Pin It A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping. This Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese is a viral sensation inspired by Tineke Younger, perfect for those who love fusion cuisine.
I first tried kimchi mac & cheese at a friend's potluck and was amazed by its bold flavor. Ever since, this version has become a staple for cozy, indulgent dinners at home.
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
- Prepare Oven & Dish:
- 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.
- Make Roux:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Incorporate Cheeses:
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.
- Add Flavorings:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Mix Kimchi:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine With Pasta:
- Add drained macaroni to the sauce and mix until fully coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare 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.
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This fusion mac & cheese is always a hit during our family movie nights. My kids love the crunchy topping and the little kick from the kimchi.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, and sesame. Double-check labels on kimchi and cheeses for allergens to ensure safety for everyone at your table.
Required Tools
You will need a medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, and an oven for this recipe.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides 545 calories, 26 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 19 g protein.
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Dig into this bold twist on mac & cheese and enjoy the irresistible comfort with every bite. Share it with friends or savor leftovers the next day—it's just as delicious!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! You can swap sharp cheddar for Gruyère or fontina to add a nutty, nuanced flavor to the sauce.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The gochujang and kimchi offer a gentle kick. For extra heat, add chili flakes to the cheese sauce or opt for spicier kimchi.
- → Can this be vegan-friendly?
Yes, you can use plant-based milk, vegan cheeses, and butter. Also, ensure your kimchi is vegan and free from fish sauce.
- → What pasta shape works best?
Elbow macaroni provides ideal texture and surface area for the sauce. Shells or rigatoni also work well.
- → Is it possible to prepare ahead?
You can assemble beforehand and bake just before serving. Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours prior to baking.
- → Are there allergen considerations?
This dish contains wheat, dairy, and sesame. Use gluten-free pasta and vegan options if sensitivities are present.