The magic of holiday gatherings lives in shared moments, bursts of laughter, and, of course, delicious food. There’s a special warmth that spreads through the home during this time, a feeling that making and sharing meals creates lasting memories. We all want impressive dishes that are also easy to prepare. That’s where Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers come in, offering a delightful solution for a holiday appetizer or main course that promises ease and flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers
These skewers look impressive but don’t need fancy cooking skills. They offer a delicious mix of savory sausage, juicy shrimp, and seasonal seasonings. Everyone loves them, so they are a crowd-pleaser for all tastes. They are quick and easy to prepare and cook, perfect for busy holiday schedules. You can also change them to fit different preferences and diets.
Gathering Your Festivity: Ingredients for Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers
Star Ingredients:
* 1 pound fresh large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
* 1 pound smoked sausage (such as turkey kielbasa or turkey chorizo), cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), cut into chunks
* 1 red onion, cut into wedges
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes
The Flavorful Marinade:
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Equipment Needed:
* Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use)
* Large mixing bowl
* Baking sheet (if baking) or grill
* Basting brush
Crafting Your Holiday Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Instructions
How to make Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers
Prepare Your Skewers (15 minutes):
1. Soak wooden skewers in water if you are using them.
2. Chop all vegetables and sausage into bite-sized pieces.
3. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor (20-30 minutes):
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add maple syrup and red pepper flakes if you are using them.
2. Add shrimp, sausage, and vegetables to the bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and put it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. You can marinate for up to an hour for more flavor.
Assemble Your Festive Skewers (10 minutes):
1. Thread shrimp, sausage, and vegetables onto the skewers. Alternate ingredients for a nice look. Do not put too many items on each skewer.
Cooking Your Skewers to Perfection (10-15 minutes):
- Grilling Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side. Cook until the shrimp are pink and not clear, and the vegetables are tender but still a little firm.
- Baking Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place skewers on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Turn them over halfway through cooking. Cook until the shrimp are fully cooked.
How to serve Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers
Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs before serving. Serve them immediately to enjoy the best taste and texture.
How to store Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a skillet to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Tips to make Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook fast.
- Cut all ingredients into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Pat shrimp dry before marinating for better flavor.
- Always soak wooden skewers to stop them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
Variation
- Herb Twist: Try different fresh herbs like dill or chives.
- Sweet & Savory: Add pineapple chunks or apple pieces for a sweet taste.
- Spicy Kick: Use more red pepper flakes or add a bit of cayenne pepper.
- Citrus Brightness: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.
- Protein Alternatives: Use cubed chicken breast, scallops, or firm tofu instead.
- Vegetable Choices: Try zucchini, mushrooms, small potatoes (boil them first), or corn on the cob cut into rounds.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers
Can I prepare Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop and marinate the ingredients a few hours before. For the best flavor and texture, put the skewers together just before you cook them. This stops the shrimp from getting too soft.
What kind of sausage works best for Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers?
Smoked sausages like turkey kielbasa, andouille, or already cooked chicken or turkey sausage are great. Choose one with flavors that go well with shrimp and holiday spices.
My shrimp always get overcooked on skewers. Any tips?
Shrimp cooks very quickly. Watch them closely. They are done when they turn pink and not clear. You can also put shrimp on their own skewers if you want to cook them for a shorter time than the sausage and vegetables.
Festive Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers
These Festive Holiday Shrimp & Sausage Skewers are perfect for entertaining. Featuring juicy shrimp, savory sausage, and colorful vegetables, all marinated in a delicious herb and spice blend, they can be grilled or baked for an easy and impressive dish.
Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Grill or Oven
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
- 1 pound smoked sausage (such as turkey kielbasa or turkey chorizo), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey optional
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Soak wooden skewers if using, then chop all vegetables and sausage into bite-sized pieces, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper; add optional maple syrup and red pepper flakes. Add shrimp, sausage, and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Assembly
- Thread shrimp, sausage, and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for an appealing look, ensuring not to overload them.
Cooking
- For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat and cook skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and vegetables are tender-crisp.
- For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place skewers on a baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until shrimp are fully cooked.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs before serving immediately.
Notes
For best results, do not overload the skewers, allowing even cooking. The marinating time can be extended up to an hour for deeper flavor. Serve these versatile skewers hot, fresh off the grill or out of the oven, garnished with fresh herbs.