Prison food is awful.
The ingredients available for purchase from the prison commissary aren’t much better.
But that hasn’t stopped incarcerated people from concocting creative, ambitious and tasty treats.
The ingenuity of prison chefs is a popular topic for Prison Journalism Project writers. Here we’ve curated a list of eight of the best recipes published on our website. Share them with loved ones inside, or try them out yourself!
Chanell’s Black Beans and Beef by Chanell Burnette: This wholesome beans and beef recipe from Burnette is an easy way to eat good for cheap.
Chef Gary’s Spicy ‘Pulled-Pork’ Prison Pizza by Gary Daniel: Have you ever had tuna that tastes like pulled pork? Well, Daniel made it possible while crafting pizza for his prison dorm one Christmas.
Andrew’s Sweet & Spicy Rice Bowl by Alfred King: A recipe inspired by Asian cooking.
My Octoberfeast Nachos by Zachary A. Smith: This Halloween prison tradition by Smith has become a staple as he reminisces on the feelings of fall and freedom.
Prison Pizza on a Budget by Darrell Whitlock: In an effort to soothe a pizza craving after watching a commercial, Whitlock uses graham crackers, mayonnaise and BBQ sauce to create a “prison pizza on a budget” for his cellie and himself.
How to Make DIY Laffy Taffy in Prison by E.D.H.: Got a sweet tooth? This 30-minute recipe for prison Laffy Taffy is sure to cure it. E.D.H. provides an easy, four-ingredient recipe that can make 20 to 30 pieces per batch.
CHOW HALL: A Recipe for No-Bake Prison Brownies by Justin Slavinski: Here’s a no-bake brownie recipe that was inspired by a family Christmastime visit. Fair warning: Some of the ingredients may sound questionable, but in prison you work with what you have!
4 Prison Food Recipes to Spice Up Your Life Inside by Chastyn “Nova” Hicks: Hicks provides four fun prison recipes, including orange chicken and a very berry strawberry vanilla cake.