Gourmet Shrimp Cheese

Take your usual grilled cheese up a notch with a loaded shrimp sandwich—think lush cheeses, a kick of garlic, lemony brightness, and juicy shrimp, all packed inside tangy sourdough with a dreamy Parm crust. This is my go-to when I'm craving something special but don't want to spend ages in the kitchen. And trust me, anytime I've made it for friends, they can't stop talking about it.

I’ll never forget making this after a rough day—the buttery cheese and shrimp with that hit of lemon just turned everything around. Now when I want a no-hassle meal that feels a little pampering, this is what I whip up. My family always cheers when I suggest it for dinner.

Ingredients List

• Parmesan cheese: toss some freshly grated on your bread for that crispy, nutty finish
• Sourdough bread: choose loaves that feel sturdy and crusty, with a tang that stands up to all the cheese
• Ground black pepper: freshly cracked gives you more zing, so use it if you can
• Mozzarella cheese: go for whole milk mozz if you find it—every bite will be stretchy and gooey
• Gruyere cheese: grab a hunk and shred it yourself for the best melt and that gentle, nutty taste
• Cocktail shrimp: find pink, juicy ones already cooked and cleaned—they should smell like the ocean, not fishy
• Lemon zest and juice: adds zing and fresh flavor; unwaxed lemons with bright peels work best
• Large garlic clove: smash a big, firm one for deeper flavor in every mouthful
• Unsalted butter: gives everything that golden toasty vibe and deepens the flavor of the bread
• Olive oil: rounds out the flavors with a delicate fruity touch

Step-by-Step Directions

Serve It Up:

Pull the sandwiches out, give them a minute to rest so the cheese doesn't dribble everywhere, then cut and enjoy while they're still melty and hot.

Get Toasty:

Set a skillet on medium if you're at the stove, or set your air fryer to 400. Add the sandwiches and let them get super golden on one side, flip, and repeat until melty and deep brown all over. Flip halfway if using the air fryer—about five minutes in total.

Put It Together:

Place two slices buttered side down. Stack half the shrimp mixture on each, then pop the other pieces of bread on top, butter side up.

Bread Time:

Slather soft butter on the outside faces of all the bread, press a shower of Parmesan on top so it sticks—this gives you a cheesy crust.

Filling Mix:

Scoop the shrimp out into a bowl, squeeze on some lemon juice, and let cool a bit. Add grated Gruyere, mozzarella, and pepper, tossing until everything's coated.

Shrimp Sizzle:

Tip in your shrimp and stir gently so all those flavors get cozy. Warm through but don’t let them toughen.

Butter and Garlic:

Start small: melt the butter with a glug of oil over gentle heat, then add minced garlic for a minute, followed by lemon zest.

Save

I get giddy just waiting on that Parmesan lining to go super crisp in the skillet. When I first cooked this for my friend’s birthday lunch, she swore it was the most glam grilled cheese ever—now she asks for it on repeat every year.

Keeping It Fresh

Tuck leftovers into the fridge wrapped well—they’ll be good for two days. Bring that crunch back by reheating in your skillet or air fryer for a few, since the microwave makes bread sad and soggy.

Swap Ideas

If Gruyere isn’t in the fridge, use Swiss or fontina for a similar creamy melt. Sourdough missing? Grab any hearty country bread or ciabatta instead. Want a twist? Try cooked lobster, crab, or even thick slices of seared scallop in place of shrimp.

Serving Ideas

I like tossing this sandwich next to simple arugula salad or dunking it into tomato soup. Extra lemon zest on top gives a pop of flavor, and sometimes I put out little bowls of hot honey or chili crisp for dunking.

Save

How This Combo Came To Be

This shrimp melt borrows from both American comfort food at old-school diners and cheesy Euro classics—think shrimp scampi meets grilled cheese. Lots might not put shrimp and cheese together, but honestly, it’s a mashup that fuses Italian and coastal flavors for something totally craveable.

Recipe FAQs

→ Which cheeses work well in this dish?

Gruyere and mozzarella provide a perfect mix of creaminess and smooth flavor. For a new twist, try cheddar or Swiss cheese.

→ Can I substitute larger shrimp?

Sure! Just ensure they're deveined, peeled, and cooked in garlic butter until pink before adding to the sandwich.

→ What makes the crust extra crunchy?

Sprinkle Parmesan on the buttered bread surfaces before toasting—it adds a delicious, crispy, cheesy layer.

→ What herbs pair nicely here?

Fresh parsley or green onions give a light touch. For more zest, add a little lemon peel or extra garlic.

→ Should I use an air fryer or skillet?

Both methods are great! Air frying gives a quick, crispy crunch, while a skillet lets you control the browning process.