15 Ways to Upgrade Your Ramen

Some poetry is universal: We all know the Robert Frost poem about the road not taken; Shel Silverstein was a straight-up guru; Dr. Seuss was either a genius or tripping on acid or both; and chances are you’re familiar with good ol’ William Shakespeare, even if you hated having to act out scenes from Macbeth in class.

“Peel off the lid.

Pour boiling water into the cup.

Let sit for three minutes.

Stir well and serve.”

Nothing is more poetic than the directions for making Cup Noodles. It’s all thanks to the hard work and perseverance of Momofuku Ando, Taiwanese-Japanese inventor and entrepreneur, who would be turning 105 this year. Ando created Instant Ramen, a flash-fried version of the classic Japanese noodle dish, as a cheap solution to post-World War II Japan’s hunger problem. Since then, it has evolved into the reliable solution for anyone on a time crunch. Apart from being hot and comforting, it’s also impossible to screw up. So in honor of our noodle patron, check out this definitive guide to pimping out the ramen you’ll be inevitably having for dinner when you’re not feeling like making a giant meal tonight.

1. Ramen Cacio e Pepe: Some people are blessed with Italian grandmothers who can make homemade pasta. Other people are gifted with a knack for cooking. And for the rest of us, at least there’s this recipe. (Photo via Andrew Seah)

2. Ramen Salad: Next time you’re paying $12 for a salad that you’re just going to eat the toppings off of, imagine yourself eating this instead. And then go make that dream a reality. (Photo via Meredith Marcus)

3. Hot & Spicy Ramen Chili: Feeling down? Love interest hasn’t texted you back? Let this chili take you in its warm embrace and tell you that everything is going to be okay. (Photo via Caitlin Wolper)

4. Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup: Because chicken noodle soup is the ultimate cure for everything, whether it’s the flu, a case of the Mondays or a killer hangover, this recipe is here for you. (Photo via Caitlin Wolper)

5. Egg, Bacon and Ramen Scramble: The early bird may get the worm, but the late-for-class bird gets this ramen scramble, which we’re gonna go ahead and say is conclusively better. (Photo via Justin Shannin)

6. Cheddar Broccoli Ramen: If you’re that person who is chronically running low on groceries, invest in a huge pack of Cup Noodles. This recipe is sure to fill you up for at least a few hours. (Photo via Caitlin Wolper)

7. Ramen Veggie Stir-Fry: That’s right. The easiest, quickest dinner idea ever just got easier and quicker with this stir-fry recipe. Because ain’t nobody got time to cook rice. (Photo via Meredith Marcus)

8. Ram n’ Cheese: Chances are you’re going to eat both Easy Mac and Instant Ramen today, so save some time and just make both simultaneously. This hybrid dish will satisfy every stereotypical post-grad craving you could ever have. (Photo via Caroline Liu)

9. DIY Gourmet Ramen: You probably don’t have these eclectic ingredients just lying around, but if you do, this ramen is for you. (Photo via Andrew Seah)

10. 10-Minute Egg and Spinach Ramen: 10 minutes is a little longer than it usually takes to make ramen, but a lot shorter than it takes to make anything else. (Photo via Laura Palladino)

11. Parmesan Ramen: This bowl of instant noodles screams “I just needed a vehicle to get cheese into my mouth, and I obviously had ramen lying around.” And it tastes great, so whatever. (Photo via Meredith Marcus)

12. Deceptively Simple Poached Egg Ramen: Confuse your colleagues by showing up to work with these noodles. Everyone will think you have a personal Japanese chef. We won’t tell anyone the truth. (Photo via Kendra Valkema)

13. Ramen Egg Drop Soup: The Chinese restaurant version of hot, comforting soup just got a desperate-hungry-American-post-grad makeover. But damn, does this dish hit the spot. (Photo via Meredith Marcus)

14. Ramen Egg Stir-Fry: Make a great stir-fry at home with a ramen updo. (Photo via Justin Shannin)

15. Dessert Ramen: TREAT YO’SELF. When your sweet tooth is acting up, make yourself this less alarming, actually delicious ramen version of Buddy the Elf’s terrifying dessert spaghetti. (Photo via Meredith Marcus)

Do you have any other ramen hacks? Let us know in the comments!

It's almost outdoor decorating season! And McGee & Co.'s gorgeous outdoor collection is here to tempt our urges to decorating early with stunning finds. From plush outdoor pillows and elegant rugs to comfy furniture and charming floral plateware, this collection has everything to elevate your outdoor space. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee. The new Spring 2025 collection is both timeless and relaxed, "perfect for lingering conversations and warm breezes," Shea adds. I'm especially loving the cozy seating, classic patterns, and stylish entertaining pieces that are actually affordable.

