Alligator Sausage Po'boy
Smoky, spicy alligator sausage, griddled to perfection and nestled in a crusty French bread loaf. Dressed with a zesty Creole remoulade, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes, this is a true taste of New Orleans.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Creole Remoulade
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, ketchup, lemon juice, hot sauce, minced garlic, paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
- c.Whisk vigorously until the sauce is smooth and uniformly blended.
- d.Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- e.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be made up to a day in advance.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Alligator Sausage
- b.Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. A little oil is not necessary as the sausage will release its own fat.
- c.Slice the alligator sausage links in half lengthwise (butterfly them) to create a flat surface for searing.
- d.Place the sausages cut-side down on the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, pressing down occasionally with a spatula, until a deep brown crust forms.
- e.Flip the sausages and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through and sizzling.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast the Bread
- b.While the sausage is cooking, cut the French bread loaf into four equal 6-inch sections.
- c.Slice each section horizontally, but not completely through, leaving one side intact to act as a hinge.
- d.Generously brush the inside surfaces of the bread with the melted butter.
- e.Place the bread, cut-side down, on the same griddle used for the sausage to soak up the flavorful drippings. Toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Po'boys
- b.Take the toasted bread sections and generously spread the chilled Creole remoulade on both the top and bottom interior surfaces.
- c.On the bottom half of the bread, layer the shredded lettuce, followed by the tomato slices and dill pickles. This is known as 'dressing' the po'boy.
- d.Place one cooked, butterflied alligator sausage link on top of the vegetables.
- e.Fold the top half of the bread over to close the sandwich. Press down gently.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Serve the po'boys immediately while the sausage is hot and the bread is still warm and crusty. They are best enjoyed with a side of Zapp's potato chips and a cold root beer.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic po'boy, use New Orleans-style French bread, which is light and airy with a super crispy crust.
- 2Don't overcook the alligator sausage, as it is a lean meat and can become tough. It's done when it's browned and heated through.
- 3The remoulade sauce is significantly better if made a few hours or even a day ahead, giving the flavors time to marry.
- 4Toasting the bread in the sausage drippings adds an incredible layer of flavor and prevents the sandwich from getting soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
If you can't find alligator sausage, this po'boy is also fantastic with spicy andouille sausage, grilled shrimp, or even fried oysters.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with grilled halloumi cheese or spicy fried mushrooms.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the remoulade sauce or a few extra dashes of your favorite hot sauce for more heat.
Healthier RemouladeHealthier Remoulade
For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It will be tangier but will cut down on fat and calories.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Alligator meat is exceptionally high in protein and low in fat and cholesterol compared to other meats, making it a great choice for muscle building and repair.
Rich in Antioxidants
The tomatoes in the po'boy are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. The garlic in the remoulade also contains beneficial antioxidant compounds.
Provides B Vitamins
Both the sausage and the bread contribute B vitamins, such as niacin (B3) and cobalamin (B12), which are essential for converting food into energy and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Frequently asked questions
Alligator has a unique flavor that's often described as a cross between chicken and fish, with a firm, slightly chewy texture similar to pork sausage. It's mild and takes on the smoky and spicy flavors of the sausage seasonings very well.