Instant ramen has always cheered me up in lean times. The burst of savory flavor and comforting noodles in each little bag seems to say, “Hey, you don’t have to spend a lot, you got me.” Thanks, ramen. The best way to show your appreciation for this fantastic noodle is to explore its versatility. So instead of making soup today, why not waffle your ramen?

You may have heard of (or eaten) a ramen burger, made with ramen noodles pressed into a bun and pan-fried to hold a hamburger patty. These satisfyingly dense ramen buns are crispy on the outside yet soft and jiggly (like noodles). While waffle-forming your ramen isn’t exactly the same as shaping a burger bun, the key quality of the noodle bricks shines through in both variations: they retain a soft interior while forming a crispy brown exterior.

Hamilton Beach Mini Waffle Maker

Presto Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker