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.
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
- 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.
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.