These Hot Chip Boudin Balls are a flavor-packed twist on the classic Cajun treat! Crispy on the outside, spicy and savory on the inside, these boudin balls are elevated by a crunchy, fiery coating made from your favorite hot chips, like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or Hot Doritos. Whether served as a party snack, game day treat, or a spicy appetizer, these little bites are guaranteed to be a hit. Here’s the recipe with step-by-step instructions for the perfect crispy, cheesy, and spicy boudin balls.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boudin sausage (casing removed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness and creaminess)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs (beaten, to help the coating stick)
- 2-3 cups crushed hot chips (choose from Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Hot Doritos, or other spicy chips, depending on your preferred heat level)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Dipping sauce (optional but recommended: ranch, remoulade, or hot sauce for an extra punch of flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Boudin Mixture
- Remove the casing from the boudin sausage and place it in a large mixing bowl. You can use your hands or a fork to break it up into smaller chunks.
- If you prefer a cheesy twist, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. This will add a rich, melty cheese flavor to each bite and make the inside extra creamy.
- Mix well until the cheese (if added) and sausage are thoroughly combined.
- Once well mixed, form the boudin mixture into small balls, about 1-2 tablespoons per ball. You should be able to make around 15-20 balls, depending on how large or small you make them. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to keep them from sticking while freezing.
2. Freeze the Boudin Balls
- Freezing the balls is an essential step because it helps them hold their shape during the dredging and frying process.
- Freeze the boudin balls for about 30 minutes. This makes them easier to handle and ensures they don’t fall apart during the breading and frying stages.
3. Prepare the Coating
- Crush the hot chips in a food processor for a fine, consistent crumb, or place them in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. This will create the spicy, crunchy exterior for your boudin balls.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour for a light coating. The flour helps the egg wash and chip crumbs adhere to the boudin balls.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs to create a sticky coating that binds the chips to the balls.
- Bowl 3: Crushed hot chips for that spicy, crispy exterior that makes these boudin balls extra special.
4. Bread the Boudin Balls
- Take each boudin ball and first roll it in the flour, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
- Next, dip the floured ball into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, coat the egg-covered ball in the crushed hot chips, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. The more chips you press on, the crunchier and spicier your boudin balls will be.
5. Fry the Boudin Balls
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is the right temperature for frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cool, and the balls will be greasy.
- Fry the boudin balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and crispy. You’ll notice the boudin balls puff up slightly and become beautifully crunchy as they fry.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried boudin balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve
- These Hot Chip Boudin Balls are best served hot and crispy right out of the fryer!
- Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice—try ranch dressing for a cool contrast to the spice, remoulade sauce for a tangy twist, or hot sauce if you want to add even more heat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Chip Boudin Balls:
- Adjust the heat: If you want to control the spice level, you can mix different types of chips. Use a mild chip like regular Doritos with a few Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for a more balanced flavor, or go all in with extra hot chips for maximum heat.
- Cheese variation: Besides cheddar, try mixing in mozzarella or cream cheese for an even creamier filling. Mozzarella will melt beautifully inside for a gooey center.
- Make ahead: If you’re prepping in advance, you can freeze the boudin balls after breading them. Fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to cook—they’ll take an extra minute or so to fry but will hold up well.
- Air fryer option: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try air frying these boudin balls. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even golden brown crisp.
Why These Hot Chip Boudin Balls Are a Must-Make:
- Crispy & Spicy: The hot chip coating adds the perfect crunch and fiery kick that complements the rich, flavorful boudin sausage inside.
- Cheesy Option: Adding cheese takes this dish to the next level, giving it a gooey, indulgent interior.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these boudin balls are an easy yet impressive dish for any occasion.
- Versatile: Perfect for game day, parties, or as a snack at home, these boudin balls can be served with a variety of dipping sauces to cater to all taste preferences.
These Hot Chip Boudin Balls are an irresistible snack that combines the bold flavors of boudin with a spicy, crunchy kick. Whether you’re looking to spice up your next gathering or just want a savory treat for yourself, these boudin balls are sure to impress. Enjoy!