Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil brings the southern seafood boil tradition right into your oven with a flavorful and fuss-free twist. Juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, baby potatoes, sweet corn, and roasted vegetables all come together in a single pan seasoned with bold Cajun spices and roasted to perfection. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this oven-roasted shrimp boil offers the full experience without needing a giant pot or outdoor fire. It’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand and pairs wonderfully with lemon wedges, hot sauce, or even a garlicky aioli for dipping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is bound to become a go-to favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage, sliced

• 2 ears corn, each cut into 4 pieces

• 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a large pot, boil the halved potatoes for about 10 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, corn pieces, sliced sausage, red bell pepper, and zucchini.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

5. Spread the mixture evenly on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

6. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.

7. Remove the pan, add the shrimp on top, and stir everything gently.

8. Return to the oven and roast for another 8–10 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

9. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 395 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Shrimp boils are a staple of Southern cuisine and coastal cookouts a festive, flavorful, and community-centered way to enjoy the bounty of the sea. Traditionally simmered outdoors in a massive pot with shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage, this dish is rustic, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd. But what if you could enjoy all those bold, savory flavors right in your kitchen with minimal mess?

Enter the Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil an oven-baked, one-pan variation that captures the magic of a classic shrimp boil without the fuss. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and packed with mouthwatering taste in every bite. This recipe is a total game changer for busy home cooks who want to enjoy something festive, comforting, and slightly indulgent.

Origins and Inspiration

The traditional Southern shrimp boil originated in the coastal regions of the Southeastern United States, particularly in states like Louisiana, Georgia, and South Carolina. Known by many names Low Country Boil, Frogmore Stew, or Cajun Shrimp Boil this dish reflects the local culture and abundance of fresh seafood.

These boils are often associated with gatherings of family and friends. The ingredients are typically boiled in seasoned water, drained, and poured over a table covered in newspaper for everyone to dig in. The communal experience is just as important as the meal itself.

Our sheet pan version preserves the core components shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage but modernizes the process. Roasting everything in the oven adds a delicious caramelized finish and saves you from having to break out a huge pot or worry about boiling water.

Nutritional Benefits of a Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

This dish is more than just comforting it’s surprisingly well-balanced too. It offers a good mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber, making it suitable for many dietary goals:

• Shrimp: Low in calories and high in protein, shrimp are also an excellent source of selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. They’re naturally low in fat and rich in antioxidants like astaxanthin.
• Baby Potatoes: A great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, potatoes are a wholesome carb that helps keep you full.
• Corn: Adds sweetness, fiber, and folate while giving the dish its signature flavor.
• Smoked Sausage: Provides savory richness and additional protein. Choose turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Vegetables like Bell Peppers and Zucchini: Add bulk, fiber, antioxidants, and color without many additional calories.

When prepared with olive oil and spices rather than butter-heavy sauces, this dish can be part of a heart-healthy, balanced diet. It’s also naturally gluten-free and easily adjustable for low-carb or paleo-friendly diets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s what makes this Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil such a winner:

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
• Bold Flavors: Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder bring that classic Southern heat and savory depth.
• Perfect Texture: Roasting allows the potatoes to crisp, the corn to caramelize, and the shrimp to stay tender and juicy.
• Customizable: You can swap in different proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.
• Quick and Easy: With a little prep and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, this meal can be on your table faster than takeout.

Serving Suggestions

A Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is bold enough to stand on its own, but you can elevate the experience even more with a few thoughtful accompaniments:

• Lemon Wedges: Brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the sausage and shrimp.
• Garlic Butter or Aioli: A dipping sauce on the side adds indulgence, especially if you’re serving this for guests.
• Hot Sauce: For those who love a bit of extra kick.
• Crusty Bread: Soak up all those flavorful juices with a warm baguette or cornbread on the side.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or chives add a burst of freshness right before serving.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can offer a cool contrast to the warmth of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple dish like this can be ruined if you’re not careful. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly too long in the oven and they’ll become rubbery. Always add them toward the end of the roasting time.
• Skipping the Boil for Potatoes: If you don’t pre-boil the potatoes, they might still be hard when the shrimp are ready. Give them a head start on the stovetop.
• Using Uneven Cuts: Uniformly cut vegetables and sausage will cook more evenly. Uneven pieces can lead to burning or undercooking.
• Too Little Seasoning: This dish thrives on bold flavors. Don’t be shy with the Cajun spice blend.

Tasty Variations to Try

Want to experiment? Here are a few creative takes on the Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil:

• Low-Carb Version: Swap out the potatoes and corn for cauliflower and green beans.
• Spicy Asian-Inspired Twist: Use gochujang or sriracha instead of Cajun seasoning and add sesame oil for a fusion spin.
• Add More Seafood: Toss in scallops, clams, or mussels to make it a true seafood extravaganza.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and extra veggies like mushrooms and sweet potatoes.
• Herb Butter Finish: Melt some butter with garlic and herbs, then drizzle over the cooked dish just before serving.

Pairing Ideas

Complement your Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil with these beverage and side pairings:

• Beverages:
  • Cold beer, especially a light lager or pale ale
  • Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • Sparkling lemonade or citrus-infused iced tea for a non-alcoholic option
• Sides:
  • Garlic bread or jalapeño cornbread
  • Creamy coleslaw or pickled vegetables for tang
  • Deviled eggs or potato salad if serving for a party

Who Is This Recipe Perfect For?

This recipe is ideal for:

• Busy Families: Quick prep and cleanup make this a great weeknight meal.
• Entertainers: Scales easily for crowds just double the ingredients and use two pans.
• Gluten-Free Dieters: Naturally free of gluten with no substitutions needed.
• Meal Preppers: Cools and stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• New Cooks: It’s simple, forgiving, and requires no special equipment.

Conclusion

The Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is the best of both worlds: bold Southern flavor meets modern convenience. With just one pan and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a satisfying, nutrient-rich dish that feels like a celebration. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or entertaining guests on the weekend, this recipe brings people together with ease and flavor.

There’s something timeless and comforting about shrimp, sausage, and roasted veggies sharing space on a sizzling sheet pan. It’s nostalgic, hearty, and endlessly versatile proof that you don’t need a pot of boiling water to enjoy the authentic taste of a seafood boil. Give it a try, and this just might become your new go-to meal.