Description
These Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra bites are a crispy, cheesy, halal-friendly Southern snack packed with bold flavor and irresistible crunch. Perfect for parties, sides, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large fresh okra pods
- 4 oz pepper jack cheese, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 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, spicy aioli, lime wedges
Instructions
- Rinse okra and pat dry. Slice down one side of each pod to create a pocket without cutting through.
- Stuff each okra pod with a thin strip of pepper jack cheese. Gently press closed.
- Pour buttermilk into a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each stuffed okra in buttermilk, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F.
- Fry okra in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning to brown evenly.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauce or lime.
Notes
- Use large, straight okra pods for easier stuffing.
- Keep cheese cold for easier handling and less mess.
- Maintain oil at 350°F for a crispy crust.
- Fine-ground cornmeal gives a smoother finish; coarse adds extra crunch.
- Double-dip in buttermilk and breading for thicker coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 pods
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: stuffed okra, cheese fried okra, halal fried okra, Southern appetizer, pepper jack okra