Crispy Fried Okra Stuffed with Melty Pepper Jack Cheese
Looking for a Southern appetizer with a spicy, cheesy twist? These Fried Okra Stuffed with Pepper Jack Cheese are crunchy on the outside, creamy and spicy on the inside a bold snack or side dish your taste buds will thank you for!
Ingredients:
20 large fresh okra pods
4 oz Pepper Jack cheese, sliced into thin matchsticks
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. Prep the okra: Carefully slit each okra pod lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Remove some seeds if needed to make room for the cheese.
2. Stuff with cheese: Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese inside each okra pod.
3. Dip in buttermilk: Soak the stuffed okra pods in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes.
4. Coat and season: In a bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Dredge each okra pod in the mixture until well coated.
5. Fry to golden perfection: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the okra in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.
6. Drain and serve: Place fried okra on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy that cheesy, crunchy bite!
Southern Appetizers, Cheesy Okra Bites, Fried Okra Recipe
