This post may contain affiliate links.
These Shrimp Boil Foil Packets have all the flavors of a shrimp boil, but done in a much simpler way! They can be prepped ahead of time and grilled or baked to perfection!
When I attended my first shrimp boil (yes, here in the midwest) I was enamored! Seeing the fresh vegetables, loads of shrimp and a variety of sausages…it was so fun and SO delicious. In fact so tasty that when I got married, we chose to have a shrimp boil at our rehearsal dinner! 🙂
These little packets are loaded with flavor and are pretty much a full meal-in-one! Let’s get cookin’!
Ingredients for Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
- Red Potatoes – No need to peel these!
- Sweet Corn – Husks and silks removed.
- Red Bell Pepper – Optional, but adds a nice color and a little sweetness!
- Polish Kielbasa – I tend to use the rope sausage, but you could also use the links.
- Shrimp – Peeled & deveined is ideal! You can use frozen shrimp as well – just remember that it’ll take a little longer to cook through.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, oregano and garlic. Feel free to skip the cayenne (or add extra!) to alter the heat level.
- Oil & Butter
How to Make Foil Packets
If you’ve never folded up a foil packet, don’t fret! It’s actually quite simple and there are many ways that work. Here’s how I do it!
1. Lay a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil onto the countertop.
2. Fold the sheet in half.
3. Fold both sides in 2-3 times.
4. Fill the foil packet and fold down the top.
Here’s a video that does a great job of explaining how to make a foil packet, if you want a little more assistance!
Making Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Once you have your foil packets folded up, it’s really simple. You’ll add all of the sausage, shrimp and vegetables to a large bowl. Then you mix up a seasoning, drizzle it over the meat and veggies, mix well and divide amongst the foil packets.
When grilling, you’ll want to check to make sure the shrimp is cooked and that the potatoes are soft before serving. If they’re not quite done, fold it back up and add to the cook time!
Can you make foil packets ahead of time?
Yes!!! This is one of the things I love most about foil packets. You can make them hours (or even days!) ahead of time, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. This makes foil packet cooking great for tailgating and camping especially!
What should I serve with foil packets?
To be completely honest, I don’t think you need to serve them with much! These packets have protein (sausage & shrimp), vegetables (corn & peppers) and carbs (potatoes). If anything, I’d serve them with a simple green salad and a quick and easy dessert such as Chocolate Cobbler or Oh Henry Bars!
Storing Leftover Shrimp Boil
Remove the food from the foil packets and place in an airtight container. Let cool before covering and refrigerating. I don’t recommend freezing the leftovers. Potatoes tend to change texture quite a bit in the freeze/thaw process.
Other Delicious Food from the Grill!
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Ingredients
- 1 pound red potatoes
- 2 cobs sweet corn
- 14 ounces fully cooked Polish Kielbasa
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/3 cup diced red pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- fresh parsley, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Wash the red potatoes and cut into 1/2 inch cubes*, shuck the sweet corn and cut into 1 inch coins, and cut the sausage into 1/2 inch slices.
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, corn, sausage, shrimp and diced red pepper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the oil, garlic and all seasonings. Stir until combined.
- Pour the butter/oil/seasoning mixture over the vegetable/shrimp/sausage mixture. Use your hands to mix so everything is evenly distributed.
- Grab 6 pieces of aluminum foil, about 20 inches long each.* (I recommend using heavy duty aluminum foil if you have it! If not, regular works fine too!)
- Divide the mixture between the bags and seal the bag by folding the open end.
- Hold the foil packets in the refrigerator until ready to cook. (Use within 2 days)
How to Grill the Foil Packets
- Cook the packets on the grill preheated medium-high heat. Grill for 8-10 minutes on one side and 5 on the other, or until the shrimp is fully cooked.
How to Bake the Foil Packets
- Bake the packets in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until the shrimp is fully cooked.
- Open the packets (being very careful – they're HOT!), sprinkle with parsley and enjoy!!
Notes
Nutrition
Blog post updated in June 2025 to include more helpful photos and detailed instructions.
What an awesome idea, I can’t wait to make these!!!
Thanks, Deanne!! They are so flavorful and easy! 🙂
Has anyone tried doing these in an AirFryer?
Ohhh good question!! I’d love to hear how it turned out, if so!
Love your channel. So many recipes I want to try. Wish I had someone like you to help out with meal planning and recipes when my children were growing up. You are so sweet and the love of your family comes through in every video. Makes me feel good when my days aren’t the best. Thank you.
Can you freeze the packets raw? Like assemble everything and then put in an airtight container in the freezer? If not, how many days do they stay good in the fridge?
Hi Cathrine – I don’t recommend freezing them as the potatoes will change texture. You can prep them and refrigerate for maybe 24 hours! ~Kelsey
I need to try this for camping, sounds so good. Carolyn
I hope you enjoy it, Carolyn! ~Kelsey