Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

The kitchen filled with that unmistakable seaside aroma the moment I opened the Old Bay container. My roommate wandered in, drawn by the smell like a cartoon character floating toward a pie on a windowsill. We ended up eating straight off the sheet pan, standing at the counter, too impatient to bother with plates.

I made this for a summer dinner party once, and people kept hovering around the oven watching the shrimp turn pink. Someone asked if we needed forks, but honestly, fingers felt more appropriate. Theres something about a shrimp boil that makes everyone relax a little.

Ingredients

• Large raw shrimp: Tails on helps them look appealing and gives you something to hold onto while eating
• Andouille sausage: The smoky heat balances the sweetness of corn and provides depth
• Fresh corn: Cut into thirds so it fits on the pan and roasts evenly
• Baby potatoes: Halved so they cook through in the same time as everything else
• Red onion: Cut into wedges rather than diced so they dont burn too quickly
• Old Bay seasoning: This is nonnegotiable, its what makes it taste like a proper shrimp boil
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes even roasting
• Melted butter: Optional, but highly recommended for that glossy finish

Instructions

Get the oven ready:

Preheat to 425F and line your sheet pan unless you enjoy scrubbing roasted seasoning off bakeware

Start the potatoes:

Toss them with half the oil and seasoning first, since they need the most time in the oven

Add the corn and sausage:

After 15 minutes, make room on the pan for these mediumtiming ingredients

Finish with shrimp:

They cook fast, so add them last and watch closely to avoid rubbery results

The finishing touches:

Butter and parsley make it look intentional, plus lemon for squeezing over everything

Save

My friend from Maryland tasted this and actually nodded in approval. That felt like passing a final exam I didnt know I was taking.

Timing Your Sheet Pan

The secret is adding ingredients in stages based on how long they need to cook. Potatoes go in first, then corn and sausage, then shrimp at the end. Everything finishes at the same time this way.

Getting The Seasoning Right

Old Bay has salt already, so taste as you go. The amount listed is a starting point, and you can always add more at the table. Fresh lemon brightens everything at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This dish begs to be served family style, right on the baking pan or dumped into a large bowl. Provide a big bowl for shells and plenty of napkins.

• Crusty bread is essential for soaking up the flavorful juices
• A cold beer or crisp white wine complements the spices perfectly
• Maybe put out an extra bowl of Old Bay for the adventurous eaters

Save

The best part is how something this messy and hands on feels so special. That is the magic of a shrimp boil.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What is the best way to ensure shrimp cooks evenly?

Toss shrimp in oil and seasoning just before adding to the pan, then spread evenly to allow uniform roasting.

→ Can I substitute the sausage?

Yes, kielbasa or turkey sausage can be used for different flavors or a lighter option.

→ How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free sausage and Old Bay seasoning to keep the dish gluten-free.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Crusty bread works great to soak up the flavorful juices, complementing the roasted ingredients.

→ Can I add extra spice to this dish?

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika intensifies the flavor without overpowering the seasoning.