The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about seafood during the holidays the buttery aroma, the sizzling edges, the elegance of lobster tails glistening under warm kitchen lights. Every year around Christmas, I love making a festive seafood dish that feels special without keeping me trapped in the kitchen all night. That’s exactly how my Holiday Sheet-Pan Shrimp & Lobster tradition was born a dish that feels luxurious, tastes incredible, and requires almost zero fuss.
Before we dive in, let me share a little something about me because food is always better when there’s a story behind it.
“Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.”
This Holiday Sheet-Pan Shrimp & Lobster recipe is exactly that a way to make people smile. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the house with warmth, garlic butter goodness, and pure holiday joy. Growing up in Paris, seafood was always part of our Réveillon dinners, but moving to America taught me the magic of sheet-pan cooking. One pan, bold flavors, easy cleanup … it felt like discovering a culinary cheat code.
Now every December, I make this dish for friends, neighbors, and anyone who stops by. The shrimp cooks perfectly, the lobster becomes tender and sweet, and the lemon-herb butter ties everything together like the final bow on a holiday gift. Whether you’re hosting a huge holiday party or having a cozy seafood night at home, this recipe brings the festive spirit straight to your table.
And yes I’ll be repeating the keyword Holiday Sheet-Pan Shrimp & Lobster several times, because trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be craving it. So let’s dive in!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Holiday Sheet-Pan Shrimp & Lobster
- 2 lobster tails, split lengthwise
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (half sliced, half juiced)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus spears or green beans
- Lemon wedges for serving
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 18–20 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep your sheet pan
Line a large sheet pan with parchment or lightly grease it. You want a wide surface so everything roasts evenly.
2. Prepare the lobster
Cut the lobster tails lengthwise and gently lift the meat above the shell if you want that classic holiday presentation. Place them on the sheet pan.
3. Add the shrimp
Scatter the shrimp around the lobster tails. Keep them in a single layer so they roast, not steam.
4. Add your veggies
Arrange potatoes and asparagus around the seafood. Potatoes cook slower, so place them closer to the edges where the heat is stronger.
5. Make the garlic-lemon butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Old Bay, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Brush generously
Brush half of the butter mixture over the lobster tails. Drizzle the remaining mixture over the shrimp and vegetables. Add fresh thyme sprigs.
7. Roast
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the lobster meat is opaque.
8. Broil for a golden finish
Optional but heavenly: broil for 1–2 minutes to give the lobster a golden, buttery glow.
9. Serve with lemon wedges
The brightness of fresh lemon juice takes this dish from delicious to unforgettable.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
The best part about Holiday Sheet-Pan Shrimp & Lobster is that it shines all on its own, but here are some delicious pairings:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Herb rice pilaf
- Warm crusty French bread
- A crisp winter salad with pomegranate
- Champagne or sparkling apple cider for a festive toast
For a true French-American holiday twist, serve it with a creamy béarnaise sauce on the side.
📝 Notes
- Substitute crab legs or scallops for an even more decadent seafood spread.
- Use jumbo shrimp if serving as a holiday centerpiece.
- Add corn on the cob halves for a coastal feast flair.
- For spicier flavor, sprinkle Cajun seasoning.
- If using frozen seafood, thaw completely before roasting.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate values (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
📜 Recipe Card
Holiday Sheet-Pan Shrimp & Lobster
✨ The easiest, most luxurious holiday seafood dinner!
- ⏱️ 35 minutes total
- 🛒 Shrimp, lobster tails, garlic, butter, lemon, herbs
- 👩🍳 One-pan, no mess, holiday-perfect
Ingredients
🦞 2 lobster tails
🍤 1 lb shrimp
🧄 6 garlic cloves
🍋 1 lemon
🧈 4 tbsp butter
🌿 Parsley, thyme
🧂 Spices & olive oil
Instructions
- Prep sheet pan
- Prep lobster & shrimp
- Add vegetables
- Make garlic-lemon butter
- Coat everything
- Roast
- Optional broil
- Serve with lemon
Short 100-Word Story Version (Required)
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete. Cooking has been part of my life since childhood, where I learned from my grandmother how to fill dishes with love and simple flavors. Food has always brought the women in my family together, filling our home with warmth and laughter. I love mixing tradition with creativity even if the kitchen gets messy! This Holiday Sheet-Pan Shrimp & Lobster recipe captures that spirit perfectly. It’s simple, festive, and full of heart. Whether you’re new to cooking or experienced, this dish will make your home feel cozy and welcoming.
Conclusion
There’s something deeply comforting about hosting a holiday meal that feels impressive without being stressful. This Holiday Sheet-Pan Shrimp & Lobster is my go-to every December because it checks every box: quick, festive, elegant, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with people you love. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, New Year’s, or a cozy winter evening, this dish brings joy straight to the table. I hope it becomes one of your holiday traditions too from my kitchen to yours, joyeux Noël and happy cooking! 💛✨
