Description
Ramen Noodle Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion dish that combines the quick convenience of instant ramen with the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese. This recipe uses a simple roux-based cheese sauce to coat tender ramen noodles, creating a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners. Optional toppings like scallions, hot sauce, or crispy crumbs add extra flavor and texture to elevate this fun twist on a beloved comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Ramen Noodles
- 2 packages instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or American cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped scallions
- Hot sauce
- Crushed chips or panko
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and cook ramen noodles for 2–3 minutes, just until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Melt Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Return the cooked ramen noodles to the pot and toss thoroughly to coat them with the rich cheese sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the ramen mac and cheese hot, topped with your choice of chopped scallions, a drizzle of hot sauce, or crunchy toppings like crushed chips or panko for added texture.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, you can stir in cooked bacon bits or a dash of garlic powder when making the cheese sauce.
- Add a splash of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a slight tangy depth.
- This recipe is quick and perfect for an easy lunch or cozy dinner.
- Use vegetarian cheese to keep this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet.
