This time of year, people in the South are buzzing about the return of SEC football. This year, football starts a little later than usual, which makes us even more excited to see it again. I love going to games and tailgating with friends and family, or I can watch them at home. A delicious spread for game day is a must. One of my favorite things about football season (or any season, really) is making plans for what tasty foods to serve. If you are like me, you like to make a lot of fan favorite recipes when football season comes around. The recipes I am sharing with you today all involve the common ingredient, Conecuh Sausage.
Why Conecuh Sausage? If you live in Alabama you’ve probably tried Conecuh Sausage at some point. It’s so well known and liked around here that it is synonymously known as “Conecuh”. Are you new to Conecuh Sausage? Click here to learn more about the hickory-smoked goodness or to order it if you can’t find it in stores near you.
Conecuh sausage is a staple of Southern cuisine, prized for its rich, smoky flavor. While often grilled or pan-fried, baking Conecuh sausage in the oven allows you to achieve delicious results with minimal effort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook perfect Conecuh sausage in the oven every time.
Conecuh sausage originates from Conecuh County in Alabama. It gets its signature bold smoky taste from using only the highest quality meat and a special smoking process. The sausage is crafted from a blend of pork and beef seasoned with salt, red and black pepper, and smoke flavoring.
Conecuh sausage comes in regular or hot varieties. It’s sold in links or patties and can be found precooked or uncooked. When baked in the oven, the smoky, savory flavor of Conecuh sausage really shines through. It makes a satisfying meal or addition to a variety of dishes.
Benefits of Cooking Conecuh Sausage in the Oven
Baking Conecuh sausage in the oven provides several advantages over other cooking methods:
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Even heating The dry, ambient heat of the oven circulates evenly around the sausage. This prevents uneven cooking and ensures the interior gets heated through
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Mess-free Unlike grilling or pan frying, baking sausage produces no splattering grease. It keeps your stovetop and kitchen walls clean.
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Easy monitoring: The oven allows you to easily check the doneness of the sausage visually. No need to cut into it.
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Hands-off: Once it’s in the oven, no frequent flipping or moving the sausage is required. Just set a timer and let the oven do the work.
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Flavor development: The oven’s dry heat helps intensify the smoky, savory taste of the sausage.
Choosing the Right Sausage
Conecuh sausage can be found precooked or uncooked, in link or patty form. Here are some tips for selecting the right sausage for oven baking:
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For the best results, opt for uncooked sausage links. The casing will get deliciously crispy when baked.
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Precooked sausage works too, though the casing may not crisp up as much.
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Sausage patties also bake up nicely. They may need a spritz of oil to prevent drying out.
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Go for regular or hot varieties based on your taste preference. Both develop great flavor in the oven.
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Look for sausage that feels plump and firm, not shriveled. This indicates freshness.
Step-By-Step Guide to Baking Conecuh Sausage
Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven-baked Conecuh sausage every time:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. The high heat will help the sausage casing crisp up nicely.
2. Prepare a Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
3. Arrange the Sausages
Lay the sausage links or patties out on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of space around each one.
4. Bake the Sausages
Place the baking sheet on the center oven rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes for uncooked sausage, or 10-15 minutes for precooked.
5. Flip and Rotate
About halfway through baking, flip the sausages over and rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees. This ensures even cooking.
6. Check for Doneness
The sausage is done when the interior reaches 160°F for links or 165°F for patties. The casing should be browned and crispy.
7. Let Rest and Serve
Remove the sausages from the oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy on their own or in your favorite dishes!
Pro Tip: For added flavor and moisture, brush the sausage with oil or melted butter before baking.
Handy Tips for Baked Conecuh Sausage Perfection
Follow these tips and tricks to take your oven-baked Conecuh sausage to the next level:
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Sprinkle the sausage with your favorite spices or rubs before baking for extra flavor. Brown sugar or barbecue seasoning are tasty options.
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For a deliciously caramelized exterior, brush the cooked sausage with bbq sauce or maple syrup in the last 5 minutes of baking.
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Bake the sausage on a grill pan to get enticing char marks.
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Elevate baked sausage by serving it on mini buns with desired toppings for easy appetizers.
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For a complete meal, bake some vegetables tossed in oil and spices alongside the sausage on the baking sheet.
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Leftover baked sausage keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
Mouthwatering Oven-Baked Conecuh Sausage Recipes
Baked Conecuh sausage pairs deliciously with various ingredients. Here are two must-try oven-baked sausage recipes:
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb uncooked Conecuh sausage links, sliced
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1⁄2 cup milk
- 1⁄4 tsp each salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Brown the sliced sausages in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
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In a bowl, beat eggs with milk, salt and pepper. Stir in hash browns and cheese.
