Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that requires minimal prep and cleanup, this Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner is the perfect choice! Packed with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and bold seasonings, this dish delivers a satisfying meal with almost no effort.
Foil packet meals are great for grilling, baking, or even cooking over a campfire, making them perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or outdoor adventures. Best of all, there’s zero mess—just cook, eat, and toss the foil!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy to Make – Just chop, season, and cook!
✅ Minimal Cleanup – No dirty pots or pans!
✅ Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your preferences.
✅ Great for Grilling, Baking, or Camping – Cook anywhere with ease.
✅ Bold, Savory Flavors – A perfect blend of shrimp, sausage, and spices!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 package (12-14 oz) smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 2 ears of corn (cut into small rounds or halves)
- 1 pound baby potatoes (halved or quartered if large)
- 1 small bell pepper (sliced, any color)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
Seasonings & Extras:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus lemon wedges for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- Zucchini or squash for extra veggies
- Mushrooms for added texture
- Cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst of flavor
How to Make Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packets
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F) or oven to 400°F.
- Tear out four large pieces of aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each).
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes (Optional but Recommended)
- Since potatoes take longer to cook, boil them for 8-10 minutes until slightly tender. This ensures they cook evenly in the foil packets.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Season & Assemble
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
- Drizzle with olive oil (or melted butter).
- Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets
- Divide the mixture evenly between the four pieces of foil.
- Fold the foil over the ingredients, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
Step 5: Cook the Foil Packets
- Grill Method:
- Place foil packets directly on the grill grates.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Check for doneness—shrimp should be pink and opaque, and veggies should be tender.
- Oven Method:
- Place foil packets on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until shrimp is cooked and veggies are tender.
- Campfire Method:
- Place packets on hot coals and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning once.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Carefully open the packets (watch out for steam!).
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.
- Enjoy directly from the foil or transfer to a plate!
Variations & Substitutions
1. Different Proteins
- Chicken & Sausage: Use chicken breast or thighs instead of shrimp (increase cook time by 5-7 minutes).
- Fish & Shrimp: Swap sausage for salmon, cod, or tilapia for a seafood-only option.
2. Make it Spicier
- Use hot sausage (like Andouille).
- Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Sprinkle in Cajun or Creole seasoning for bold heat.
3. Low-Carb/Keto Option
- Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or broccoli.
- Use zucchini or mushrooms instead of corn.
4. Dairy-Free & Paleo-Friendly
- Use olive oil instead of butter.
- Choose nitrate-free sausage for a paleo version.
Serving Suggestions
✔ Serve with Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the juices!
✔ Pair with a Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the rich flavors.
✔ Enjoy with Rice or Quinoa – For a heartier meal.
✔ Add a Dipping Sauce – A side of garlic butter, lemon aioli, or hot sauce makes it even better!
Tips for the Best Foil Packets
✔ Use Heavy-Duty Foil – Prevents tearing and leaks.
✔ Don’t Overstuff – Keep packets evenly filled to ensure even cooking.
✔ Seal the Foil Well – Prevents steam from escaping and keeps flavors locked in.
✔ Adjust Cooking Time for Larger Shrimp – If using jumbo shrimp, add 2-3 extra minutes.
✔ Open Foil Carefully – Hot steam can burn! Use tongs to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the packets up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Cook when ready.
2. Can I Cook These in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes in the air fryer basket (check at 10 minutes).
3. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, but thaw them first to ensure even cooking. Pat dry before seasoning.
4. How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
- Freezer: Not recommended—shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated.
Conclusion
Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinners are the ultimate easy, no-mess meal. Whether you’re grilling in the summer, baking in the winter, or camping outdoors, this recipe is quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.
With juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and a medley of seasoned vegetables, this one-packet meal delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Plus, cleanup is as simple as tossing the foil!
Try it tonight, and let us know—what’s your favorite way to enjoy foil packet meals? 🍤🔥
