Craving a Southern-inspired snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor? This Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra is your new go-to! Fresh okra pods are stuffed with spicy pepper jack cheese, coated in a seasoned cornmeal breading, and fried to golden perfection. With a kick of heat and a gooey cheese center, these bites are perfect for game days, appetizers, or a fun side dish. At TastyRecipeHub.com, we’re all about bold, comforting dishes, and this recipe is a star in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Let’s fry up this crispy, cheesy Southern delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra is a must-try for Southern food lovers, offering:
- Crispy and Cheesy: A crunchy cornmeal coating with a gooey, spicy cheese center.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes for effortless snacking.
- Bold Flavors: Smoked paprika and pepper jack add a fiery kick.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack.
- Shareable: Ideal for X posts with #TastyRecipeHub to showcase your fried masterpiece.
This dish is a fun, flavorful addition to your recipe collection, just like the bold recipes in our eBook, available for just $2.99 on Gumroad.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 as an appetizer or side dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Stuffed Okra:
- 20 large fresh okra pods, rinsed and dried
- 4 oz pepper jack cheese, sliced into thin strips (about 20 strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (about ½ tsp each)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for 2 inches in the pan)
Optional for Serving:
- Ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or spicy aioli (for dipping)
- Fresh lime wedges (for a zesty squeeze)
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Shallow dish (for buttermilk soak)
- Medium mixing bowl (for breading)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing okra)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towel-lined plate
- Thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these steps to create crispy, cheesy fried okra that’s bursting with Southern flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Okra
- Rinse 20 large okra pods under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a slit lengthwise down each pod, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently remove a few seeds with your fingers or a small spoon to create space for the cheese.
Step 2: Stuff with Cheese
- Insert a thin strip of pepper jack cheese into each okra pod, pressing gently to fit.
- Close the okra around the cheese. If needed, secure with a toothpick to keep it closed during frying.
Step 3: Soak in Buttermilk
- Place the stuffed okra in a shallow dish and pour 1 cup buttermilk over them, ensuring all pods are coated. Let soak for 10-15 minutes while preparing the breading.
Step 4: Make the Breading
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup cornmeal, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Mix well.
Step 5: Coat the Okra
- Lift each okra pod from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres evenly. Set coated okra on a plate.
Step 6: Fry the Okra
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy, or test by dropping a small piece of breading into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the stuffed okra in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer fried okra to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the fried okra hot, with ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve with dipping sauces for a fun party snack.
- Game Day: Pair with sliders or wings for a Southern-inspired spread.
- Side Dish: Add to a plate with fried chicken or BBQ ribs for a hearty meal.
- Potluck: Present on a platter with extra lime wedges for a crowd-pleaser.
Love This Recipe? Get More in Our eBook!
If this Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra has you craving more bold American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with 60 recipes, like Crispy Honey Lime Chicken Tostada Towers, Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini, and Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, all designed for busy cooks who love vibrant flavors. For just $2.99, download it instantly on Gumroad and elevate your meals with more crowd-pleasing classics!
Customization Options
- Cheese Swap: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese for a milder flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour and cornmeal; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Spice Boost: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or chili powder to the breading for extra heat.
- Veggie Variations: Try stuffing with bell pepper strips or jalapeños alongside the cheese.
- Baked Option: Bake at 425°F on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store cooked okra in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze breaded, unfried okra on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
- Make-Ahead: Stuff and bread okra up to 1 day in advance; store in the fridge and fry when ready.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
Why This Recipe Shines
This Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra is a Southern classic with a spicy, cheesy twist, perfect for adding flair to any meal or gathering. Its crispy texture and bold flavors make it ideal for sharing on social media, just like the vibrant recipes in 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Want more? Grab the eBook for just $2.99 on Gumroad!
Tips for Success
- Fresh Okra: Choose firm, bright green pods for the best texture.
- Secure Cheese: Press okra gently to keep cheese inside during frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain 350°F to avoid soggy or greasy okra.
- Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch and gooey cheese.
Join the Tasty Recipe Hub Community
Share your Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra on X with #TastyRecipeHub for a chance to be featured! For more bold American recipes, download 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple for just $2.99 on Gumroad and follow us on Pinterest or our Facebook Broadcast Channel for daily inspiration.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Southern treat!
