Crispy Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese – A Flavor Celebration

Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese is like a party in your mouth; it’s crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive. Just imagine biting into a perfectly fried piece, the crunch giving way to gooey, spicy pepper jack cheese that dances on your taste buds. It’s not just food; it’s a flavor celebration that deserves its own parade.

Growing up in the South, fried okra was as common as sweet tea at a summer barbecue. My Aunt Betty would whip up a batch whenever family gathered, and let me tell you, her secret ingredient was love well, that and a hefty dose of pepper jack cheese. Whether for game day or a cozy family dinner, this dish always brought everyone together around the table with laughter and second helpings.

Ingredients for Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Okra: Look for firm, bright green pods; they should be tender to the touch but not mushy.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a spicy kick; shred it fresh for the best meltability.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that crispy coating; season it well!
• Cornmeal: Adds extra crunch; it’s the secret weapon for achieving that perfect texture.
• Eggs: These will help bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
• Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on seasoning; they elevate all the flavors in this dish!
• Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point for optimal frying.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by washing your fresh okra under cool water. Pat them dry with paper towels. Slice each pod into bite-sized pieces about one inch works perfectly!

Step 2: Make the Coating

In one bowl, whisk together eggs until they are frothy. In another large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornmeal with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Coat the Okra

Dip each piece of okra first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then toss them in the flour-cornmeal mix until they’re fully coated.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Now comes the exciting part! Take some shredded pepper jack cheese and gently press it into each coated piece of okra. This ensures that cheesy goodness stays inside while frying.

Step 5: Heat Up That Oil

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F/175°C). You want enough oil so that the okra can float while frying.

Step 6: Fry Away!

Carefully add the coated okra in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about three to four minutes or until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Transfer to plates and serve while hot trust me, nobody can resist these little nuggets of joy! Drizzle with ranch dressing or hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!

Now you’ve got yourself a plateful of Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese perfectly, start by prepping your ingredients: slice the okra, cube the cheese, and set up your breading station. Once everything’s ready, heat the oil and fry the okra until golden before adding the cheese.

Add Your Touch

Get creative with Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese by adding spices like cayenne or garlic powder to the breading mix. You can also swap out pepper jack for other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. For more inspiration, check out this roasted garlic potatoes au gratin recipe.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until crispy again – no soggy okra allowed!

After making Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese for my family gathering last summer, I received requests for the recipe from every single guest. Cilantro Lime Rice Who knew fried vegetables could spark such joy? It’s now my go-to dish for gatherings!

FAQs :

What is Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese?

Fried okra pepper jack cheese is a delicious dish that combines crispy fried okra with melted pepper jack cheese. This recipe highlights the unique flavor of okra, which is both crunchy and tender when fried. Cuban Sliders Recipe The addition of pepper jack cheese provides a spicy kick that enhances the overall taste. You can serve this dish as an appetizer or snack, making it perfect for gatherings or casual meals.

How do you make Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese?

To prepare fried okra pepper jack cheese, start by cutting fresh okra into bite-sized pieces. Next, mix cornmeal and seasonings in a bowl for coating. Dip the okra in buttermilk before rolling it in the cornmeal mixture. Then, fry the coated okra until golden brown. In the last minute of frying, add small pieces of pepper jack cheese to melt and create a cheesy layer over the crispy okra. For more inspiration, check out this classic patty melt recipe recipe.

Can I use frozen okra for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen okra for fried okra pepper jack cheese. However, it’s essential to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen okra before coating it. This will help achieve that desired crispiness during frying. Frozen okra may not be as crunchy as fresh, but it still works well for this dish and saves time.

What dishes pair well with Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese?

Fried okra pepper jack cheese pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Consider serving it alongside spicy dipping sauces like ranch or sriracha mayo for added flavor. Additionally, this dish complements grilled meats such as chicken or steak, making it a great side option for barbecues or family dinners. Pesto Avocado Grilled Cheese You can also enjoy it with fresh salads for a balanced meal.

Conclusion for Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese :

In conclusion, fried okra pepper jack cheese offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. This recipe is simple to prepare and uses easily accessible ingredients like fresh okra and zesty pepper jack cheese. Homemade Chicken Tenders Whether served at parties or enjoyed as a snack at home, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to try this delicious variation on traditional fried okra!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Clare Schmidt
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Fried Okra Pepper Jack Cheese is a delightful Southern-inspired treat that perfectly marries crispy fried okra with the rich, spicy flavor of melted pepper jack cheese. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal appetizer or snack for any gathering. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a cheesy explosion, ensuring that your taste buds will be dancing with joy. Whether you’re celebrating game day or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is simple to prepare and certain to impress family and friends alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound fresh okra, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying (approximately 2 cups)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Wash the okra and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. In one bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. In another bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each okra piece into the egg mixture then coat it in the flour-cornmeal mix.
4. Press shredded pepper jack cheese into each coated piece.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
6. Fry okra in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 5 pieces (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 120mg