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If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and totally unexpected, the Instant Ramen Grilled Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine golden, crunchy “buns” made from perfectly cooked ramen noodles hugging melty cheddar cheese with a spicy kick from hot sauce. It’s comfort food with a fun twist that’s as quick to make as it is satisfying. Whether you want a fun lunch or a cozy snack, this recipe takes humble instant ramen and turns it into something downright extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. From the savory richness of cheddar cheese to the crispy, golden noodle buns, every element contributes to the charm of this dish.
- Instant ramen noodles: The base of our sandwich, these noodles form crispy, golden buns that add a delightful crunch.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder to hold the ramen patties together perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully inside, delivering that classic grilled cheese gooeyness and sharp flavor.
- Hot sauce: Adds a spicy kick to contrast the creamy cheese, adjustable to your taste.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for frying both the noodle patties and the final sandwich, creating that irresistible crisp exterior.
- Salt and black pepper: Just a pinch to season the noodles and balance the flavors.
How to Make Instant Ramen Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling a medium saucepan of water and cooking the instant ramen noodles for just two minutes, until they are tender but still firm. Drain them thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly—this helps the noodles hold their shape when making patties.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodle Mixture
In a bowl, whisk the large egg until smooth, then add the drained noodles. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, and mix to coat every strand with egg. This mixture will become the crispy “bread” that holds the sandwich together.
Step 3: Form Noodle Patties
Divide the noodle mixture evenly into four portions. Press each portion into a ring mold or a small bowl lined with parchment paper to create compact, flat patties roughly the size of sandwich bread. This step is key for shaping the buns so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Pan-Fry the Noodle Buns
Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry the noodle patties in batches, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay two noodle patties on a clean surface, then top each with two slices of cheddar cheese and a drizzle of hot sauce. Cover with the remaining patties to form the sandwiches, creating that perfect layered combination of crisp noodles and melted cheese.
Step 6: Melt Cheese and Crisp Sandwich
Wipe the skillet clean and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over low heat. Gently press the sandwiches into the pan and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until the cheese melts fully and the noodles are extra crispy. This low heat process ensures melty interior and a satisfying crunch without burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the sandwiches in half while still warm and serve right away for maximum cheesy, crispy enjoyment. Each bite offers a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors that will have you hooked instantly.
How to Serve Instant Ramen Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance your Instant Ramen Grilled Cheese Recipe, top it with fresh herbs like chopped scallions or parsley for a pop of brightness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a lovely nutty crunch, while a drizzle of extra hot sauce amps up the flavor for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides. Consider a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, or classic tomato soup for dipping. Pickled vegetables or a crunchy slaw also provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, turn the ramen grilled cheese into slider-sized bites perfect for parties by making smaller noodle patties. Or serve the sandwich open-faced with extra cheese melted on top and a sprinkle of chili flakes or furikake. It’s a fun dish that’s ready for your personal flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ramen grilled cheese sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispiness of the noodle buns, it’s best to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, wrap sandwiches individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When frozen, the texture may soften slightly, but a good reheating method can help revive that crunch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little butter if needed. Press the sandwich gently with a spatula to restore the crispy exterior while warming the cheese inside. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the noodles soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for grilled cheese, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch, pepper jack for spice, or even a mix of your favorites to customize flavor and meltiness.
Do I have to use the instant ramen seasoning packet?
You can choose to keep or discard the seasoning packet. This recipe lightly seasons the noodles with salt and pepper, but if you prefer extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of the seasoning while mixing the noodles with the egg.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For vegetarians, this recipe works as is; the egg and cheese fit well within many vegetarian diets. To make it vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or aquafaba, and pick your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative for melty goodness.
Is it possible to make the noodle buns in advance?
Yes, you can make and fry the noodle buns ahead of time, then keep them refrigerated for a day. When ready to assemble, just add cheese and toast the sandwiches fresh to get that perfect melt and crisp.
What’s the best way to adjust the spiciness?
The hot sauce lets you control how much heat you want. Start with a teaspoon and increase according to taste. You could also swap in a milder sauce or add a touch of honey to balance out the spice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting and creative about this Instant Ramen Grilled Cheese Recipe that makes it a kitchen must-try. It turns ordinary ingredients into a fun, flavorful meal that’s quick enough for busy days yet special enough to impress friends. I hope this inspires you to grab those instant ramen packs, dust off your skillet, and whip up a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and totally unforgettable.
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Instant Ramen Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Ramen Grilled Cheese recipe creatively transforms simple instant ramen noodles into crispy, golden-brown noodle buns that sandwich melted cheddar cheese and a spicy touch of hot sauce. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal, these grilled cheese sandwiches combine the familiar flavors of ramen with the indulgence of gooey cheese in a uniquely satisfying way.
Ingredients
Ramen Noodles
- 1 package (3 oz) instant ramen noodles, flavor packet reserved or discarded
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Egg Mixture
- 1 large egg
Cheese and Flavoring
- 4 slices (2.8 oz) cheddar cheese or cheese of choice
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce, adjust to taste
Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook for 2 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Noodle Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the drained noodles, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Mix until noodles are evenly coated with the egg.
- Form Noodle Patties: Divide the noodle mixture into four equal portions. Press each portion firmly into a ring mold or a small bowl lined with parchment paper to form compact patties approximately the size of sandwich bread slices.
- Pan-Fry Noodle Buns: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the noodle patties in batches if necessary, for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Remove patties and set aside.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place two noodle patties on a clean surface. Top each with two slices of cheddar cheese and drizzle with hot sauce. Cover with the remaining patties to form sandwiches.
- Melt Cheese and Crisp Sandwich: Wipe the skillet clean and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Return the assembled sandwiches to the pan and cook over low heat, pressing gently, for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the cheese is fully melted and the outside is crispy.
- Serve: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the hot sauce amount to your preferred spice level.
- Using a ring mold helps create uniformly shaped patties but is optional.
- Make sure to drain the noodles very well to prevent soggy patties.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese.
- For an extra crunch, you can add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs to the noodle mixture before frying.
