Ultimate Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Foil Bake

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🍤🔥 Ultimate Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Foil Bake

A smoky, spicy, and buttery mix of shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and veggies—all cooked in convenient foil packets. Perfect for grilling, baking, or campfire cooking!

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 4

🧄 Ingredients

Main:

  • 1 lb (450g) large raw shrimp, peeled & deveined (tail-on or off)

  • 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds

  • 1 lb baby red or Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered

  • 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds or quarters

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 small red onion, sliced (optional)

Cajun Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

  • 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Lemon wedges

🛠️ You’ll Need

  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil (4 large sheets)

  • Baking sheet (if using oven)

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)

Or heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 205°C).

2. Parboil the potatoes (important for even cooking)

  • Place chopped potatoes in boiling salted water.

  • Cook for 8–10 minutes, just until slightly tender.

  • Drain and let cool for a minute.

3. Make Cajun butter mixture

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Melted butter

  • Olive oil

  • Cajun seasoning

  • Garlic

  • Lemon juice

  • Salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using)

4. Assemble foil packets

  • Lay out 4 large sheets of foil (about 12×18 inches).

  • Divide the parboiled potatoes, shrimp, sausage, corn, and peppers evenly among each packet.

  • Drizzle each packet generously with the Cajun butter mixture.

  • Toss gently with your hands or a spoon to coat.

5. Seal the packets

  • Bring the long sides of the foil up to meet in the middle and fold over tightly.

  • Fold in the sides to seal, making sure the packets are completely enclosed.

6. Bake or grill

  • Oven: Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes.

  • Grill: Grill over medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

7. Serve and enjoy

  • Carefully open packets (watch for steam!).

  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

  • Serve in the foil for a rustic look or plate it up.

❓ Q&A – Ultimate Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Foil Bake

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A: Yes, but make sure they are thawed and patted dry before using. Otherwise, they’ll release too much water and dilute the seasoning.

Q: What Cajun seasoning should I use?

A: Store-bought brands like Tony Chachere’s, Slap Ya Mama, or Zatarain’s work great. You can also make your own:

DIY Cajun Mix:

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp thyme

  • ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the foil packets up to 8 hours in advance, refrigerate them, and then bake or grill when ready. Great for meal prep or camping.

Q: What other veggies can I add?

A: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or green beans work well. Just avoid very watery vegetables like spinach.

Q: Can I cook this over a campfire?

A: Absolutely! Place sealed foil packets over hot campfire coals (not open flame) for about 15–20 minutes, turning once.

Q: How spicy is this?

A: It depends on your Cajun seasoning and if you add hot sauce. You can make it mild or fiery. For a family-friendly version, use a low-heat Cajun blend and skip the hot sauce.

Q: Can I make this without foil?

A: You can! Use a large baking dish or sheet pan. Spread the mixture in a single layer, cover with foil, and bake for about 30–35 minutes, then broil for extra crispiness.

Q: Is this keto or low-carb friendly?

A: Not as-is (due to potatoes and corn), but you can swap potatoes for cauliflower and skip the corn to make a delicious low-carb version.

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