10+ Prison Recipes for Creative Cooking Behind Bars

Prison recipes offer a unique look into how creativity can thrive even in limited conditions. Cooking with basic commissary items, you can discover tasty options that reflect resourcefulness and adaptability. These recipes show that delicious meals can be created from simple ingredients, turning everyday food into satisfying dishes.

Whether you are curious about prison cuisine or looking for new ways to use pantry staples, these recipes can inspire your culinary adventures. From makeshift desserts to savory meals, you’ll find that you can whip up something enjoyable with just a few items.

Exploring these recipes can make cooking both fun and rewarding.

Prison-Style Ramen Noodles

Prison-style ramen noodles are a popular comfort food for many. They are simple to make and can be customized with various ingredients that you might have on hand.

To start, boil some water in a kettle or a microwave until it reaches about 212°F (100°C). Then, add your ramen noodles to a bowl or a heat-safe bag.

Next, you can mix in extra ingredients. Common choices include canned tuna, cheese, or even chips for a crunchy texture. Season it with the spice packet that comes with the noodles or any other seasonings you like.

Once everything is combined, cover the bowl or bag to let the noodles absorb the flavors. After about 5 minutes, stir it up, and your meal is ready to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 package of ramen noodles
• 1 can of tuna (optional)
• 1-2 cheese slices (optional)
• Chips or crackers (optional)
• Seasoning packet

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water to 212°F (100°C).
2. Place ramen noodles in a bowl or bag.
3. Add hot water and any extra ingredients.
4. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
5. Stir well and enjoy!

2) Instant Coffee Fudge

Instant Coffee Fudge is a simple and tasty treat you can make at home. It uses ingredients that are easy to find. You can enjoy this fudge whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need instant coffee, some cream or milk, sugar, and any other flavorings you like. Mix everything together, and you’ll have a delicious fudge.

To make the fudge, combine your ingredients and warm them up. Stir until the mixture thickens. Then, pour it into a dish and let it cool. Once it’s set, you can cut it into pieces and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 small carton of milk
• 3 tablespoons of instant coffee
• 1-2 packets of sugar or maple syrup
• Optional: chocolate chips or nuts

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, warm the milk until it’s steamy (about 150°F or 65°C).
2. Stir in the instant coffee and sugar until well mixed.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased dish and let it cool until firm.
4. Cut into small squares and enjoy your delicious Instant Coffee Fudge!

3) Jailhouse Burritos

Jailhouse burritos are a popular and creative meal in prison. They use simple, available ingredients to make a tasty dish. You can find this recipe in many unique forms, depending on what’s in the commissary.

To make a jailhouse burrito, you start with some type of carbohydrate like ramen noodles or Doritos. You then add protein, which could come from canned tuna or beans. Spice it up with hot sauce or seasonings for extra flavor.

The fun part is wrapping it all up. You can use a plastic bag or even a tortilla if available. The heat is sealed in, allowing the flavors to mix.

Ingredients

• Ramen noodles or Doritos
• Canned tuna or beans
• Cheese (optional)
• Hot sauce or seasonings

Cooking Instructions

1. Crush the ramen noodles or Doritos.
2. Mix with canned tuna or beans and seasonings.
3. Wrap the mixture in a plastic bag or tortilla.
4. Let it sit for a while to heat through.

4) Sweet & Spicy Thai Sauce Popcorn

Sweet and spicy Thai sauce popcorn is a tasty snack you can easily make. The blend of flavors will excite your taste buds and make movie nights more fun.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need popcorn kernels, oil, sweet Thai chili sauce, and a sprinkle of salt. The sweet chili sauce adds the perfect amount of heat and sweetness.

Pop your popcorn using a stove, air popper, or microwave. Drizzle the sweet Thai chili sauce over the hot popcorn and toss gently to coat. This ensures each kernel is full of flavor.

For a little extra kick, add a dash of sriracha or some crushed red pepper flakes. Mix it well and enjoy your delicious snack!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot.
2. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot.
3. Once popping slows, remove from heat.
4. Drizzle sweet Thai chili sauce over popcorn.
5. Toss gently and add salt. Enjoy!

5) Chi-Chi with Pickle Juice

Chi-Chi with pickle juice is a fun and unique dish you can make using simple ingredients. This meal comes from prison kitchens where inmates get creative with what they have available.

To make this dish, you will need to use instant ramen noodles, some canned meat, and pickles for a zesty kick. The pickle juice adds a tangy flavor that balances well with the other ingredients.

You can customize your Chi-Chi by adding any extras you like. Some people enjoy adding spices, cheese, or even hot sauce to make it even tastier.

