Description
These crispy Fried Okra Bites are a delightful snack or appetizer featuring fresh okra coated in a flavorful cornmeal and buttermilk mixture, baked to golden perfection with a cheesy twist. Perfectly bite-sized and easy to prepare, they make a great addition to any party platter or a tasty finger food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh thinly sliced okra
- ¾ cup self-rising cornmeal mix
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450º F (232º C). Grease 24 cups of a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking and set it aside for later.
- Microwave okra: Place the thinly sliced fresh okra in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for 1 minute. This step helps soften the okra slightly before mixing.
- Mix ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the microwaved okra with self-rising cornmeal mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to create a well-blended batter.
- Fill the muffin pan: Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan cups, filling each one adequately to form bite-sized portions.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the okra bites turn golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Allow the okra bites to cool slightly. They can be served warm or at room temperature as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use fresh okra for the best texture and flavor; avoid frozen okra as it may release too much moisture.
- If you don’t have self-rising cornmeal mix, you can substitute by adding ¼ teaspoon baking powder and a pinch of salt to regular cornmeal.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the batter.
- These bites are best served fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven or conventional oven to restore crispiness.
- Greasing the muffin pan well helps in easy removal of the bites without breaking.
