This Cheese Deserves a Spot in Your Ramen

There’s a special kind of magic that happens in the kitchen late at night, when the hum of the fridge and the whistle of boiling water merge into the soundtrack of creativity. Sometimes, flavor worlds collide in the most unexpected ways. Case in point: ramen and American cheese.

At first glance, ramen and American cheese seem like unlikely companions—one a speedy Japanese pantry staple, the other a mid-century American invention built for convenience. But together? Pure magic.

This pairing hit the mainstream thanks to chef Roy Choi, who started layering American cheese on ramen in his recipes and on TV. What began as a Korean-American home-cooking hack quickly became a cult favorite—from dorm rooms to food magazines, fans loved the gooey, no-fuss magic.

Ramen and cheese aren’t alone in this comfort-food club. Think Roman Alfredo or Seoul’s tteokbokki with mozzarella—noodles or rice cakes, cheese or cream, all designed to coat, cling, and satisfy. American cheese slides effortlessly into this lineage: melts perfectly, smooths the broth, and turns every bite indulgent without any fuss.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Boil water, drop in your noodles, and let them soften.

2. Stir in the seasoning packet, if you like, and watch the broth turn delightfully cloudy.

3. Kill the heat. Lay one or two slices of American cheese atop the noodles. Don’t stir. Let it rest until the corners droop and the center goes translucent.

4. Gently swirl the cheese into the broth with a spoon or chopsticks. Watch noodles, broth, and cheese become one creamy, luscious whole.

   
   

From here, you can go wild: jammy eggs, scallions, chili flakes, or kimchi all work. But honestly? Sometimes the simple version is perfection. Melted American cheese binds fat and water, turning the broth into a smooth, slightly thick, coat-your-spoon kind of dream. It softens the salt, tames the spice, and adds a subtle sweet note that elevates the entire bowl.

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Ramen and American cheese: unlikely friends, but absolutely essential comfort. Give it a try. Your late-night self will thank you.