Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

The first time I made a sheet pan shrimp boil, it was a Tuesday evening and I was craving something that tasted like a coastal vacation but required zero actual effort. My apartment filled with the most incredible aroma of smoky spices and roasting corn, and I remember thinking: this feels too easy for something this good.

I made this for friends last summer when we were all too tired to cook anything elaborate but still wanted something celebratory. Watching everyone reach for seconds, hands messy with spices and lemon juice, reminded me that the best meals are the ones that bring people together without pretension.

Ingredients

• Large raw shrimp: Keep the tails on for that classic shrimp boil presentation and extra flavor while they roast
• Smoked sausage: Andouille adds authentic depth but any smoked sausage works beautifully here
• Baby potatoes: Halving them helps them cook through and get those lovely crispy edges
• Fresh corn: Cutting each ear into four pieces makes for perfect bite-sized portions
• Red onion: Wedges caramelize nicely alongside everything else
• Old Bay seasoning: This is the non-negotiable backbone of the whole dish
• Smoked paprika: Adds that gorgeous color and subtle smoky depth
• Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up right before serving

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 220°C and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup ever

Start the potatoes:

Toss halved potatoes with one tablespoon olive oil, half teaspoon salt, and pepper, then spread them out on the pan

Give potatoes a head start:

Roast for 15 minutes since they need the most time to get tender

Prep the next round:

In the same bowl, combine corn, sausage, and onion with another tablespoon olive oil, one teaspoon Old Bay, and half teaspoon smoked paprika

Add to the party:

After the potatoes have had their 15 minutes, add the corn mixture to the pan and roast for 10 more minutes

Season the shrimp:

Toss shrimp with the remaining olive oil, Old Bay, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Final roast:

Nestle seasoned shrimp among the vegetables and sausage, then roast for 5 to 7 minutes until perfectly pink

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and bring the whole pan to the table with lemon wedges

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There is something deeply satisfying about dumping a parchment paper full of perfectly spiced seafood and vegetables onto a platter and watching people dive in. It transforms dinner from a routine into a festive little occasion.

Making It Your Own

Once you have the timing down, this recipe becomes incredibly flexible. Sometimes I throw in okra or bell peppers if they are sitting in my crisper drawer needing to be used.

Serving Suggestions

A crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up all those spiced juices on the plate. If you want something more substantial, steamed rice works beautifully underneath.

Timing Tricks

I have learned that prep timing matters more than cooking time here. Have everything cut and measured before you turn on the oven.

• Set up your sheet pan with parchment before you start cutting anything
• Cut your corn into pieces first since it is the most tedious prep step
• Keep a close eye on the shrimp during that final roast

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This is the kind of meal that makes weeknight cooking feel like a small celebration, even when it is just you and a good book.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure shrimp cooks perfectly on the sheet pan?

Arrange shrimp evenly and roast towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking, ensuring they turn pink and opaque.

→ Can I substitute the smoked sausage for a different protein?

Yes, turkey sausage or other preferred sausages work well as lighter alternatives without compromising flavor.

→ What seasoning blends complement this shrimp boil?

Old Bay or Cajun seasoning combined with smoked paprika and garlic powder provide classic Southern flavors.

→ Is it necessary to roast the potatoes before adding other ingredients?

Pre-roasting potatoes ensures they become tender and cook evenly alongside the other components added later.

→ What side dishes pair well with this sheet pan meal?

Crusty bread or steamed rice complement the dish, soaking up flavorful juices from the roast.