Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Recipe

This Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil is your ticket to a taste of summer, no matter the season! Packed with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and tender potatoes, all simmered together in savory Old Bay-spiked broth, this recipe captures all the southern seafood magic—without standing over a boiling pot. It truly brings a festive, crowd-pleasing classic right to your kitchen with virtually zero fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This classic Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil only calls for a handful of kitchen staples, yet each one is essential—together, they create vibrant flavors, perfect textures, and those unmistakable Lowcountry colors. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Old Bay seasoning (¼ cup): The iconic blend that gives the boil its signature zesty, peppery flavor.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens everything up, helping the seafood really shine.
• Hot sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Offers just a hint of heat—add more or less depending on your crowd!
• Small red potatoes (1 ½ pounds): Creamy texture that soaks up the seasoned broth and holds their shape in the slow cooker.
• Medium sweet onion (1, cut into wedges): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Head of garlic (halved): Infuses the pot with mellow, savory notes.
• Bay leaves (2): Bring earthy aroma and background complexity.
• Smoked andouille sausage (one 12.8-ounce package, sliced): A little smoky, a little spicy—an absolute must!
• Fresh corn (3 ears, cut into thirds): Turns juicy and sweet, soaking up the savory, seasoned liquid.
• Medium or large shrimp (2 pounds): Tender, juicy, and the undeniable star of the show—peeled and deveined makes serving easy.
• Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): For a fresh pop of color at serving.
• Melted butter, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, beer (for serving, all optional): These extras let everyone customize their boil just the way they like it!

Variations

One of the best things about a Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil is how easily it adapts to you. Play with flavors, swap out proteins, or tailor the spice level—there’s truly no wrong way to boil!

• Swap the Shrimp: Try adding crab legs, crawfish, or even mussels for a more decadent seafood spread.
• Spice Level: Make it as mild or as spicy as you like by adjusting the hot sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Veggie Twist: Toss in quartered artichokes, thick zucchini coins, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Sausage Options: If you can’t find andouille, try smoked kielbasa, chorizo, or even a spicy vegan sausage for a fun plant-based spin.

How to Make Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

Step 1: Mix the Seasoning Broth

Start by whisking together your Old Bay seasoning, fresh lemon juice, hot sauce (if using), and 6 cups of water in a large bowl. This spiced liquid forms the foundation, helping infuse all the ingredients with classic coastal flavor as they slowly simmer away.

Step 2: Layer Veggies and Add the Broth

In your 6-quart slow cooker, layer the potatoes, onion wedges, halved garlic head, and bay leaves. Pour the Old Bay broth right over the top, making sure everything is moistened and nestled together. This lets the vegetables soak up the aromatic base as they cook.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Vegetables

Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are just shy of fork-tender. Don’t rush—it’s this slow simmer that brings out the best in those creamy potatoes and sweet onion slices!

Step 4: Add Sausage and Corn

Stir in the smoked andouille and corn pieces, then bump the heat to high, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes. The sausage flavors the broth while the corn soaks in all the savory juices—just before everything else is ready to go.

Step 5: Finish with Shrimp

Add the shrimp and gently stir (tuck them in so they’re bathed in broth!), then cook on high, stirring once or twice, until the shrimp are opaque and pink—usually 20-30 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; you want them succulent and just done.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Drain the Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil well, transfer everything to a large platter or a parchment-lined table for classic style, and shower generously with chopped parsley. Now get ready for some serious smiles around the table!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

Garnishes

Simple is best! Sprinkle a big handful of chopped fresh parsley over everything for bright color and a gentle herby note. Arrange lemon wedges and have little cups of melted butter and tangy cocktail sauce on the side—let everyone dunk and drizzle to their heart’s delight.

Side Dishes

Keep things Southern and easy with crusty French bread to soak up the spiced broth. Classic coleslaw, a simple tomato salad, or even a tray of deviled eggs feel right at home. And don’t forget ice-cold beer or chilled lemonade for the grown-ups!

Creative Ways to Present

The heart of a shrimp boil is sharing—try covering your table with butcher paper and pouring the Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil right down the middle, picnic-style! Or, pile everything onto a huge platter for a dramatic, hands-on buffet centerpiece. Individual parchment-lined baskets are a fun, personal twist for casual gatherings, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Separate the broth if you want everything to stay as flavorful and fresh as possible.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for cooked shrimp—they may turn a bit mushy when thawed. But you can freeze the sausage, potatoes, and corn in broth for up to a month; just add fresh shrimp when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until just warmed through. Splash a little extra broth or water on the potatoes and corn to keep them moist, and add fresh parsley and lemon at serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving bold flavors and laid-back fun, trust me—this Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil is the way to go. It’s everything you love about a classic seafood feast, with none of the stress. Give it a try, gather your favorite people, and let the good times roll!

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