This Crock Pot Shrimp Boil takes all the fuss out of the traditional shrimp boil! Packed with flavorful potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp, it’s an effortless feast that cooks while you relax. Perfect for a delicious, easy dinner any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A classic shrimp boil is a flavorful and fun meal, and this Crock Pot version makes it even easier. With tender red potatoes, juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and sweet corn, this dish is an explosion of flavors that are sure to impress. The best part? It’s all cooked in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Set it and forget it! Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a low-key get-together, this shrimp boil offers an effortless yet satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 ½ pounds red potatoes, quartered
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1 small head of garlic, cloves removed and peeled
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2 bay leaves
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6 cups water
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¼ cup Old Bay seasoning
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1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
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1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
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1 pound smoked beef sausage, sliced
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3 ears corn, shucked and sliced into thirds
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2 pounds raw shrimp, tails removed
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Lemon wedges, for serving
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¼ cup butter, melted (optional)
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3 tablespoons fresh minced parsley (optional)
Directions
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Add the quartered potatoes, garlic cloves, and bay leaves to the bottom of a 6-quart oval slow cooker. For a stronger garlic flavor, smash the garlic slightly before adding it.
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Pour the water, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, and lemon juice over the potatoes. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
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After 2 hours, add the sliced smoked beef sausage and corn to the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are soft and the corn is cooked through.
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Add the shrimp to the slow cooker, gently stir, cover, and cook on high for about 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.
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Drain most of the juices from the slow cooker. Pour the melted butter on top of the shrimp boil and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
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Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer the shrimp boil to a serving platter using a slotted spoon. If serving from the platter, wait to add the melted butter until the shrimp boil is on the serving dish.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
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Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring back some of the moisture.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the smoked beef sausage with kielbasa, chicken sausage, or any other type of sausage you prefer. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
3. Can I make this dish spicier?
If you like your shrimp boil spicy, you can add more hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
4. Can I use other vegetables instead of corn and potatoes?
Absolutely! You can swap the corn with other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary depending on the vegetables you choose.
5. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this shrimp boil dairy-free, simply skip the butter or use a dairy-free butter substitute. The dish will still be full of flavor.
6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best made fresh, but you can prep the potatoes, sausage, and corn ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
7. Can I use a smaller or larger slow cooker?
This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker. If you use a smaller or larger slow cooker, you may need to adjust the ingredient quantities or cooking times.
8. Can I cook this on low instead of high?
Yes, you can cook it on low. If cooking on low, the total cooking time will be around 7-8 hours. Just be sure to check the potatoes and shrimp for doneness.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s not ideal to freeze shrimp after cooking, you can freeze the leftover potatoes, sausage, and corn (without shrimp) for later use. Just be sure to discard the shrimp before freezing.
10. How do I get the shrimp just right without overcooking it?
The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is to add them toward the end of the cooking process. Shrimp cooks quickly, so adding them just 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat ensures they’ll be tender and juicy.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Shrimp Boil is the perfect way to enjoy a flavorful seafood feast without the hassle. With tender shrimp, juicy sausage, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes, it’s a low-maintenance meal that’s big on flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just want an easy dinner for the family, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Set it and forget it, then enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
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Crock Pot Shrimp Boil
This Crock Pot Shrimp Boil takes all the fuss out of the traditional shrimp boil! Packed with flavorful potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp, it’s an effortless feast that cooks while you relax. Perfect for a delicious, easy dinner any night of the week.
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds red potatoes, quartered
- 1 small head of garlic, cloves removed and peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups water
- ¼ cup Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 pound smoked beef sausage, sliced
- 3 ears corn, shucked and sliced into thirds
- 2 pounds raw shrimp, tails removed
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- ¼ cup butter, melted (optional)
- 3 tablespoons fresh minced parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Add the quartered potatoes, garlic cloves, and bay leaves to the bottom of a 6-quart oval slow cooker. For a stronger garlic flavor, smash the garlic slightly before adding it.
- Pour the water, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, and lemon juice over the potatoes. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, add the sliced smoked beef sausage and corn to the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are soft and the corn is cooked through.
- Add the shrimp to the slow cooker, gently stir, cover, and cook on high for about 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.
- Drain most of the juices from the slow cooker. Pour the melted butter on top of the shrimp boil and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer the shrimp boil to a serving platter using a slotted spoon. If serving from the platter, wait to add the melted butter until the shrimp boil is on the serving dish.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can skip the sausage for a simpler, shrimp-only version of the boil.
- This dish can also be made ahead and kept warm in the slow cooker for up to 1 hour after cooking.
- For added flavor, try using a different variety of sausage, such as andouille, for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 260mg