We love grilling up Cajun Style Grill Foil Packets. We can’t get enough of the Cajun flavors with the grilled corn and sausage and shrimp, and there is NO MESS!!
We have been making foil dinners a lot lately because it has been so HOT here in Idaho! When the temps start reaching triple-digits I will do anything I can to keep the heat out of my kitchen. We love doing grill foil packets in the Summertime because they don’t heat up the house, the whole family loves them, and there is NO MESS (that is the best part, really).
Surprisingly, many people I have talked to don’t know how to make grill foil packets. There really isn’t much to them– they are so easy to do! You just throw all the food in, fold it up (see how to fold up grill foil packets below) and put it over a grill, a campfire, or even in the oven (see notes below on how to do foil packets in the oven).
Not only is there virtually no mess when making them– there is no mess when EATING from them either! My family will eat them right out of the foil packet, crumple up the foil, and throw it away. This is also the perfect meal for camping. You can prepare the packets ahead of time and throw them on the fire when you get to your campsite… again, no mess.
If you don’t have a grill or aren’t wanting the outdoor experience, you can also make these in your oven at 400-degrees for the same amount of time. Just place each packet on a cookie sheet and bake as you would on the grill. Another great thing about these foil packets is that each person can make and customize their own, which makes EVERYONE happy. No one picking through the contents and turning up their nose because a shrimp touched their potatoes… etc.. We like to dip some of the contents of the packets in ranch dressing or BBQ sauce, but it is great as-is if you want to serve it plain, too!
If you haven’t tried grill foil packets yet– now is the time. You are going to love them! Also be sure to try our Grilled Foil Ranch Potatoes — they are a great side dish to any outdoor meal. If you are looking for something sweeter, our Grilled Banana Split Boats are the perfect foil-wrapped dessert!
- 8-12 pieces of corn on the cob 4 full cobs cut in half or in thirds
- 4 red potatoes washed and cubed
- 20-30 uncooked shrimp peeled or not, it's up to you
- 1 Lb. smoked sausage cut into chunks
- melted butter or olive oil, to taste
- 1/2 c. chicken broth you may not need that much
- Cajun/Creole seasoning we like to use Tony Chachere's brand, to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
- (makes 4 grill packets)
- Heat grill to 400-degrees (you can do this in your oven, too, at the same temp.).
- Evenly distribute corn, potatoes, shrimp, and sausage between 4 heavy-duty foil sheets (appx 12x18 inches each).
- Drizzle melted butter and about 2 Tbsp. chicken broth over each foil packet.
- Season evenly (and generously), to taste with Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper.
- Tightly seal foil packets by folding up the sides over the contents and tightly folding up the ends over the seam.
- Grill 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are tender, flipping once half-way through (be careful opening the packets to check for doneness, the steam inside is VERY hot)!
Notes: Some people have found that their potatoes don’t quite get done enough. Some of our readers have recommended boiling or microwaving the potatoes for a minute or two before adding to the packets. We haven’t had a problem with the potatoes being under-done but this is definitely an option for those of you who are concerned about it! Another option would be to cut the potatoes smaller so they cook faster.
Here are some reader-suggested add-ins: Italian sausage, chicken breast, red potatoes, yellow & red bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, red onions, and celery
THIS LOOKS VERY GOOD. CAN IT BE BAKED IN THE OVEN? I LIVE IN THE DESERT SO MY GRILLING SEASON IS SEPTEMBER TO MAY.. I HAVE A STOVE OUTDOORS SO I CAN BAKE WITHOUT HEATING UP MY KITCHEN IN THE SUMMER. ITS BEEN 115 DEGREES EVERYDAY DON’T WANT TO STAND OUT THERE TO TEND A LIT BAR-BQUE.
Yes, it can be done in the oven. Same temp, same amount of time
I have cooked it for an hour and had cut my potatoes small… Not done!
How hot did you have your grill?
I used a steamer bag in the microwave to partially cook potatoes. Perfect!!
I hear you! We are near triple digits here in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Very unusual June weather.
I bbq as much as possible and when I do need to use the oven I’m grateful that the previous owners put a canning kitchen in the garage because it includes an oven.
Adding this to my July menu.
HEY, WHERE ARE THE ONIONS, GARLIC, BELL PEPPERS AND CELERY?
Haha! Erica is pregnant and on the queasy side right now. She’s keeping things a little more bland. I agree with you that onions, garlic, peppers, and celery would be great additions to this recipe!
We tried this and overall it was really good. However, the shrimp was way overcooked. Next time we will either put them in a separate foil pack or skewer and and throw on the grill
In the last few minutes.
I was told if you leave the shell on the shrimp and place them on top of all the other ingredients it keeps them from getting over cooked….
The sausage, corn, and potatoes were delicious and perfectly cooked! I should have realized prior to trying this recipe, that shrimp cannot cook for 30 minutes. Please revise and repost this recipe to ensure the shrimp is edible in the end. It’s a delicious concept and one I would definitely enjoy, but sadly, this recipe is not accurate.
If you would like, you can cook the shrimp separately. We didn’t have an issue with the shrimp making it this way. I wouldn’t advise adding the shrimp at a later time to the original packets as opening the packets early would let out all the steam before they are done.
I wonder since my shrimp is frozen will it make a difference leaving them in the packs for the complete cooking time?
It will probably be ok– if you can, maybe just try to run them under cold water until thawed. If you already threw them in, the cooking time is long enough that I am sure they will still be cooked through (depending on the size)
Yes I always make this with frozen raw shrimp. That way it will still be able to cook just as long with the other ingredients
I make this exactly how the recipe states, in the oven, and it’s perfect every single time!!! We always make it!
