Grilling season is officially in full swing, and there’s nothing quite like the joy of preparing a meal outdoors. These Sausage and Shrimp Foil Packets are designed for exactly that: a joyful, effortless cooking experience. We love how quickly we can assemble and cook a full meal with very little mess to deal with afterward. The beauty of foil packet cooking truly shines through here, making it perfect for various occasions. Planning a camping trip? These foil packets are an absolute game-changer. You can easily prep all the ingredients at home, assemble the packets, and then simply toss them on the grill or over a campfire once you reach your destination. It’s outdoor dining made simple, nutritious, and incredibly tasty!

This recipe for Sausage and Shrimp Foil Packets is renowned for its ease, versatility, and ability to deliver a warm, comforting meal perfect for any summer evening. Imagine plump, succulent shrimp and flavorful chicken sausage mingling with tender potatoes and crisp-tender vegetables, all infused with your favorite seasonings. Protein, a medley of fresh veggies, and hearty starches all cook in unison within a single, convenient foil packet. This integrated cooking method not only ensures every ingredient absorbs the delicious flavors but also guarantees minimal cleanup, transforming meal prep into an enjoyable part of your day.

The use of pre-cooked chicken or Italian sausage is one of the secrets to the speed and convenience of this dish. Its delicious flavor and quick cooking time make it incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into a variety of recipes. If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate sausage and shrimp into your cooking, consider classics like our Italian Sausage Pasta Bake, which offers hearty comfort, or our spicy and vibrant Cajun Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Shrimp. These foil packets also share the easy-cleanup philosophy with other beloved recipes, such as our Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Vegetables, proving that delicious meals don’t have to come with a mountain of dishes.

These camping-friendly shrimp and sausage foil packets are incredibly versatile, ideal for grilling on a gas or charcoal grill, or even cooking directly over hot campfire coals. The magic lies in the foil, which creates a steamy environment that locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring everything cooks perfectly without drying out. For this recipe, we typically use pre-cooked sausage for speed, succulent shrimp, hearty chopped potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, aromatic onion, and fragrant garlic. A generous drizzle of olive oil, a small pat of butter in each packet, and a custom blend of your favorite spices are all it takes to add rich moisture and layers of exquisite flavor.

If you’re a fan of succulent shrimp dishes, you’ll find plenty more to love on our site. Explore other favorites like our bright and zesty Lemon Orzo Shrimp, the satisfying crunch of Easy Breaded Shrimp, the bold flavors of Easy Cajun Shrimp, or the Mediterranean-inspired delight of these Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy this versatile seafood.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Shrimp & Sausage Foil Packets

These foil packets aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire:

• Incredibly Juicy and Flavorful: The sealed foil packet acts like a miniature steamer and oven, trapping all the delicious juices and aromatic steam. This method ensures that your shrimp remains perfectly tender and never dry, while the sausage and vegetables absorb all the delightful spices and the savory notes from the butter and olive oil. You’ll find that extra sauces are often unnecessary, as the natural flavors are beautifully concentrated.
• The Ultimate Camping or Outdoor Meal Option: If you’re planning an escape to the great outdoors, these foil packets are an indispensable addition to your menu. Their convenience is unmatched: simply prep all the ingredients at home, assemble the individual packets, and store them in your cooler. Once at your campsite, you can effortlessly throw them directly onto the grill grates or even nestle them among hot coals in a campfire. This means more time enjoying nature and less time on meal prep and cleanup!
• Quick, Easy, and Minimal Cleanup: Efficiency is key, and this recipe delivers! You can have these delectable foil packets on your table in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. The majority of your time will be spent on the initial chopping, but even that can be done ahead of time. Simply chop and portion your ingredients the day before, store them in the fridge, and you’ll have instant meal-prep for a speedy dinner. And the best part? All the cooking happens in the foil, so there’s almost no post-meal dishwashing – just discard the foil, and you’re done!
• Highly Customizable: This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to swap out vegetables, change up the protein, or experiment with different spice blends to suit your taste or what you have on hand. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables or tailor the meal to dietary preferences.

Essential Recipe Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful foil packets. Here’s a closer look at the simple yet flavorful components we’ll be using. For precise measurements and step-by-step printable instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

• Sausage: To ensure maximum convenience and a quicker cooking time, we recommend using pre-cooked sausage. Options like a savory sweet Italian sausage or a zesty Andouille sausage will infuse your packets with a wonderful smoky depth and rich flavor. Be sure to slice it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking alongside the other ingredients.
• Shrimp: The star of the show! You can use either frozen or fresh shrimp, but always ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease of eating. While optional, shrimp adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the packets. A key tip is to opt for larger shrimp, ideally 31/35 count or similar, as these are less likely to overcook and become rubbery compared to smaller varieties, especially with the longer cooking time required for potatoes.
• Vegetables: A colorful and nutritious mix is essential. We use finely chopped bell peppers (red and yellow add both sweetness and vibrant color), aromatic onions, and pungent minced garlic. The secret to even cooking is to keep all your vegetables uniformly sized. This ensures everything becomes tender at the same rate, preventing some ingredients from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Potatoes: For ideal tenderness and flavor, small potatoes like baby Yukon gold, red potatoes, or fingerlings are perfect when simply halved or quartered. If you opt for larger potatoes such as Russet or sweet potatoes, make sure to cut them into consistent 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook through within the foil packet.
• Spices & Herbs: This is where you can truly make the dish your own! A versatile blend like Italian seasoning works wonderfully for a classic flavor profile. For a kick, Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spice blends will bring a delicious zest. Alternatively, a good quality BBQ rub can add a smoky, savory dimension. Don’t forget fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary, which can be added at the end for a burst of fresh aroma and flavor.
• Olive Oil & Butter: A drizzle of good quality olive oil helps coat the ingredients, ensuring they don’t stick and promoting even cooking. A pat of butter in each packet melts to create a rich, flavorful sauce that moistens all the components.

