From Our Kitchens: Bacon-wrapped Conecuh bites perfect for first Bacon Fest

Tailgating is a cherished tradition in my family, and nothing unites us quite like delicious game-day snacks. 

One of our favorites is Bacon-Wrapped Conecuh Bites — a tasty blend of savory, sweet and spicy flavors that vanish as soon as they’re served. 

These bites embody the essence of tailgating — easy to share, rich in flavor and endlessly satisfying.

My oldest son, Jake, fulfilled his career goal of working in the sports industry and started working for the Macon Bacon in January. As a member of a family who loves baseball, it’s the perfect job for him and goes great with our tailgating food traditions.

Bacon-wrapped Conecuh bites

Ingredients

• Conecuh sausage
• Bacon
• All-purpose seasoning of choice
• Brown sugar
• Melissa’s Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Directions

Begin by slicing Conecuh sausage into 1-inch pieces. Wrap each piece in half a strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick or skewer. Generously sprinkle your favorite all-purpose seasoning and a light coating of brown sugar all over each bite. 

Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then brush each bite with Melissa’s Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. Return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize. Just before serving, apply another layer of the sweet chili sauce for an added kick.

These bacon-wrapped Conecuh bites tick all the boxes: smoky, crispy, sweet and tangy. 

Whether we’re gathered at a game or crowding around the TV, these bites bring the same excitement and joy as a game-winning touchdown. They’ve earned a spot on our permanent tailgate menu — and trust me, one batch is never enough.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kami Billingslea lives in Phenix City, Alabama. Her son, Jake, is a ticket sales and operations executive with the Macon Bacon.

 The first annual Bacon Fest is Saturday, May 10 at Luther Williams Field. As part of the first-ever Bacon Fest, there will be more than 35 vendors, food trucks, bounce houses and live music. 

There will be a bacon cook-off with celebrity judges to see who can make the best bacon in Middle Georgia. The event is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.

“You always see chili cook-offs, but why not a bacon cook-off?” said Brandon Raphael, managing partner and president of the Macon Bacon. “The goal was to have a little something for everybody, as we gear up for the start of our season on Saturday, May 31.”