We cooked it for 30 min and the shrimp was PERFECT. In fact, everything was PERFECT. This is my new go to meal when having company over. Best recipe I’ve tried on Pinterest yet and I’ve tried a ton!
Did you make it as recipe says? I’m not to great at cooking and need all yhe help i cam get 😉
Im going camping and want to precook this at home and then freeze it and stick it in the cooler frozen. in which that night ill defrost it and warm it on the fire. Do you think its ok to freeze and then recook after?
hmm that is a good question. We have never done it that way before. I would suspect that the potatoes might be weird and soggy if frozen and then re-heated but I am not sure. Let us know if you try it and how it turns out!
U cant refreeze shrimp
Gave these a try not too long ago and they were great! Quick, easy, and delicious! I featured it on my blog where I try out ideas I find on Pinterest. Check it out! https://iampinderella.wordpress.com/2015/10/19/easy-sunday-night-foil-packet-meal/
Can I cook this in a crock pot the same way
We haven’t done it that way before but you can sure try. I would imagine that it would take longer for the potatoes to cook in a crock pot though…
Instead of Tony’ chacheries, try it with Geaux Creole seasoning. It has 1/3 less salt, more flavor and kick!. And cook the shrimp separately. It will be way overcooked if not.
Man that was great. Can I cook that on grill.lots of it .on different kind of fole
Im making it tonight adding bell peppers pearl onions and fresh green beans.
Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken? If so, can I add the cut up chicken breast raw with the other ingredients or should I sear the chicken then add it to the foil?
You can add it raw but if you are worried about it you can pan-fry it until it is white all around and then add it.
I do foil packets with cubed baby reds, mixed veggies and chicken breast. Sliced lemons on the chicken and two or three ice cubes in the foil packet.Google foil packet recipes, alot of recipes to try.
Think I could cook this over a camp fire?
Yes, definitely!
I made this last night for my wife and I and it came out incredible!!! Thanks for a great idea and recipe.
Anytime 😀 Glad you liked it!
Love this recipe, easy & delicious!! Everyone who I recommend it to loves it – I actually just shared this recipe on my blog post about my favorite tried & true Pinterest recipes : http://www.meshkomoments.com/tried-true-pinterest-recipes-2-0/ Check it out everyone 🙂 Thanks for this awesome recipe!!!!!!! 🙂
So glad that you liked it– and THANK YOU for giving us the proper credit! Not many bloggers do that nowadays and we really appreciate it 🙂
Tried this recipe a couple of weeks ago. Pre cooked the potatoes in the microwave and sausage a little to ensure they were cooked thoroughly. Worked out great! Shrimp and corn caught up with other ingredients. Shorter cook time too.
Great ideas! Thank you for sharing your ideas 😀
Made this last night with Italian sausage, chicken breast, red potatoes, yellow & red bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, red onions, celery. Kids loved it, but might remove the potatoes & serve them mashed… For growing young men it needed to be more filling.
good to know! We sometimes will serve with salad on the side if we are needing a little more. Great addition ideas btw!
I made this tonight. It was amazing. I did use frozen shrimp and Old Bay rather than the Cajun seasoning. The timing on the grill was perfect! Did for 35 minutes and nothing was overdone!
So glad you liked it! Thanks for letting us know about the time 🙂
I have cooked this before it doesn’t have to be shrimp, whatever your taste is. I flip mine to make sure it want burn on hot coals or you can grill it next to the coals. Great meal
Have you tried cooking this in parchment paper in the oven?
We haven’t tried it with parchment paper before, I don’t know how it would turn out or how to advise. If you do it hand have success, let us know!
If pre-cooking I’m the microwave, should the potatoes be cut up already?
Also, I’ll be taking this to a party so would you suggest dumping it all (cooked) in a crockpot to keep warm?
Yes, you will probably want to cut them up first. Don’t over-zap them because you don’t want them to get soggy. And, yes, you can keep them warm in a crock pot 🙂
I make a recipe like this. My family loves seafood, so I add a couple pounds of clams. I also use small red potatoes cut up. Real good spicy winter dish.
Yum! That sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing!
Im always looking for good dinner ideas i love to grill and my wife needs to learn new cooking ideas that are simple and yet good eating
This is such a great idea no mess no fuss but delicious. Can you put the foil packets by any chance turn into a pressure cooker and then how long would that take thank you
We haven’t done these in a pressure cooker before. We will have to experiment and see what we can come up with!
I made this for dinner tonight. I was so good. I cut my potatoes small and put them on the bottom. They were done in about 50 minutes. I used large shrimp and it was cooked perfectly.
“Season to taste” on a dish with raw shrimp.
I’d love to see someone do this.
Made this for dinner tonight! Hubby says it’s a keeper!! So good! I did cook the potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before cutting and adding to the packets. They were perfect!
Didn’t have shrimp, but made this with the other ingredients, homemade chicken bouillon and a cutup onion. Cooked it on the grill – preheated to high, then put the foil packets into a vegetable rack and reduced the temp. Moved it around at 20 minutes and It was delicious at 40 minutes! So easy to make and very tasty! Used red potatoes cut in 8-10 pieces – all well done.
YUM!!! I added a link to this on my Foodie Friday Roundup: Campfire Meals post. Please let me know if that’s ok. Thanks for the great idea!
We are great with link backs! Thanks!
Thank you! you may put us on your roundup as long as you link to us for your readers to get the recipe. Thanks! So glad you liked this recipe!