Cheese And Bacon Okra 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

1. Preheat oven to 425 with oven rack 6 inches from heat.
2. 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.
3. Cut each slice in half crosswise.
4. Discard drippings.
5. Cut each okra pod lengthwise down 1 side, leaving stem and other side of pod intact; remove seeds and membranes.
6. Stir together cream cheese and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl.
7. Carefully pipe/spoon cheese mixture into cavity of each okra pod.
8. Wrap each stuffed okra pod with 1 bacon piece, and secure with a wooden pick.
9. Place half of okra, cheese side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
10. Bake at 425 for 8 minutes or until okra is tender and bacon is crisp.
11. Transfer to a serving platter; keep warm.
12. Repeat procedure with remaining half of okra.
13. Serve warm.

bacon, okra, chive cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, vegetable cooking spray

Taken from www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/cheese-and-bacon-okra-poppers-recipe/ (may not work)