Description
Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra combines crispy fried okra with spicy, creamy pepper jack cheese for a Southern-inspired appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
20 large fresh okra pods
4 oz pepper jack cheese, sliced into thin strips
1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar)
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional for serving: Ranch, chipotle mayo, or spicy aioli
Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the okra pods. Make a slit lengthwise in each pod, removing some seeds to make room for the cheese.
- Stuff each okra pod with a strip of pepper jack cheese, then secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Soak the stuffed okra in buttermilk for a few minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each okra pod in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the okra in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Notes
- For a milder version, substitute the pepper jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese filling or sprinkle chili flakes in the breading.
- Make sure to avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to ensure the okra cooks evenly and crisps up properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
