Description
A bold and flavorful Southern classic, this WW2 wrapped gator bites recipe combines tender marinated alligator tail meat wrapped in bacon and grilled or baked to perfection. Rooted in wartime survival and now celebrated as a unique party appetizer, these bites deliver smoky, spicy, and savory flavors with every crunch.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs gator tail meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 cup buttermilk
12–14 slices thick-cut bacon
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
Toothpicks, for securing
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat: Rinse and trim the gator tail meat, removing membranes or sinew.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, add gator meat and cover with buttermilk. Optionally add a dash of hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Season: Remove the meat from buttermilk, pat dry, and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
4. Wrap: Cut each bacon slice in half. Wrap each gator piece tightly with bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Cook (choose method):
6. – Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat. Cook bites for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is crispy.
7. – Oven: Preheat to 400°F (204°C). Bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until bacon is golden.
8. – Air Fryer: Set to 390°F (199°C) and cook for 12–15 minutes, turning once.
9. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with dipping sauces like remoulade, Cajun ranch, or spicy mayo.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the meat overnight.
Use thick-cut bacon to keep bites juicy and hold everything together.
Pair with sides like coleslaw, street corn pasta salad, or sweet potato fries.
Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety.
- Prep Time: 4 hours (marinating included)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grill / Bake / Air Fry
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 5–6 bites
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg