Save A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping—a viral sensation inspired by Tineke Younger.
My first experience making spicy kimchi mac & cheese was a true surprise: the tang and crunch of kimchi paired with classic gooey cheese made it an instant favorite on family movie night!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g elbow macaroni, 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 450 ml whole milk, 150 g sharp cheddar cheese (grated), 75 g mozzarella cheese (grated), 50 g cream cheese (cubed), 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, salt (to taste)
- Kimchi Mixture: 150 g well-fermented kimchi (chopped), 1 tbsp kimchi juice, 2 spring onions (finely sliced)
- Topping: 50 g panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted), 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cheese Sauce Base:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Making Sauce:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add Cheeses & Season:
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.
- Spice and Flavor:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Kimchi Mixture:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine:
- Add drained macaroni to the sauce and mix until fully coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Topping:
- Combine panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save This comfort food always sparks lively conversation at our table, especially as everyone discusses their ideal cheese blend!
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Kimchi may contain fish sauce; use vegan versions as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save Spicy kimchi mac & cheese is best served warm—let it rest a few minutes after baking for perfect scooping!
Recipe FAQ
- → How spicy is this macaroni dish?
The heat comes from gochujang and kimchi, offering medium spice. Add chili flakes if you'd like extra kick.
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. Substitute elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
- → What cheeses work best for a creamy sauce?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese ensure a smooth, flavorful sauce. Fontina or Gruyère are great alternatives.
- → Is vegan kimchi suitable for this dish?
Yes, vegan kimchi works well and ensures the dish avoids fish sauce or animal ingredients. Check labels to confirm.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, and a hint of sesame oil form a crunchy layer when baked until golden.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
You can cook the macaroni and prepare the kimchi mixture ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.