The very name Top Ramen should mean happiness. Top Ramen is warm, flavorful, has so many different variety’s and It’s quick and easy to make. Most important of all these reasons (especially for high school teenagers) is that it only costs 22 cents plus 3 cents tax. A steamy bowl of happy that only costs a quarter is amazing not only for the many reasons listed above but, did you know that there is more than one way to make top ramen?

A few clever but really easy ways to make top ramen are to do things like to pour heated marinara sauce over hot boiled ramen noodles for a meal reminiscent of spaghetti in half the time or Heat your favorite Alfredo sauce and pour over hot boiled ramen. Stir in diced ham or cooked chicken if you have any on hand. Another great idea that’s easy is to one package of boiled ramen noodles, stir in a can of tuna drained, a can of cream of mushroom soup and a handful of crushed potato chips, if you wish. Parmesan ramen is as quick as cooking a package of ramen and sprinkling on cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in a bit of fresh parsley if you’ve got it.

Pretty easy right? Now if those recipes were a little below your level take it up a step and try something a little out of the ordinary. Were you aware that there is such a thing as Ramacos (Ramen Tacos)? Or ramen burgers? How about Pepperoni ramen pizza? I know. Mind blown.

The recipe for the pepperoni ramen pizza is listed below, but if you want more crazy recipes for shaking up the classic bowl of ramen, Google: Easy things to do with Top Ramen or crazy things to do with Top Ramen. Or if you’re feeling creative you can also try creating your own top ramen recipes. There is also a great book written by Toni Patrick titled,”101 things to do with ramen noodles.” A perfect gift for anybody (Including yourself) for $4.49 if I do say so myself.

Pepperoni Ramen Pizza

Ingredients

4 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles

 1 tablespoon olive oil

 1 cup spaghetti or pizza sauce

 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

 1 package (3 ounces) sliced pepperoni, cut into strips

Nutritional Facts

1 serving (1 piece) equals 237 calories, 16 g fat, 27 mg cholesterol, 588 mg sodium, 9 g protein.

Directions

Discard seasoning packets from noodles or save for another use. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Heat oil in a 10-in. ovenproof skillet. Press noodles into skillet, evenly covering the bottom of pan. Cook until bottom of crust is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Pour spaghetti sauce over the crust. Sprinkle with cheese and pepperoni. Broil 4 to 6 in. from the heat for 3-4 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. 4-6 servings.

Sources: www.seriouseats.com and www.tasteofhome.com