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Transfer sausage to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour egg mixture over top.
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Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until set. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Maple Dijon Sausage Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fully cooked Conecuh sausage links
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1⁄4 tsp each salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Toss potatoes and carrots with 2 tbsp oil. Season with salt and pepper.
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On a baking sheet, spread vegetables out in a single layer. Lay sausage links on one side.
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Whisk together maple syrup, mustard and remaining 1 tbsp oil. Brush over vegetables and sausages.
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Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender. Serve immediately.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to bake Conecuh sausage to smoky, savory perfection, it’s time to get cooking! From choosing the ideal sausage to employing the proper technique, we’ve got you covered. So fire up that oven and enjoy the signature flavors that only Conecuh sausage can deliver.
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BARBECUE CONECUH SHEET PAN NACHOS
Ahhh, Nachos. I’m a huge fan!! This recipe is best served when you are watching the game at home. So quick and easy to make, I usually throw this together during halftime. Oh so tasty, here is how I make sheet pan nachos using barbecued Conecuh sausage. I layer the following ingredients in this order on a sheet pan lightly sprayed with cooking spray:
Tortilla Chips (I’m currently loving Golden Flake Cantina Style Tortiyahs)
Chopped Barbecued Conecuh Sausage
Once you have all of your ingredients arranged, broil on high for 5 to 7 minutes, being careful not to let the chips burn on the edges. While your nachos are broiling, heat queso dip in the microwave according to package instructions.
Remove your sheet pan from the oven and pour melted queso over the top of the nachos. Drizzle barbecue sauce over the top of the queso. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.
Conecuh Sausage is a versatile, tasty ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. All of these recipes are good for my family, but I don’t make them all on the same game day. I spread the recipes out throughout football season. Everything in moderation, right?.
I plan to make “pork wrapped pork” on the first game weekend of the season. What’s on your menu?.
Whatever team you cheer for, enjoy the season, the fellowship, and the food!
COOKING WITH CONECUH: PORK WRAPPED PORK
One of the first recipes on my list for “cooking with Conecuh” is “pork wrapped pork,” which is also called “bacon wrapped Conecuh.” This small app is a piece of corn sausage wrapped in bacon and dusted with brown sugar. The recipe for this dish came from Maibeth, who used to be my roommate. I’ve been making it every football season since. This delightful appetizer travels well if you’re heading to a tailgate or friends house to watch a game.
Pork Wrapped Pork is made with only 3 ingredients:
1 lb of Conecuh Sausage
8 slices of bacon, cut into thirds
1 cup of brown sugar
With a pair of scissors cut 8 slices of bacon into three equal sections, crosswise. With a sharp knife cut your Conecuh Sausage into one inch pieces. Tightly wrap one piece of the cut bacon around a piece of the cut sausage. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon. Repeat this process until all the pieces of conecuh are wrapped with bacon.
Prepare a foil lined cookie sheet fitted with a wire rack. Be sure to lightly spray the wire rack with cooking spray. Roll each piece of bacon wrapped sausage in brown sugar and place onto the wire rack. Roll each piece in brown sugar and set the cookie sheet in an oven preheated to 350 degrees. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and the brown sugar turns into caramel. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to add an extra bit of crispness to the bacon.
This recipe yields about 24 pieces of pork wrapped pork. These mouthwatering bites will be gone before the first quarter is over. If you’re going to a party or tailgate with a lot of people, you should double this recipe.
How to Cook Conecuh Sausage – The Right Way!
FAQ
What temperature do you bake Conecuh sausage?
How long to cook sausage in the oven at 350?
How to cook sausage in the oven?
How do you cook Conecuh sausage?
Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before cooking Conecuh sausage. This ensures even cooking and helps retain the sausage’s juiciness. Positioning the Sausage: Place the sausage links or patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.
How to cook Conecuh sausage cornbread?
To cook Conecuh sausage cornbread, you’ll need: In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the sausages for 5 minutes until they are brown. Ensure you cook them in medium-high heat. Remove the sausages once cooked properly. Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil into the skillet and let it heat up for 8 to 10 minutes. Next, preheat your oven to 425°.
Is Conecuh sausage good?
If you’re a fan of rich, smoky flavors and savory meats, then Conecuh sausage is a must-try. This Alabama delicacy is known for its exceptional taste and quality. While traditionally cooked on grills and stovetops, Conecuh sausage can be equally delicious when prepared in the oven.
How long do you cook sausage in the oven?
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F (71-74°C) for links or 165°F (74°C) for patties. If desired, halfway through the cooking process, baste the sausage with olive oil or melted butter for added flavor and a crispier exterior.