Save to Pinterest A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping. This Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese is inspired by a viral sensation from Tineke Younger, blending American-Korean flavors into an unforgettable fusion.
I made this dish on a chilly Friday night and watched my friends go back for seconds, surprised by how the familiar comfort of mac & cheese was elevated by bursts of kimchi and sesame. It's been my ultimate potluck trick ever since.
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 Macaroni:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add Cheeses & Spices:
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted. Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Combine Kimchi Mix:
- Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Mix & Assemble:
- 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.
Save to Pinterest Serving this for my family was an instant hit. Even my cheese-loving aunt asked for the recipe after just one bite.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Use vegan kimchi and dairy alternatives where needed. Always check product labels if sensitive.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save to Pinterest Kimchi Mac & Cheese makes any weeknight special. For the best results, bake just before serving and enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta shape like fusilli or penne works well for holding the creamy sauce.
- → Is this dish very spicy?
The gochujang and kimchi give mild heat, but you can add chili flakes for extra spice or reduce for a milder flavor.
- → Can I make it vegan?
Swap dairy cheese, milk, and butter with plant-based alternatives, and use vegan kimchi to suit vegan dietary needs.
- → Does kimchi need to be well-fermented?
Well-fermented kimchi delivers richer tang and depth, but fresh kimchi works for a lighter flavor.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can assemble in advance and bake before serving for best texture and flavor. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
- → What can I use instead of cheddar?
Gruyère, fontina, or any flavorful melting cheese makes a great substitute for cheddar in this dish.