How to Make Homemade Noodles
Homemade noodles are more than just food — they’re comfort, creativity, and tradition all rolled into one. There’s something special about mixing a few simple ingredients with your own hands and turning them into soft, silky noodles that soak up flavor beautifully. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make noodles from scratch using ingredients you already have at home. The process is simple enough for beginners yet satisfying for anyone who loves real, homemade cooking. From the first mix of flour to the final bite, this recipe will show you how easy it is to create fresh noodles that taste richer, fresher, and more authentic than anything store-bought. Once you try this method, you’ll never want to buy packaged noodles again.
Also read: How to Make Orange Juice
⏱️ Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Resting/Drying Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: Around 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: Makes about 4 portions
Making noodles from scratch doesn’t take much hands-on time — just a few minutes to mix and roll the dough. Most of the total time is letting the noodles rest and dry naturally, which gives them that perfect texture once cooked.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Noodle Recipe
1. Only four simple ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy — just everyday staples like flour, egg, milk, and a pinch of salt.
2. Quick and easy. The dough comes together fast and cooks in about ten minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
3. Flexible and foolproof. You can swap in whole-wheat, bread, or all-purpose flour and still get soft, flavorful noodles every time.
4. Beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never made noodles before, this recipe is easy to follow and gives consistently great results.
5. Deliciously authentic. Homemade noodles have a rich flavor and silky texture that you’ll never get from packaged pasta.
Also read: How to Make Healthy Desserts with No Refined Sugar: 5 Easy Recipes
Ingredients for Making Homemade Noodles
- 1 large egg – adds richness, color, and structure to your noodles.
- 2 tablespoons milk – helps make the dough smooth and easy to roll out.
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the flavor and strengthens the texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted) – the main ingredient that forms the base of your noodles; you may need a little extra if the dough feels sticky.
💡 Pro Tip: For a slightly chewy texture, replace a few tablespoons of the all-purpose flour with bread flour. If you like your noodles more rustic, use half whole wheat flour for extra depth of flavor.
Directions
1. Prepare your ingredients.
Start by gathering all the essentials — egg, milk, salt, and flour. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and faster.
2. Mix the dough.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and salt. Gradually add the sifted flour, stirring with a fork or your hands until a dough begins to form. If the dough feels sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together. Divide it into two small balls.
3. Roll out the dough.
Lightly flour your work surface, then use a rolling pin to roll each ball of dough as thin as you prefer. For soup noodles, roll thinner; for heartier dishes, leave them slightly thicker. Allow the rolled-out dough to rest for about 20 minutes — this helps improve texture and makes cutting easier.
4. Cut and dry the noodles.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into even strips. Gently separate the noodles and dust them with a bit of flour to prevent sticking. Spread them out on a clean surface or tray and let them dry for around 1–2 hours.
5. Cook the noodles.
Bring a pot of salted water (or broth) to a boil. Add your noodles and cook until tender — about 8 to 10 minutes for dried noodles or just 2 to 3 minutes if cooking them fresh. Drain and serve immediately with your favorite sauce, soup, or stir-fry.
Pro Tip for Perfect Homemade Noodles
If you love noodles with a little extra bite, mix ½ teaspoon of baking powder into the flour when forming your dough. This small tweak helps the noodles puff slightly as they cook, giving them a thicker, more tender texture. It’s a great trick for hearty soups, creamy sauces, or any dish where you want your noodles to really stand out.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Homemade noodles are not just delicious they’re also simple and wholesome. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this recipe:
- Calories: 135
- Total Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 5g
These values are estimated and can vary slightly depending on the type of flour and milk you use. Because you’re making these noodles from scratch, you control the ingredients — meaning no preservatives, no additives, and a fresher, cleaner meal overall.
Conclusion
Learning how to make homemade noodles isn’t just about cooking — it’s about creating something real, fresh, and satisfying with your own hands. With only a few simple ingredients, you can turn an ordinary meal into something special that tastes far better than store-bought options. The best part is that once you try it, you’ll see how easy and enjoyable it is to prepare noodles from scratch. Whether you serve them in a warm soup, toss them with your favorite sauce, or use them in a stir-fry, homemade noodles always bring comfort and flavor to the table. Keep practicing, experiment with different flours and thicknesses, and soon you’ll have your own signature noodle recipe that your family will love for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make homemade noodles without any special equipment?
Yes! You don’t need a pasta maker or fancy kitchen tools to make delicious homemade noodles. A rolling pin, a knife, and a clean surface are all you really need. If you don’t have a rolling pin, even a smooth glass bottle can do the job. The key is to roll your dough evenly to your desired thickness and cut it into thin, consistent strips so that all your noodles cook at the same rate. Making noodles by hand actually gives you more control over their thickness and texture — plus, it’s a great way to connect with the process and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade cooking.
2. How long should I let the noodles rest or dry before cooking them?
After rolling and cutting your dough, it’s best to let the noodles rest for at least 20 minutes before cooking. This allows the gluten in the dough to relax, which makes your noodles softer and less likely to shrink or curl when boiled. If you want to store them or prefer a firmer, more traditional texture, spread the noodles out on a clean towel or tray and let them air-dry for about 1–2 hours. Make sure to sprinkle a little flour on them before drying — this prevents them from sticking together. Once dried, you can cook them immediately or store them for later.
3. What’s the best way to store homemade noodles for later use?
You can store homemade noodles in three ways: freshly made, dried, or frozen. Fresh noodles can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, allow them to dry completely, then place them in an airtight jar or bag and store in a cool, dry place for up to one week. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is the best option. To freeze, dust the noodles lightly with flour, divide them into portions, and place them in freezer bags. When ready to cook, drop them straight into boiling water — no need to thaw. They’ll cook in just a few minutes and taste as fresh as the day you made them.
4. Which flour works best for making homemade noodles?
All-purpose flour is the most commonly used and works well for soft, tender noodles. However, you can experiment depending on your taste preferences. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which gives your noodles a slightly chewy texture, perfect for stir-fries or thick sauces. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and a bit more nutrition, though it can make noodles denser. For lighter, silkier noodles, you can mix all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch. The beauty of homemade noodles is that you can adjust the ingredients to match your cooking style and the dishes you plan to serve them with.
5. Why are my homemade noodles too sticky or tough after cooking?
If your noodles turn out sticky, you may not have used enough flour while rolling and cutting them. Always dust your surface and noodles lightly with flour before cutting to keep them from clumping. Stir the noodles gently once they go into the boiling water to help them separate as they cook. If they come out tough, it might be because the dough was over-kneaded or rolled too thick. Homemade noodle dough should be smooth and elastic — not too stiff. Also, make sure not to overcook them; fresh noodles usually need just 2–4 minutes in boiling water, while dried ones take a bit longer. With a little adjustment, your next batch will turn out perfectly soft and flavorful.
6. Can I flavor my homemade noodles or add extra ingredients?
Absolutely! One of the best parts of making noodles from scratch is the freedom to customize them. You can add herbs like parsley, basil, or chives to the dough for extra aroma and color. For a subtle golden tone, add a pinch of turmeric or saffron. You can also use spinach or beet puree to create colorful vegetable noodles that are as pretty as they are healthy. Just remember that when adding liquids, you may need to balance it with a bit more flour to keep the dough firm but workable.