. Skillet Method

Alternatively, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Cook the sandwiches until the bottom is crispy and golden. Flip and cook until the second side is golden.

7. Serve

Remove from the air fryer or skillet and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Calories: 460 kcal per sandwich

Variations

Add vegetables: Add a few slices of tomato or some spinach to the sandwich for extra freshness and flavor.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp mixture for a little heat.
Different cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, sharp cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of mozzarella and fontina would work beautifully.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These sandwiches are best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheating: To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to crisp up the bread, or reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw and cook them before using in the recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough gives this sandwich a wonderful texture and flavor, you can use any bread you prefer, like ciabatta, rye, or even a baguette.

3. Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble and cook the sandwiches fresh for the best texture, but you can prepare the shrimp mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day.

4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, a non-stick skillet works perfectly. Just make sure to cook over medium heat and flip the sandwiches carefully to achieve a crispy, golden crust.

5. Can I add more shrimp to the filling?

Certainly! If you love shrimp, feel free to add more to the mixture for an extra indulgent sandwich.

6. Can I make this sandwich with other seafood?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other seafood, like scallops or crab meat, for a different but equally delicious twist.

7. Can I use pre-grated cheese?

Yes, you can use pre-grated cheese, but freshly grated cheese will melt better and give the sandwich a creamier texture.

8. Can I make this sandwich dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cheese and use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version of this sandwich.

9. How can I make the sandwich spicier?

For extra spice, add some diced jalapeños to the shrimp mixture or drizzle the sandwich with spicy sriracha sauce before serving.

10. How can I make this sandwich more filling?

For a heartier version, consider adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even avocado for a creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Grilled Cheese Gourmet is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and indulgent flavors. With the delightful crunch of buttered sourdough, tender shrimp, and a blend of rich cheeses, this elevated take on a classic grilled cheese sandwich is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a fancy lunch or a quick dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress!

Shrimp Grilled Cheese Gourmet

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches

Print Recipe

Description

This Shrimp Grilled Cheese Gourmet is a deluxe twist on the classic, featuring tender shrimp combined with Gruyere, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses on buttery, crispy sourdough. A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and indulgent flavors!

Instructions

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute.
Stir in the lemon zest and cook for an additional minute.
Add the shrimp and heat through. Drizzle with lemon juice and transfer the shrimp mixture to a bowl to cool.
Grate the Gruyere and mozzarella cheeses.
Stir the cheeses into the cooled shrimp mixture along with the ground black pepper.
Spread softened butter on the outside of each slice of sourdough bread.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the buttered side and press down lightly to ensure it sticks.
Flip two slices of bread, buttered side down, and top with half of the shrimp and cheese mixture.
Cover with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
Set your air fryer to 400°F on the ROAST or GRILL setting for 5 minutes. Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes.
Flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Add 1-2 extra minutes if desired.
Alternatively, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until the bottom is crispy and golden. Flip and cook until the second side is golden.
Remove from the air fryer or skillet and serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute shrimp for other seafood like scallops or crab for variation.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest based on your preference for tanginess.
For an extra crispy crust, add a little more butter to the bread before cooking.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course, Sandwich
Method: Air Frying, Skillet
Cuisine: American, Gourmet