Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra Recipe
This recipe for Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra takes the classic southern favorite to a whole new level with gooey cheese filling inside crispy okra pods.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Okra:
- 20 large fresh okra pods
- 4 oz pepper jack cheese, sliced into thin strips
For the Breading:
- 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
- Prepare the Okra: Rinse and dry the okra. Cut a slit lengthwise down each pod, remove some seeds, and insert a strip of pepper jack cheese into each. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Soak in Buttermilk: Place the stuffed okra in buttermilk while you prepare the breading.
- Make the Breading: Mix cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat the Okra: Dredge each pod in the breading mixture.
- Fry Until Golden: Fry the coated okra in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Drain the fried okra and serve hot with dipping sauce and lime wedges.
Notes
- Be careful when frying to avoid splattering oil.
- Adjust the seasonings in the breading to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
