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 delicious smoked sausage that originated in Alabama. With its unique blend of spices and smoky flavor, it has become a staple in Southern cooking. One of the most popular ways to prepare Conecuh sausage is by baking it in the oven. But exactly how long does it need to cook in order to reach perfection? In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook Conecuh sausage in the oven correctly.
Choosing Your Conecuh Sausage
The first step is selecting high-quality Conecuh sausage. Look for sausages that are fresh and have good marbling. The casing should be intact and the color should be a vibrant reddish hue. Conecuh sausage comes in a few varieties including original smoked, spicy andouille, turkey, and chicken. Consider which flavor profile you prefer for your recipe. The smoking process gives Conecuh sausage its iconic bold, smoky flavor that is so distinctive.
Preparing The Sausage For Baking
Before cooking your Conecuh sausage it helps to prepare it properly
- If frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight
- Lightly prick the sausages with a fork to prevent bursting
- Slice or leave sausage links whole
- Brush with oil or spices (optional)
These simple steps help the sausages cook evenly later on.
Oven Temperature
The ideal oven temperature for baking Conecuh sausage is 375°F. This allows the exterior to get nicely browned while the interior cooks through. If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can broil the sausages at the end for 3-5 minutes.
Cook Times
The baking time can vary based on thickness, but in general, cook Conecuh sausage in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
Here are some more specific guidelines:
- Smoked sausage links (1 inch thick) – 25-28 minutes
- Andouille sausage (1.5 inches thick) – 30-35 minutes
- Turkey or chicken sausage (1 inch thick) – 20-25 minutes
Be sure to use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step-By-Step Method
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked Conecuh sausage:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
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Arrange sausage links on the sheet evenly spaced. For slices, spread in a single layer.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Broil 3-5 minutes if desired for crispier exterior.
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Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
As you can see, baking Conecuh sausage in the oven is easy. With the right time and temperature, you’ll achieve the ideal texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Add sliced onions, peppers, or garlic to the baking sheet for extra flavor
- Brush sausages with barbecue sauce or maple glaze before baking
- Bake in a skillet for fond on the bottom to incorporate into sauces
- Slice and add to casseroles, pasta dishes, frittatas, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the sausage is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Conecuh sausage is done when it reaches 160°F. Signs of doneness include browned exterior and firm texture.
Can I cook Conecuh sausage from frozen?
Yes, frozen Conecuh sausage can go straight into the preheated oven, but it will take about 10 minutes longer. Make sure it’s thoroughly thawed before consuming.
Should I flip the sausages during baking?
For even cooking, it’s best to flip them halfway through the recommended oven time. Rotating the pan can also help.
What if my sausage ruptures during cooking?
Pricking the sausages prior to baking can prevent this. If they do rupture, continue cooking as normal and be careful when removing from the oven as hot fillings will spill out.
What are some serving ideas for baked Conecuh sausage?
Baked Conecuh sausage pairs well with eggs, hashbrowns, biscuits, pancakes, pasta, rice, sandwiches, pizza and more! Get creative.
So next time you’re looking to enjoy the signature smoky flavors of Conecuh sausage, try baking it in the oven. In around 25-30 minutes, you’ll have perfect results. Adjust the time as needed based on thickness and enjoy!
COOKING WITH CONECUH: BARBECUED CONECUH
Second on the recipe lineup is a simple versatile recipe. I like to serve barbecued Conecuh two different ways, but it’s very good on its own. Here is how I grill it:
Take 1 lb of Conecuh Sausage and place it in a dish or ziplock bag. Liberally pour barbecue sauce over the links of sausage until they are fully coated. I prefer to use a thicker barbecue sauce for grilling conecuh. Allow the Conecuh to marinate in the barbecue sauce for at least an hour before grilling. Over indirect heat between 350F and 400F, grill the sausage for about 20 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked. No grill, no problem. Simply place the sausage on a broiler pan and broil on high for 8-10 minutes.
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.