Description
WW2 Wrapped Gator Bites are a Southern-inspired appetizer made from tender alligator tail meat marinated in buttermilk, seasoned with Cajun spices, and wrapped in bacon. This historic recipe delivers smoky, savory bites with roots in wartime cooking.
Ingredients
1 to 1.5 lb alligator tail meat, cut into cubes
1 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 to 14 slices thick-cut bacon
Toothpicks, as needed
Instructions
1. Rinse and trim the alligator tail meat, removing any tough membrane.
2. Place gator meat in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Remove meat from buttermilk and pat dry.
4. Season evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
5. Cut bacon slices in half and wrap one piece around each gator cube.
6. Secure with toothpicks and place on a baking sheet or grill rack.
7. Cook on a grill over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, or bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
8. Optional: broil for 2 minutes at the end for extra crispy bacon.
9. Remove toothpicks before serving and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
Bacon helps keep the lean gator meat moist during cooking. Avoid overcooking, as gator can become tough if cooked too long.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grill / Bake / Air Fry
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 5 pieces
- 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