This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also filling and enjoyable.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack of instant ramen noodles
• 1 can of meat (like tuna or chicken)
• 1/2 pickle, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pickle juice
• Optional: spices, cheese, hot sauce

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions.
2. Drain the noodles and mix in the canned meat.
3. Add the chopped pickle and pickle juice.
4. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Enjoy your Chi-Chi!

6) Prison Cheesecake

Prison cheesecake is a tasty treat made with simple ingredients. This recipe shows that you can create something special even without a full kitchen. Inspired by Piper Kerman from “Orange is the New Black,” it’s easy to make.

You’ll need graham crackers for the crust, and a creamy filling, often made from cheese spread. A few pats of margarine will help bind the crust together.

Ingredients

• 1 six-ounce package of graham crackers or vanilla wafers
• 4-6 pats of margarine
• 6 ounces of cheese spread (like Laughing Cow)
• 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
• Optional toppings like fruit or chocolate

Cooking Instructions

1. Crush the graham crackers into crumbs.
2. Melt the margarine and mix with the crumbs.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a container.
4. Blend the cheese spread and powdered sugar until smooth.
5. Spread the filling over the crust.
6. Chill in a cold place until firm. Enjoy!

Canned Chili and Chips Nachos

Canned chili and chips nachos are a quick and tasty snack that you can easily make. You just need a few ingredients, and you’ll be enjoying this delicious treat in no time.

Start with a bag of tortilla chips. Spread them out on a microwave-safe plate. Open a can of chili and pour it over the chips. You can use regular chili or a vegetarian option, depending on your taste.

Next, add some cheese on top. You can use shredded cheese or squeeze cheese for a fun twist. If you want, sprinkle some diced onions or green peppers for extra flavor.

Heat the nachos in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until everything is warm and the cheese is melted. Be careful when taking it out; it will be hot!

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips
• Canned chili
• Shredded cheese or squeeze cheese
• Optional: diced onions and green peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread tortilla chips on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Pour canned chili over the chips.
3. Add shredded cheese or squeeze cheese on top.
4. Optional: sprinkle diced onions and green peppers.
5. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm and cheese melts.

Instant Mashed Potatoes Surprise

Instant mashed potatoes can be a fun and easy meal. You can turn them into something special with just a few extra ingredients.

Start by preparing your instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions. You’ll usually need water, milk, and butter.

Once your potatoes are ready, mix in some shredded cheese and a little bit of garlic powder. Stir well to blend the flavors.

For a surprise twist, add in some cooked vegetables like peas or corn. This adds color and nutrition.

To give it a crunchy topping, sprinkle some crushed crackers or chips on top before serving.

This dish is simple but packed with flavor. It’s perfect when you want something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

• Instant mashed potatoes
• Water
• Milk
• Butter
• Shredded cheese
• Garlic powder
• Cooked vegetables (e.g., peas or corn)
• Crushed crackers or chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions.
2. Stir in shredded cheese and garlic powder.
3. Add cooked vegetables and mix well.
4. Top with crushed crackers or chips before serving.

9) Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad is a tasty and simple dish you can whip up quickly. It combines the crunchy texture of the noodles with fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Start by breaking the ramen noodles into smaller pieces. Mix them with crunchy veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and green onions. Add a handful of your favorite nuts for extra crunch.

The dressing can be made with soy sauce, vinegar, and a bit of sesame oil. Pour the dressing over the noodle and veggie mix. Toss everything together until well coated.

This salad can be enjoyed right away or chilled in the fridge for later. It’s a flexible recipe, so feel free to add any ingredients you like.

Ingredients

• 1 package of ramen noodles
• 1 cup of chopped vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, green onions)
• 1/4 cup of nuts (cashews or peanuts)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Break ramen noodles into smaller pieces.
2. Chop vegetables and add to a bowl with noodles.
3. Stir in nuts.
4. In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.
5. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.

10) Prison Tamales

Prison tamales are a unique and tasty dish made using ingredients available in correctional facilities. They provide a comforting taste of home and are quite easy to prepare.

You can get creative with what you have on hand. Some common ingredients include ramen noodles, Fritos, and beef jerky. The mix of flavors makes these tamales both filling and enjoyable.

To make them, you will need to combine the ingredients and form them into a tamale shape. Then, you’ll cook them carefully to ensure they’re heated through.

Ingredients

• Ramen noodles
• Fritos
• Beef jerky or meat stick
• Warm water
• Pickles
• Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

Cooking Instructions

1. Crush the Fritos and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a bowl.
2. Add warm water to the mixture until it’s moist but not soggy.
3. Chop the beef jerky and add it to the bowl.
4. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Shape the mixture into small tamales.
6. Steam or microwave until heated through.
7. Enjoy your tasty tamales!