Save 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 and brings fusion flair to your dinner table.
I first tried this recipe after seeing it become a favorite online, and each time I bake it, the tangy kick from kimchi and bubbling cheese always get rave reviews from friends and family.
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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
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Instructions
- Prep Oven & Dish:
- Preheat your 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:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and whisk until smooth and thickened, about 4 ( 5 minutes.
- Add Cheeses & Seasonings:
- Lower heat, stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted. Mix in gochujang, mustard, paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Add Kimchi & Macaroni:
- Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions. Add macaroni, mix to coat. Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- Combine panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
- Bake & Serve:
- Bake 15 ( 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save This fusion mac & cheese always makes weeknight dinners memorable at my house, and even those hesitant to try kimchi are won over by its rich and savory flavor.
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Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and sesame. Use vegan kimchi and plant-based cheese for dietary needs.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save 
Serve your Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese warm, straight from the oven for ultimate comfort. The crunchy topping and tangy kimchi make every bite irresistible.
Recipe Questions
- → What makes this dish unique?
The combination of tangy kimchi, gochujang, and creamy cheeses creates a bold fusion, complemented by a crunchy sesame topping.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Add chili flakes for extra heat, or use less gochujang to mellow the spiciness.
- → Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes. Replace dairy cheeses and milk with plant-based alternatives, and use vegan butter. Ensure kimchi is vegan.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is ideal for retaining cheesiness, but other short pastas like penne or shells can be used.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Prepare and assemble ahead, then bake just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour for a version suited to those avoiding wheat.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat until warmed through.
