Monday, January 26, 2015

3549. CHEESE and BACON OKRA POPPERS

servings: 16 poppers 


16 slices bacon
1 pound okra
1 8-ounce container chive cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
vegetable cooking spray 
 
Preheat oven to 425° with oven rack 6 inches from heat. Cook bacon, in 2 batches, in a large skillet over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or just until bacon begins to curl; remove bacon, and drain on paper towels. Cut each slice in half crosswise. Discard drippings. Cut each okra pod lengthwise down 1 side, leaving stem and other side of pod intact; remove seeds and membranes. Stir together cream cheese and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Carefully pipe/spoon cheese mixture into cavity of each okra pod. Wrap each stuffed okra pod with 1 bacon piece, and secure with a wooden pick. Place half of okra, cheese side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 8 minutes or until okra is tender and bacon is crisp. Transfer to a serving platter; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining half of okra. Serve warm.
 
 
bacon recipe source: Food Republic (@foodrepublic), February 18, 2013; from Southern Living (@Southern_Living), 2100 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209

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