These Mini Lemon Shrimp Paninis are crispy, golden panini sandwiches filled with a creamy lemon shrimp and melted cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, this easy shrimp panini recipe is quick to make and great for entertaining.
These Mini Lemon Shrimp Paninis are a fun, flavorful recipe that works perfectly as an appetizer, light lunch, or even a simple dinner. Made with tender shrimp, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a bright lemon-tarragon mayo, these little paninis are crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside.
If you are looking for an easy shrimp panini recipe that feels a little elevated without being complicated, this one is a great choice. They cook quickly, can be made in a panini press or skillet, and are easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you are feeding.
These mini paninis are also great for entertaining. Serve them as party sandwiches, game day food, or a casual get-together appetizer. They are small enough to grab and go but still filling and full of flavor.
What I Love About This Recipe
- I love how fresh and bright these shrimp paninis taste. The lemon juice and Dijon mustard add just the right amount of tang, while the tarragon gives them a subtle herby flavor that pairs really well with shrimp.
- I love how versatile this recipe is. You can make them in a panini press, on a grill, or right in a skillet.
- Using precooked shrimp keeps prep time short and makes this recipe come together fast.
Equipment You May Need
- Large Mixing Bowl – Used to mix the shrimp filling, and a
- Knife and Cutting Board – Helpful for chopping the shrimp and tarragon.
- Panini Press – Works great for cooking the sandwiches evenly, but a large skillet or grill pan works just as well if you do not have one.
- Pastry Brush – Helpful for brushing olive oil on the bread.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the shrimp filling.
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and keeps the filling from feeling heavy.
- Fresh Tarragon – Gives a mild, slightly sweet herbal flavor that pairs nicely with shrimp.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and depth to the filling.
- Salt and Pepper – Enhances all the flavors.
- Precooked Shrimp – Using precooked shrimp keeps this recipe quick and easy. Just chop them into small pieces.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds creaminess without overpowering the shrimp.
- Baguette Slices – Thin slices work best so the paninis crisp quickly and evenly.
- Olive Oil – Helps the bread turn golden and crisp during cooking.
How to Make Mini Lemon Shrimp Paninis
Step One: Combine Ingredients
Start by adding the mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped tarragon, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Add the chopped shrimp and shredded cheese to the bowl and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step Two: Assemble Paninis
Lay out half of the baguette slices and spoon the shrimp mixture evenly on top. Cover with the remaining baguette slices to form small sandwiches. Lightly brush olive oil on both sides of each sandwich.
Step Three: Cook
Cook the paninis in a preheated panini press for a few minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. If using a skillet, cook over medium heat, flipping once, until both sides are crisp and golden. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- These mini shrimp paninis are great served on their own or paired with a light side like a green salad, slaw, or fresh fruit.
- They also work well as party food. Arrange them on a platter and serve with lemon wedges or a simple dipping sauce on the side (like this Lemon Dip).
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use thin baguette slices so the sandwiches cook evenly.
- Do not overfill the paninis or the filling may spill out.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Mini Lemon Shrimp Paninis FAQ
How should I store the paninis?
Refrigerate any leftover sandwiches.
Can I freeze the paninis?
I would not recommend freezing the sandwiches.
How long will the paninis last?
They will last a few days in the refrigerator and can be reheated.
Substitutions?
If you do not like shrimp, chopped precooked chicken works well as a substitute. You can swap tarragon for fresh dill, parsley, or chives if preferred.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can use low-fat mayonnaise and cheese.
What else can I add to this recipe?
For extra flavor, add a little lemon zest to the filling.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – This recipe is not vegan.
Vegetarian – This recipe is not vegetarian.
Low-Carb – For a lower-carb option, you can use a low-carb bread.
Gluten-Free – For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free bread.
Hope you like these Mini Lemon Shrimp Paninis! You may also like these Grilled Shrimp Quesadillas and Sweet & Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Sliders!
Mini Lemon Shrimp Paninis
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon fresh tarragon finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 1/4 cup precooked large shrimp chopped (about 1/2 lb = 1 1/4 cup)
- 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 24 thin baguette slices
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, tarragon, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in shrimp and cheese.
- Top half of baguette slices with shrimp mixture then cover with remaining baguette slices to form sandwiches. Lightly brush olive oil on both sides of sandwich.
- Cook sandwiches in preheated Panini maker for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Or cook in skillet 2-3 min per side.
Notes
- If you don’t have a Panini maker you can make these on a grill or cook them on a skillet.
- Depending on the size of your baguette, your yield may vary.
- Chopped precooked chicken can be substituted for the shrimp.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
Dani Jones says
Cutest little sandwiches. Would love these for parties.