Ramen Mac and Cheese is a super simple lunch that’s packed with protein. Made with ramen noodles, a poached egg, and chicken broth, it’s a delicious and easy meal that everyone is sure to enjoy.
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Ramen Noodle Facts
Did you know there are four main types of ramen noodle broths? Shio is salt based, shoyu is soy sauce based, miso is soybean based, and tonkotsu is pork bone based.
There are lots of regional variants of ramen noodles across Japan, and different lengths and shapes of noodles as well. Ramen noodles are made with flour, cornstarch, and kansui, a mineral water that prevents the noodles from absorbing too much stock while staying soft and chewy.
Why This Cheesy Ramen Noodle Recipe is a Keeper
Ramen mac and cheese is delicious and easy to make. They’re great comfort food, whether you’re eating them at home or in your college dorm. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love these easy mac and cheese noodles:
- 15 Minute Meal: This easy snack only takes 15 minutes to make. They have a prep time of 5 minutes and a cooking time of just 10.
- Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients in this salty mac and cheese recipe are kitchen staples.
- Cost Efficient: This recipe will hardly cost you anything, and uses inexpensive ingredients like processed cheese and ramen seasoning.
What is the Best Melting Cheese?
This recipe uses American cheese because it’s perfect for melting in recipes. However, Velveeta cheese is also great for melting as well.
Ingredient Notes for Ramen Mac and Cheese
- Ramen Noodle Package with Seasoning: Easily use a ramen noodle package with the seasoning already inside. Use brands such as Top Ramen or Shin Ramen.
- American Cheese: American cheese will melt perfectly, giving your noodles a cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Cheese: You can make this cheesy ramen recipe with different kinds of cheese. Try grated parmesan instead of American cheese. You can also use cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or Kraft macaroni sauce to taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Top your noodles with fresh herbs, like basil.
- Fry: You can make fried noodles after you boil them in hot water. Just fry them in the pan with some butter melts.
How to Cook Dorm Cheesy Noodles
These are the basic steps for making ramen noodle mac and cheese. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Step 1: Poach the Egg
Fill a medium saucepan two-thirds full with cold water. Over medium high heat, bring the water to a simmer. Stir the water to create a small vortex in the middle and crack the egg into the center. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the whites are just set. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the egg to a small plate. Drain the water.
Step 2: Boil Noodles
In the same saucepan, add the chicken broth and heat over medium-high heat until boiling. Add the ramen noodles and cook for 2 minutes. Add the flavor packet, stir, and continue to cook for another 30 seconds, or until noodles are softened.
Step 3: Serve
Carefully transfer the ramen and broth to a serving bowl. Add the cheese, butter, and poached egg. Garnish with green onions and sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds, if using, and add a little chili garlic sauce on the side for a spicy kick, if desired.
Cheesy Ramen Noodle FAQs
Expert Tips for Making Cheesy Ramen Noodles
- Different Flavors: Try making this recipe with different flavors of ramen noodles, such as chicken ramen, spicy ramen, or beef ramen.
- Meat: For some extra protein, add tuna fish or chicken.
- Trick: If this soup dish isn’t thick enough, thicken the macaroni and cheese sauce by adding milk.
- Crush Noodles: If your noodles are too long, you can crush them.
- Reheat: You can reheat this handy meal in the microwave. Even freeze for later.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese Ramen
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Ramen Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Slotted Spoon
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Ingredients
- 2½ cups unsalted chicken broth
- 1 package ramen noodles, with seasoning packet
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon butter
- 2 slices American cheese
- 1 green onion, light green portion only, thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, garnish
- ½ teaspoon chili garlic sauce, optional
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan about two-thirds full with water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Stir the water to create a small whirlpool. Crack the egg into the center of the whirlpool and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolk is still soft. Remove the egg with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate. Discard the water.
- In the same saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the ramen noodles and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the seasoning packet and continue cooking for 30 seconds, or until the noodles are tender.
- Divide the ramen and broth between two serving bowls. Top each serving with the butter, American cheese, and poached egg. Stir gently until the butter and cheese melt into the broth. Garnish with the sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with chili garlic sauce on the side, if using.
Christina’s Notes
Stir the cheese into the hot broth just before serving for the creamiest texture.
Add cooked shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for an even heartier meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth if needed.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.