Master the Art of Prison Spreads: Delicious and Easy Recipe

Prison spread, a unique culinary creation born out of necessity, is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness found within the confines of prison life. Utilizing a mix of inexpensive, readily available ingredients like ramen noodles, chips, and canned meats, inmates have crafted a variety of flavorful and filling meals that go far beyond the sum of their parts. Despite its humble origins, this recipe has gained popularity outside of prison walls, offering a glimpse into a culture of making the most of limited resources while creating something comfortingly familiar.

prison spreads recipe

Why will you love this recipe?

A person should love the prison spread recipe for its creativity, versatility, and comfort. Despite its simple ingredients, this dish allows for endless customization, making it a personal and satisfying meal that can be tailored to any taste. It’s also a testament to the power of resourcefulness, turning basic pantry staples into something flavorful and filling. Plus, the nostalgia and sense of camaraderie associated with creating and sharing this dish add an extra layer of enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for a quick, inexpensive meal or simply curious about an unconventional culinary tradition, prison’s spread dish is a surprisingly delicious and adaptable choice.

Key Notes

ServingCaloriesPrep. TimeCooking TimeTotal Time
1458 kcal5 Mins5 Mins10 Mins

Kitchen Utensils Needed

  • Large bowl or container
  • Spoon or fork
  • Measuring cup
  • Microwave 

prison spread Ingredients

2 packs of instant ramen noodles Check Price
1 small bag of chips (like Cheetos, Doritos, or Fritos) Check Price
1 can of tunaCheck Price
1 packet of cheese spread Check Price
1-2 seasoning packets (from ramen or other sources) Check Price
Hot water (enough to cook the noodles)Check Price

Making prison spread recipe

  • Cook the Ramen: Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces while still in the package. Place the broken noodles in a large bowl or container. Add hot water just enough to cover the noodles, and let them sit for about 5 minutes until they soften. 
  • Crush the Chips: While the noodles are cooking, take the bag of chips and crush them into small pieces by pressing on the bag with your hands. 
  • Prepare the Protein: Drain the can of tuna or cut the sausage into small pieces. 
  • Combine Ingredients: Once the noodles are soft, drain any excess water. Add the crushed chips to the noodles and mix well. Add the tuna or sausage, mixing until evenly distributed. 
  • Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the cheese spread or shredded cheese until it melts and coats the mixture. Sprinkle in the seasoning packets and mix well. 
  • Customize: If desired, add hot sauce, chopped pickles, jalapeños, or any other toppings you like. 
  • Let it Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the spread to thicken. 
  • Serve: Serve directly from the bowl or container, or scoop portions onto plates. Enjoy!
prison spread recipe

Secret Tips For Better Results

To elevate your prison spread and ensure it’s as flavorful and satisfying as possible, there are a few insider tips that can make a big difference. By carefully choosing your ingredients and adding some extra steps, you can take this humble dish to the next level. Here are some secret tips to get the best results: 

  • Use Flavored Chips: Opt for chips with bold flavors like spicy nacho or barbecue to add extra depth and seasoning to the spread without needing additional spices. 
  • Let the Noodles Soak Longer: For a more cohesive and thicker texture, allow the noodles to soak a bit longer, even after they’ve softened, so they can absorb more of the flavors. 
  • Mix Cheese Varieties: Combine different types of cheese spreads or shredded cheeses for a richer, creamier texture. 
  • Toast the Sausage: If possible, lightly toast or brown the sausage before adding it to the spread to enhance its flavor and add a bit of a crispy texture. 
  • Add Crunchy Veggies: For some extra crunch and freshness, consider adding finely chopped raw vegetables like onions or bell peppers, if available.

Flavor Variations

  • Spicy Sriracha Spread: Add Sriracha sauce and use spicy chips. 
  • Taco-Inspired Spread: Use taco seasoning and crushed tortilla chips. 
  • BBQ Chicken Spread: Mix in barbecue sauce with shredded chicken. 
  • Pizza Spread: Add pepperoni and mozzarella with pizza-flavored chips. 
  • Buffalo Ranch Spread: Combine buffalo sauce with ranch seasoning.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage is essential to ensure your prison spread recipe remains fresh and safe to eat, especially if you plan to save some for later. While this dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, you can still store leftovers for a short period if needed. Here are some guidelines to help you store your recipe effectively: 

  • Store the spread in an airtight container and refrigerate it within 2 hours of preparation. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat the spread in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Heat until it’s warmed through.

Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the noodles and chips will become soggy and unappetizing once thawed.

Serving Suggestions

To complement the rich and savory flavors of your prison spread, consider pairing it with some simple side dishes or accompaniments. These suggestions will enhance your meal and balance out the dish:

FAQs:

It’s an improvised meal made with inexpensive, non-perishable ingredients often available in prison commissaries, like ramen noodles, chips, and canned meats. 

Yes, you can use various types of chips, such as Cheetos, Doritos, or Fritos, depending on your flavor preference. 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water to restore moisture. 

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the noodles and chips will become soggy once thawed.

Conclusion

In short words, prison spread is a unique and resourceful dish that turns simple, budget-friendly ingredients into a satisfying and flavorful meal. Its versatility allows for countless variations, making it a creative way to use what you have on hand. Whether you’re trying it out of curiosity or looking for a quick, inventive meal, this recipe offers both comfort and creativity. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and pairings to find your perfect version of this surprisingly delicious spread.

prison spread recipe

Prison Spread Recipe

Prison spread is an inventive and practical dish that transforms basic, inexpensive ingredients into a hearty and tasty meal. Its adaptability means you can experiment with different combinations, making it a clever way to utilize whatever you have available.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 458 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl or container
  • Spoon Or Fork
  • Measuring cup
  • Microwave 

Ingredients
  

  • 2 packs of instant ramen noodles
  • 1 small bag of chips like Cheetos, Doritos, or Fritos
  • 1 can of tuna
  • 1 packet of cheese spread
  • 1-2 seasoning packets from ramen or other sources
  • Hot water enough to cook the noodles

Instructions
 

  • Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces while still in the package. Place the broken noodles in a large bowl or container. Add hot water just enough to cover the noodles, and let them sit for about 5 minutes until they soften.
  • While the noodles are cooking, take the bag of chips and crush them into small pieces by pressing on the bag with your hands.
  • Drain the can of tuna or cut the sausage into small pieces.
  • Once the noodles are soft, drain any excess water. Add the crushed chips to the noodles and mix well. Add the tuna or sausage, mixing until evenly distributed.
  • Stir in the cheese spread or shredded cheese until it melts and coats the mixture. Sprinkle in the seasoning packets and mix well.
  • If desired, add hot sauce, chopped pickles, jalapeños, or any other toppings you like.
  • Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the spread to thicken.
  • Serve directly from the bowl or container, or scoop portions onto plates. Enjoy!
Keyword Prison Spread Recipe