Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn
If you’re craving a hearty and delicious meal that comes together effortlessly, this Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn is exactly what you need. Combining juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and tender potatoes, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of spices and textures without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you, freeing up your time for other things.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of sausage, seafood, and fresh vegetables creates amazing depth and balance in every bite.
- Family-Friendly Meal: This shrimp boil satisfies all ages, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
- One-Pot Wonder: No complicated cooking steps or extra pans to clean—everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap or add vegetables and proteins to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that work together to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Each component—from the tender shrimp to the smoky sausage and naturally sweet corn—plays a vital role in making this dish irresistible.
- Raw Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and tender texture.
- Andouille Sausage: Adds a smoky, spicy kick that complements the seafood perfectly.
- Baby Potatoes: Provide hearty substance and soak up all the tasty broth.
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: Cut into chunks to add sweetness and crunch.
- Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seafood blend that infuses the dish with a traditional boil flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced to enhance savory depth.
- Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the steaming boil liquid.
- Lemon: Sliced to brighten or squeeze over before serving for a zesty finish.
Variations for Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn
Feel free to put your own spin on this Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn by adding or substituting ingredients. It’s easy to adapt this recipe to fit what you have on hand, different dietary needs, or just to mix up the flavors.
- Different Sausages: Try kielbasa, chorizo, or smoked bratwurst for unique flavor profiles.
- Alternative Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to boost color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Include sliced jalapenos or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Shellfish Swap: Use clams, mussels, or crab legs in place of shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage and shrimp with hearty roasted chickpeas and extra vegetables.
How to Make Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if necessary, cutting the sausage into bite-sized pieces, chopping the corn into smaller chunks, and rinsing the baby potatoes. Mince the garlic and slice the onion thinly to build layers of flavor.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Place the potatoes and onion in the bottom of the slow cooker first since they take the longest to cook. Next, add the sausage and corn chunks. Sprinkle the garlic and Old Bay seasoning evenly over the top, then pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until potatoes are tender and flavors have melded together beautifully. This slow simmer allows the spices and juices to infuse every bite.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
Add the shrimp during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Because shrimp cooks quickly, this step prevents them from becoming rubbery, keeping them tender and juicy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the boil before serving and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Old Bay as desired.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Add shrimp at the end to keep them tender and prevent a rubbery texture.
- Use Baby Potatoes: Smaller potatoes cook evenly and soak up all the delicious broth flavors.
- Spice It Up: Adjust Old Bay seasoning quantity based on your spice preference.
- Layer Smartly: Place heavier, longer-cooking veggies on the bottom for even cooking.
- Lemon Freshness: Always add lemon last to brighten the entire dish just before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chopped green onions add a vibrant green pop and fresh flavor, while extra lemon wedges bring a zesty brightness that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad or crusty bread makes a great accompaniment, soaking up the flavorful broth left behind and balancing the richness of the sausage and shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the shrimp boil spread out on a large platter or lined with parchment paper for easy sharing. You can also portion it into individual bowls for personal servings that keep everyone happy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover shrimp boil to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire boil, but shrimp’s texture may change slightly—consider freezing just the sausage and vegetables, then adding fresh shrimp when reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave at medium power to keep shrimp tender and where possible, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, add it during the last 25-30 minutes of cooking to ensure it thaws and cooks just right without becoming overdone.
What type of sausage is best for shrimp boil?
Andouille sausage is the classic choice due to its smoky and spicy flavors, but kielbasa or smoked sausage work well too.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It makes a hearty, balanced meal that reheats well for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
How spicy is the dish?
The heat depends on how much Old Bay seasoning you use and the type of sausage; you can adjust the spice to your liking easily by adding more or less seasoning.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer ingredients in a large pot, adding shrimp last, but the slow cooker enhances flavors over time and requires less attention.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn is a fantastic, no-fuss way to enjoy a flavorful, filling seafood feast any day of the week. Its ease, comforting taste, and hearty ingredients will win over both shrimp lovers and sausage fans alike. So, grab your slow cooker and give this one a try—you’ll be loving dinner time all over again!
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PrintSlow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn
A hearty and delicious Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil with Sausage and Corn combining juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and tender baby potatoes simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this one-pot meal delivers a rich blend of spices and textures with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound andouille sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, rinsed
- 3 ears fresh corn on the cob, cut into chunks
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
Seasonings & Liquids
- 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving and squeezing)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if not prepped already. Cut the andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces. Chop the corn into smaller chunks and rinse the baby potatoes. Mince the garlic and slice the onion thinly to layer the flavors.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the baby potatoes and sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker as they require the longest cooking time. Add the sausage pieces and corn chunks next. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic and Old Bay seasoning over the ingredients. Pour the chicken broth on top to cover everything.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add the Shrimp: During the final 15 to 20 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp. This prevents overcooking so the shrimp stays tender and juicy.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the boil and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Old Bay if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and avoid a rubbery texture—add them near the end of cooking.
- Use baby potatoes for even cooking and great absorption of broth flavors.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Layer heavier, longer-cooking vegetables on the bottom for even cooking.
- Add lemon last to brighten the flavors before serving.
- Feel free to substitute sausage types or add different vegetables as you like.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: shrimp boil, slow cooker shrimp boil, sausage and corn boil, one pot meal, seafood dinner, easy shrimp recipe, andouille sausage, family dinner
