Boudin Balls Stuffed with Pepper Jack Cheese

Boudin is great served in links and eaten with cracklins and pepper jelly, but I just love boudin that is stuffed with Pepper Jack cheese! These boudin balls will be a hit at your next gathering, or just for family!

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 pounds boudin
• 1 ½ cups Panko Bread Crumbs Unseasoned or Crushed crackers
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder/granules
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper or spice it up!
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• Water for dipping balls
• Flour for first coating
• Oil for frying
• Pepper Jack Cheese 8oz block cubed
  

Directions:

1. Mix the Panko bread crumbs with the seasonings, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.
2. Using the store purchased boudin variety, remove the meat mixture from the casing.
3. For easy handling chill the boudin; using scissors or the point of a knife, slit the casing across the length of the boudin. Cut the link in two or three inch sections; if you want larger boudin balls cut in larger pieces.
4. Cut the pepper cheese block into approximately 1 inch X 3/4 inch cubes depending on the size of the size of the boudin balls.
5. Make an indention in the boudin piece and place the cheese in the center. Gently mold the boudin around the cheese into a round ball. Or shape the boudin in the cup of your hand, place the cheese in center and close into ball.
6. Whisk the milk and egg in a glass bowl.
7. First dip the ball in water; next coat with flour, then with the milk and egg mixture, finish with the seasoned Panko. Although chilling for one hour to two hours is recommended, you can fry right away, If making ahead, chilling is great.
8. Method 1 - Heat oil to 350 degrees Heat the cooking oil until a small amount of flour dropped in sizzles on top fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain.
9. Method 2 - Bake the boudin balls in a preheated 375 degrees oven. Place the boudin on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown, turning halfway through the cooking process.