Name: Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons beef bouillon paste or 3 cubes; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Chopped parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that classic, deeply savory noodle dish from your childhood school lunches, you’re in for a treat with Cafeteria Noodles. This beloved side dish balances buttery richness, a hearty beefy undertone, and ultra-tender egg noodles for an irresistibly comforting bowl of nostalgia. The very essence of “old school comfort food,” these noodles come together in just about 20 minutes, and you’ll quickly see why they’ve earned their spot on so many dinner tables over the years.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cafeteria Noodles is all about a handful of simple, unfussy ingredients coming together to create something magical. Each element plays a key role—whether it’s the springy texture of egg noodles or the deep umami of beef bouillon—and there’s truly no need to overcomplicate things.

Egg noodles: The classic, slightly chewy base that absorbs all the savory flavors and provides the signature bite.
Unsalted butter: Rich, creamy, and essential for that glossy finish—use unsalted so you control the seasoning.
Beef bouillon paste or cubes: Delivers the deep, meaty flavor that makes these noodles so comforting. Paste dissolves fast, but cubes work well too.
Water: The liquid base, but feel free to substitute beef broth for added richness.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and gentle aromatic note, without the harsh bite of fresh onion.
Garlic powder: For mellow, pervasive flavor that rounds everything out.
Black pepper: Just enough for a tiny kick and balancing warmth.
Chopped parsley (optional): Brings a pop of green and fresh flavor if you want a little color for garnish.

How to Make Cafeteria Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Start things off by boiling the egg noodles according to the package instructions, just until they’re al dente. You want them tender, with a tiny bit of bite left—they’ll continue to soak up flavor later. Once ready, drain them thoroughly and set aside. (Don’t fear if the noodles stick together a bit! They’ll loosen right up when they hit the butter and broth.)

Step 2: Create a Buttery Broth

Next, grab a large skillet or saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. The aroma alone will set the stage, but it’s about to get even better. Stir in the beef bouillon (paste dissolves easily, but break up cubes if using), then add the water, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Keep stirring as the bouillon dissolves, letting everything meld together in a fragrant, rich broth.

Step 3: Toss Noodles in Savory Goodness

Gently add your cooked noodles back into the skillet, making sure every strand gets evenly coated in that silky, flavorful broth. Toss and stir for a couple of minutes to help the noodles soak in the sauce. Don’t rush this step—it’s where all those homey flavors are absorbed. Let the whole mixture simmer for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been taken up and your noodles look glossy and beckoning.

Step 4: Serve Up the Cafeteria Noodles

The moment of truth! Remove your pan from the heat. Spoon the noodles generously into bowls or onto plates. If you’re a fan of freshness or a bit of color, sprinkle over some chopped parsley right before serving. Dig in while they’re warm and buttery—this is ultimate comfort made simple.

How to Serve Cafeteria Noodles

Garnishes

A finishing touch can make these Cafeteria Noodles even more inviting. Classic chopped flat-leaf parsley brings both brightness and a hint of freshness, but you could also add a sprinkle of black pepper or even a light dusting of grated Parmesan for cheesy richness. Let the dish shine as-is, or personalize with your favorite herbs.

Side Dishes

These noodles practically beg to be paired with other hearty, nostalgic favorites. Picture them next to a golden slab of meatloaf, tender roast beef, or simple baked chicken. For a cozy old-school dinner, serve with buttered peas or steamed green beans on the side. They also taste fantastic with a leafy green salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’d like to jazz up your Cafeteria Noodles for company, try ladling them into small bowls for an appetizer or tossing in fresh cooked veggies—peas, carrots, or mushrooms blend beautifully. They also work well as a bed for stews or pulled meats, turning a side dish into a main event. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’ll be happy to know that leftover Cafeteria Noodles keep well in the fridge. Transfer any extras to a sealed container once cooled, and store for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some more of the sauce as they rest, but that only deepens the savory flavor. Simply give them a quick stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing Cafeteria Noodles is an option for longer storage. Place the completely cooled noodles in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to a month. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To restore that just-cooked comfort, gently reheat refrigerated or thawed Cafeteria Noodles in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up as needed, stirring gently until hot. The microwave works in a pinch, too—just cover and reheat in short bursts, fluffing with a fork between each one.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! While egg noodles give Cafeteria Noodles their signature tenderness and shape, you can substitute with other pasta varieties like rotini or wide fettuccine in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them al dente since they’ll soak up plenty of sauce at the end.

Is there a vegetarian version of Cafeteria Noodles?

Yes! Simply swap the beef bouillon for a rich vegetarian bouillon or mushroom concentrate. You’ll still get deep, savory flavor without any meat ingredients, making it a wonderfully cozy dish for everyone at the table.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Give your cooked egg noodles a quick rinse under cool water if they start sticking while draining, or toss them with a tiny drizzle of oil before setting aside. Once they hit the buttery broth in the pan, any clumping will usually disappear.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Cafeteria Noodles are perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Just make sure you have a big enough skillet or saucepan, and adjust the seasonings to taste. Keep in mind that a larger batch may need a minute or two longer for the sauce to reduce.

What’s the best way to add extra protein?

To transform this side into a full meal, try folding in shredded rotisserie chicken or slices of smoked sausage during the last few minutes of simmering. The savory noodles pair perfectly with just about any protein you love.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a bowl of Cafeteria Noodles—simple, comforting, and always satisfying. I hope you’re as charmed by this nostalgic recipe as I am, and that it becomes a cozy favorite in your home too. Give it a try the next time you need a little taste of the good-old-days!

Cafeteria Noodles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cafeteria Noodles is a classic and comforting side dish that brings back memories of old school lunches. These buttery egg noodles are infused with savory beef bouillon and simple seasonings, making them a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Egg Noodles:

12 oz egg noodles

Butter Mixture:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons beef bouillon paste or 3 cubes
2 cups water
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Chopped parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Egg Noodles: Boil egg noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Butter Mixture: Melt butter in a skillet, add beef bouillon, water, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Simmer until bouillon dissolves.
Combine and Simmer: Toss cooked noodles in the buttery broth in the skillet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until noodles absorb flavors.
Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.