Baked Okra with Cheese

• (10 ounce) packages frozen whole okra, partially thawed or 20 ounces fresh okra, when in season2
• salt and pepper
• margarine or 2 teaspoons butter↗2 teaspoons
• slices bacon, cut into 2 inch pieces↗4
• sharp cheddar cheese, shredded↗1 1⁄2 cups

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Rinse okra pods in water to separate.

2. 2

   Pat dry.

3. 3

   Place okra in a single layer in a greased 9x9x1 3/4-inch baking pan.

4. 4

   Sprinkle with salt and pepper; dot with margarine.

5. 5

   Arrange bacon pieces over okra.

6. 6

   Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil.

7. 7

   Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.

8. 8

   Remove foil from pan and place under broiler until bacon is brown and crisp.

9. 9

   Sprinkle cheese over okra and replace foil over pan.

10. 10

    Bake 375 degrees for an additional 10 minutes.