The Silly Ramen Pizza Hack That Instantly Upgrades College Dorm Room Meals

Even if you reside in one of the best college towns for foodies, some nights are best spent staying in with friends and exploring a new recipe together. Whether the menu calls for a budget-friendly dorm meal or a mind-blowing take on a classic crowd pleaser, this ramen pizza hack is sure to please. Simply replace the pizza dough with a couple packs of instant ramen noodles and enjoy a light, crispy pizza. While you don't need the seasoning packets for the pizza, you should still set them aside for other endeavors. 

Just as you would with pasta, let salted water come to a boil before adding in the ramen noodles. Break up the noodles as they cook, then press the cooked and strained ramen into a cast iron skillet and pile on layers of cheese, pizza sauce, more cheese, and any toppings you wish. Once satisfied with your toppings, put the skillet pizza to bake at around 425 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is bubbling. Letting the pizza cool before you slice and serve it is definitely the hardest part of this hack. 

For a more sturdy ramen crust, you could also coat the noodles in an egg mixture before setting it up as a crust. This egg mixture is one of the earliest opportunities to customize the flavor profile of the skillet pizza; simply whisk together some eggs, parmesan cheese, and any seasonings that call to you before coating the noodles with the mixture.

While mozzarella is a reliable ingredient to a successful pizza, you can thoughtfully pair other types of cheeses with the pizza ingredients just as you would with a charcuterie board. Monterey Jack cheese, for example, is a reliable choice thanks to the subtle, mild flavors it adds to any dish. As for toppings, you can always count on pepperoni and red onion to deliver big flavors with sharp, spicy undertones. Don't be afraid to pile on the black olives and green bell peppers for a pizza that is simultaneously fresh and earthy, all while adding in additional textures for a more exciting pizza.

If you wanted to turn this hack upside down, you could even cook the instant ramen as normal, but top it with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices for a pizza spin on a standard serving of instant ramen. Regardless of how you make this ramen pizza hack your own, there are worlds of flavors waiting to be explored from your own dorm.