Creative Ways to Modify Your Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Recipe

One of the greatest advantages of foil packet cooking is its incredible flexibility. This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it to your personal preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are some inspiring ideas to make these packets uniquely yours:

• Alternative Proteins: While shrimp and sausage are a classic pairing, feel free to experiment!
  • Chicken: Add bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for an extra lean protein boost. Just ensure they are cut small enough to cook quickly.
  • Fish: Chunks of firm white fish like salmon, cod, or halibut can be a delicious addition, adding delicate flavor and omega-3s.
  • Other Sausage: Explore different types of pre-cooked sausages like kielbasa, chorizo, or even a spicy ghost pepper sausage for an adventurous twist.
  • Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, skip the meat entirely and add hearty beans like cannellini (white beans) or chickpeas, which will absorb the flavors beautifully. Extra firm tofu or tempeh, pressed and cubed, also works well.
• Expanded Vegetable Medley: The more veggies, the merrier! This recipe is a great way to incorporate a variety of produce.
  • Summer Squash: Sliced zucchini or yellow squash are fantastic for added texture and seasonal flair.
  • Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or button mushrooms add an earthy, savory note.
  • Corn: Fresh corn on the cob (cut into smaller rounds) or frozen corn kernels contribute sweetness and a lovely pop.
  • Green Beans: Trimmed green beans add a fresh, vibrant crunch.
  • Tomatoes: Halved cherry or grape tomatoes will burst with sweetness and moisture as they cook.
  • Broccoli/Cauliflower: Small florets of broccoli or cauliflower can be a healthy and satisfying addition.
• Potato Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional potatoes, or just want to switch things up:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Cubed sweet potatoes will add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Butternut Squash: Diced butternut squash is another great option, offering a slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture.
  • Carrots: Sliced or diced carrots provide sweetness and a firm bite.
• Flavorful Sauces & Finishing Touches: Elevate your finished dish with a simple sauce or a fresh squeeze of citrus.
  • Garlic Butter: A simple melted garlic butter drizzled over the cooked ingredients adds immense richness.
  • Pesto: A spoonful of fresh basil pesto brings herbaceous brightness.
  • Lemon Herb Marinade: Before grilling, marinate your shrimp and veggies in a lemon herb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or sriracha at the end will add a delightful heat.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: A finishing squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Fresh herbs are the perfect garnish to add aroma and vibrancy. Sprinkle chopped dill, chives, extra parsley, or thyme over your finished packets just before serving.

How to Make Flavorful Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packets

Creating these delightful foil packets is a straightforward process, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked meal every time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Ingredients: Begin by preheating your gas or charcoal grill to a high heat setting. This ensures the grill is ready to cook the packets efficiently once assembled. While the grill heats, it’s time for prep work. The key to even cooking in foil packets is uniformity, so carefully chop all your ingredients—including the pre-cooked sausage, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions—into roughly the same size pieces. This precision helps everything cook through simultaneously. Once chopped, place all your prepared ingredients, including the raw shrimp, into a large mixing bowl. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil, a slice of butter (which will be distributed among packets later), your chosen blend of salt, pepper, and additional seasoning (like Italian or Cajun spice). Toss everything gently to ensure each piece is lightly coated with the oil and spices.

Step 2: Assemble the Foil Packets: For sturdy packets that won’t tear on the grill, cut four sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each approximately 12 inches long. If you only have standard foil, consider using two sheets per packet for extra durability, folding them together.

Step 3: Divide, Season, and Fold: Carefully divide the seasoned sausage, shrimp, vegetables, and potatoes mixture evenly among the four prepared foil sheets. Ensure a good mix of all ingredients in each portion. Before sealing, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil and a slice of butter to each individual packet. Now, sprinkle an additional teaspoon of your chosen spice blend (Italian, Cajun, Old Bay, etc.) over the contents of each packet, along with a final pinch of salt and pepper. Using a spoon or tongs, gently toss the mixture within each open packet until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated in the added oil, butter, and seasonings. This crucial step ensures maximum flavor distribution.

Step 4: Seal and Grill the Packets: To seal, bring the two longer sides of the foil together over the top of the ingredients and fold them down tightly, creating a seam. Then, fold up the remaining two open ends, crimping them securely to form a completely sealed packet. It’s essential that the packets are well-sealed to trap all the steam and flavors inside, allowing the ingredients to cook perfectly without drying out. Place these securely sealed foil packets directly onto the preheated grill. Cook them for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables, especially the potatoes, are tender when pierced with a fork, and the shrimp is opaque and curled. Cooking times may vary depending on your grill’s heat, so check for doneness around the 15-minute mark. Carefully remove the hot packets from the grill using tongs. Serve each packet warm, directly in the foil, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.