Shrimp Melt Recipe Easy and Delicious for Any Meal

Updated On: October 18, 2025

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, cheesy shrimp melt sandwich. The perfect harmony of tender shrimp, melted cheese, and a hint of tangy sauce nestled between toasted bread makes it one of those dishes that satisfy cravings and impress guests.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch option, this shrimp melt recipe delivers flavor, texture, and simplicity all in one. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices or swap out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a detailed and foolproof recipe for a shrimp melt that’s both delicious and easy to make at home. From prepping succulent shrimp to toasting the perfect sandwich, you’ll have all the tips and tricks to create a crowd-pleaser.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp melt recipe is a quick and delightful way to enjoy seafood in a sandwich format. The combination of juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and herbs, melted cheese, and a creamy, slightly tangy sauce creates an explosion of flavors with every bite.

It’s perfect for those who want a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap the bread type, cheese variety, or even add vegetables like tomatoes or spinach to customize it to your liking.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover shrimp or seafood.

Whether you are an experienced home cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days. The crispy toasted bread paired with the creamy shrimp filling is sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp (medium size)
  • 4 slices of sourdough or whole wheat bread
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: sliced tomatoes or baby spinach for extra freshness

Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Grater (for shredding cheese, if not pre-shredded)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Toaster or grill pan

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
  2. Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Mix well. Once the shrimp have cooled a bit, chop them roughly and add to the sauce mixture. Stir until shrimp are evenly coated.
  4. Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out the bread slices on a work surface. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice for toasting. On the non-buttered side, generously spoon the shrimp mixture on two slices. If you want, add sliced tomatoes or spinach on top of the shrimp mixture for a fresh crunch.
  5. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the shrimp mixture. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
  6. Toast the sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  7. Serve immediately: Remove the sandwiches from the pan, slice them in half if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning or mix some hot sauce into the mayonnaise sauce.

You can swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Using a crusty baguette or ciabatta instead of sandwich bread also works beautifully for a heartier sandwich.

If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp works fine—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.

Adding veggies like avocado slices, baby spinach, or even caramelized onions can elevate this sandwich even more, giving it extra texture and nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 420 kcal
Protein 30 g
Fat 22 g
Carbohydrates 28 g
Fiber 2 g
Sodium 680 mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve your shrimp melt alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwich. A side of sweet potato fries or classic kettle chips also pairs wonderfully for a more indulgent meal.

If you want to keep things light, steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli complement the flavors nicely. For a refreshing beverage, a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea is a perfect match.

Conclusion

The shrimp melt is a fantastic recipe that combines ease, speed, and outstanding taste. It’s an excellent choice when you crave something savory yet comforting, with the added bonus of seafood’s nutritional benefits.

This recipe’s flexible nature means you can tweak it to your preferences, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

By following the simple steps above, you’ll have a golden, crispy sandwich filled with garlicky shrimp and gooey cheese that’s sure to become a household favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses or add your favorite toppings to make it truly your own.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Shrimp Melt

Description: A delicious and easy shrimp melt sandwich with melted cheese and savory seasoning. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 slices of bread (sourdough or white)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix shrimp, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, green onions, salt, and pepper.
  3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
  4. Place bread slices butter-side down on a baking sheet.
  5. Spread shrimp mixture evenly on each slice.
  6. Top each with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and bread is golden.
  8. Serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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