Cajun cabbage boil seals cabbage wedges and smoked sausage in a foil packet with butter, garlic, and Cajun seasoning, then bakes or grills everything until tender. It takes about an hour, mostly hands-off, and has gone viral for turning simple ingredients into a genuinely flavorful one-pan dinner.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Category: Main dish
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Cabbage Boil
- The sealed foil packet steams everything together for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Minimal prep and mostly hands-off cooking time.
- Works equally well in the oven or on the grill.
- A budget-friendly dinner that still feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 whole head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 lb shrimp, optional
How to Make Cajun Cabbage Boil
- Preheat the oven or grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the cabbage wedges and sliced sausage in the center of a large sheet of heavy-duty foil.
- Dot with butter, sprinkle generously with Cajun seasoning and minced garlic, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Wrap the foil tightly to seal, forming a packet.
- Bake or grill for 45 to 50 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
- If using shrimp, add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Carefully open the foil packet and serve.
Tips for the Best Cajun Cabbage Boil
- Cut the cabbage into wedges through the core so they hold together while cooking.
- Seal the foil packet tightly to trap steam and keep everything moist.
- Add shrimp near the end so it doesn’t overcook.
- Open the packet carefully — hot steam will escape.
Variations to Try
- Add sliced bell peppers and onion to the packet.
- Use andouille sausage for extra spice.
- Swap chicken broth for beer for deeper flavor.
How to Store It
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this on the grill?
Yes, this recipe works great on a grill over medium heat, following the same foil-packet method.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble the foil packet ahead and refrigerate, then bake or grill when ready.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the Cajun seasoning — adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I add other proteins?
Yes, shrimp, chicken, or even crawfish all work well in this dish.