Save to Pinterest A bold & creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping. Inspired by Tineke Younger, this Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese is a fusion favorite that brings together rich flavors and irresistible textures.
I first tried this dish after spotting it on social media and was instantly hooked by the zesty kick of kimchi in creamy macaroni & cheese. Every bite is crave-worthy, and it quickly became a staple at gatherings for its bold twist.
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 & set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan; whisk in flour & cook for 1 minute, then gradually add milk. Whisk until smooth & thickened, about 4 minutes.
- Melt the Cheeses:
- Lower heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until fully melted.
- Add Seasonings:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Combine Kimchi Mixture:
- Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Assemble:
- Add drained macaroni to sauce; mix until fully coated. Pour into baking dish.
- Topping:
- Combine panko, sesame seeds, melted butter & sesame oil. Sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake 15-20 minutes, until golden & bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this with my family was pure joy: my dad couldn&t believe macaroni & cheese could taste so lively! It&s now our go-to request for weekend comfort meals.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Kimchi may contain fish sauce—use vegan kimchi if needed. Always check product labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save to Pinterest Try this recipe as a new comfort food favorite. Serve warm, and watch it disappear fast every time.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the kimchi and gochujang used. You can adjust by adding more or less chili paste or choosing mild kimchi.
- → Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Try Gruyère, fontina, or even pepper jack for different flavor profiles and melting qualities.
- → Is there a vegan option?
Yes, substitute plant-based cheeses, milk, and butter. Use vegan kimchi and avoid any dairy products.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells, cavatappi, or penne work well for capturing the cheesy sauce.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Prepare the dish up to the baking step, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Is this suitable for people with allergies?
This contains dairy, gluten, and sesame. Check labels for allergens, especially in kimchi. Adapt as necessary.