Check out all the earthy, elegant outdoor decor from McGee & Co below!

McGee & Co.

Melrose Striped Tablecloth

This linen tablecloth, featuring a charming green and ivory palette, makes every outdoor occasion feel just a little more festive and special. Celebrate from spring to fall!

McGee & Co.

Alcott Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

The scalloped edge and delicate border on these melamine plates bring a perfect blend of charm and playfulness to your outdoor table. It also has a bit of a vintage Euro vibe.

McGee & Co.

Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Make your space super cozy with thoughtfully designed pillows, like the Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, featuring a classic plaid motif and playful fringe. Ah, so cozy and pretty!

McGee & Co.

Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

What I love about McGee & Co.'s outdoor rugs is that they look just as elegant inside. The Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug in a golden yellow plaid is actually soft and is easy to clean — perfect for high-traffic indoor/outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Nola Paper Mache Vase

Give your outdoor space the living room treatment with details like potted greenery. The Nola Paper Mache Vase elevates your table with a modern rustic aesthetic.

McGee & Co.

Berkeley Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This navy and white gingham rug with brown natural stripes is another soft indoor-outdoor rug made from recycled materials, and perfect for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Haviland Outdoor Sofa with Striped Cushions

Bold cabana stripes get me every time. This weather-resistant sofa is just as comfy as it is cute.

McGee & Co.

Cadie Outdoor Chaise

Lounge the spring days away with a good book on this teak-framed chaise and weather-resistant fabric.

McGee & Co.

The Market Umbrella

Fringe makes everything better. The Market Umbrella can withstand spring's fickle weather while bringing vintage vibes to your space.

McGee & Co.

Sanibel Acrylic Goblets (Set of 4)

Elevate your outdoor drinkware with these break-resistant ribbed goblets. Spring mocktails are so close.

McGee & Co.

Fontaine Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Embrace spring 2025's romantic trend with these floral dinner plates, paired with dainty Wilkie Floral Napkins.

McGee & Co.

Bonjour Doormat

Set the stage for an inviting escape with this charming welcome mat. Très chic!

McGee & Co.

Classic Pool Float

Cannonball! Make the most of the warmer months with the classic pool float in navy and white stripes. It has a hanging hook for storage too!

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If you can't stop talking about Severance season 2, you're not alone. The Apple TV+ show has totally taken over the internet (and all my group chats) and as the mysteries at Lumon continue to unfold, there's one heartbreaking, viral theory surrounding this week's episode, and Gemma, that has the internet in a tizzy.

Keep reading for the most insane Severance season 2, episode 9 theory on the internet.

Has Gemma been an innie the whole time?

Apple TV

TikTok user @msauroraalice made the connection that Severance season 2 episode 9, "The After Hours," has the same title as a specific Twilight Zone episode in which a mannequin, well, forgets she's a mannequin. And now we're all wondering whether Severance is going to reveal a very similar plotline with Gemma.

"Could Gemma have been manufactured at Lumon and all of her experience with Mark is just a severed version of herself," @msauroraalice says, theorizing that "there is no Gemma."

"I bet this next episode, Gemma or Helly has a horrifying discovery about themselves just like the mannequin realizing she's not even alive," she continues.

Clearly, this Twilight Zone episode has a ton of similarities to Severance, with the split identities of it all. And as one Reddit user just made it even more heartbreaking by saying, "She could be an experiment from the very start which is why they went as far as to fake her death and recruit Mark to work for them. That would be heartbreaking. It would mean Mark and Gemma 's relationship was manufactured from the beginning."

"The After Hours" is sure to set us up for a crazy 'Severance' season 2 finale.

Apple TV

After everything Mark has been through, this would truly be a heartbreaking turn of events and I don't know if I could handle it! I'm not alone, either. TikTok users flooded the comments of the post (which has over 900K views).

"If Gemma was never a full person to begin with I'm gonna lose my mind," one user said, while another theorized, "I think Gemma is real but she actually died. Lumon had plans for her to begin with so they revived her body because they effectively own it and now she's stuck in purgatory testing."

But if this Severance theory breaks your heart as much as it breaks mine, there's a silver lining. "The next episode after 'The After Hours' from TWZ is called 'The Mighty Casey' and is about a robot who becomes more human I believe," a third TikTok user says.

But honestly, emotional devastation — and peeling back a character's insecurities, fears, and heartbreak to get to their core — make for really good TV because of how relatable those moments can be. So we'll just have to see what the Severance season 2 finale has in store.

Here are 10 Questions I Need Severance Season 2 To Answer — let us know on Instagram what kinds of questions and theories you have.

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.