Pin A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping inspired by Tineke Younger, this fusion dish brings a viral sensation to your table.
I first tried kimchi in mac & cheese after seeing it trending online: the mix of creamy cheese and spicy, funky kimchi is pure joy for adventurous eaters and always turns even skeptics into fans.
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 oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 4, 5 minutes).
- Melt & Season Cheese:
- Lower heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese until melted. Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper. Season with salt.
- Add Kimchi Mixture:
- Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine Pasta & Bake:
- Add drained macaroni to sauce. Mix until coated. Pour into baking dish.
- Make Topping:
- Combine panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, sesame oil. Sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 15, 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin When my family gathers for movie night, this spicy-saucy mac & cheese disappears faster than popcorn and gets requests for seconds every time.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Check if kimchi contains fish sauce; vegan kimchi is available.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 545 calories, 26 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein
Pin Enjoy this fusion comfort food straight from the oven for gooey, spicy perfection. Reheat leftovers gently to keep the sauce creamy.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, shells, or fusilli all work well and hold the creamy sauce nicely.
- → What cheeses can I substitute for cheddar?
Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives for a nuanced flavor profile.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Swap dairy cheeses, milk, and butter with plant-based versions, and use vegan kimchi for a fully vegan meal.
- → How spicy is gochujang in the sauce?
Gochujang adds moderate heat and depth. Adjust quantity or add chili flakes for extra spice.
- → Can I prepare this meal ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble ahead, store in the fridge unbaked, and bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free pasta, flour, and panko breadcrumbs to adapt this dish for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → Why is sesame used in the topping?
Sesame seeds and oil add nutty flavor and aroma, complementing the kimchi's tang and cheesy richness.