For that quick break between classes, ramen noodles can be a cheap go-to food for students around campus. But ramen can get boring after several meals. Try these more interesting and healthier alternatives if you find yourself constantly reaching for that plastic packet.

Extra cheesy ramen noodles
If youre in the mood for cheese, heres a unique twist on the average macaroni and cheese.

1 package ramen noodles
1 cup shredded cheese
1 slice of American cheese
1 cup of Cheez Whiz

Bring water to a boil and add Ramen noodles.

Cook until noodles are tender and separated, then drain.

Add shredded cheese, American cheese and Cheez Whiz to noodles. Heat over low heat while stirring until cheese is melted.

– Meghan Mangrum

Spicy ramen
For a twist of seasoning and spicy delights in your ramen noodle meal, add Adobo seasoning and Tabasco sauce (choose a hotter sauce if desired.)
– Diedra Rodriguez

Green and gold ramen
For a healthier alternative, try adding vegetables to your ramen.

1 package ramen noodles
1 teaspoon oil
2 large carrots, chopped
1/2 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cooked corn
1 cup kale greens, stems removed
Salt and pepper

Prepare ramen noodles according to package directions, but dont add the seasoning. Set aside noodles.

In a skillet pan over medium heat, add oil, carrots and broccoli. Cook for about five minutes.

Add corn, kale and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook another five to ten
minutes, until kale is soft.

Add cooked ramen noodles, stir and serve.

– Hannah Feig

Uncommon ramen
Normally, people use water to make their ramen noodles. True student chefs, however, use other media to fill their cups of ramen.

Tastier options for cooking ramen include warm milk, chicken broth or water mixed with olive oil.

Interested in more exotic tastes? Try adding maple syrup, brown sugar, honey, cayenne pepper or fruit, such as mango.

Want a more filling ramen? Throw in some grilled hot dogs, bologna or croutons.

– Alex Rosenthal

Rames ramen
A perfect accompaniment to ramen noodles, dogs in a blanket provide that much-needed college-budget balance.

1 package ramen noodles
1 package Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
1 8-pack of hot dogs (turkey dogs or chicken dogs)
1 pack pepper jack cheese
Mustard, mayo and ketchup
Heat the oven to 450 F.

Unroll each crescent roll until it is all the way open. It should look like a triangle. Try not to tear them, and try to avoid covering your hands in dough. It will get messy.

Take each hot dog and wrap with one slice of pepper jack cheese. Feel free to tear in half for more surface area covered
on the dog: same amount of cheese, different levels of
efficiency.

Put a little mayo, mustard and ketchup on each rolled-out triangle.

Place each cheese dog in the middle of the roll, and wrap the roll around the cheese dog. After wrapping all dogs, place on a cookie sheet or pan.

Put dogs into oven for 10 minutes.

Prepare noodles according to package directions.

Take out dogs and try to let cool before eating alongside your ramen noodles.

– Rames Ali

Eggs n ramen
1 package ramen noodles
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped spinach leaves
Oil to grease pans
Paprika
To add protein to a college meal and make egg noodles even eggier, crack an egg into a greased pan and cook until yolk is to desired consistency.

Saute vegetables in a separate pan.

Prepare ramen according to directions and stir with vegetables after they appear to soften.

Transfer cracked egg on top of ramen and sprinkle with paprika.

– Divya Kumar