Save A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping&a viral sensation inspired by Tineke Younger.
I first tasted kimchi mac & cheese while trying out viral fusion recipes during a week of culinary experiments. The combo of rich cheese and punchy kimchi instantly won me over&now it’s a must-make when friends are craving something adventurous but comforting.
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 and baking dish:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook macaroni:
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce base:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add milk:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4 to 5 minutes).
- Add cheeses:
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.
- Season sauce:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Mix kimchi:
- Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- 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 pasta.
- Bake and serve:
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save This spicy bake quickly became a family favorite at group dinners. We love gathering around the table, sharing stories while digging into warm bowls of this unique comfort food.
Allergen & Diet Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and sesame. Use vegan kimchi and plant-based cheeses for a vegan adaptation.
Required Tools
You’ll need a medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, and an oven to create this dish.
Nutrition Highlights
Each serving delivers about 545 calories, 26 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 19 g protein&making it filling yet flavorful.
Save Try spicy kimchi mac & cheese when you want crowd-pleasing comfort with a flavor punch. It’s perfect for cozy nights or as a show-stopper at potlucks.
Kitchen Q&A
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese sauce or use extra gochujang for more heat.
- → What pasta type works best for this fusion casserole?
Elbow macaroni is recommended, but penne or shells can also be used for a similar texture.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Swap cheeses, milk, and butter for plant-based alternatives and use vegan kimchi to adapt for vegan diets.
- → How do I achieve a crispy, golden topping?
Mix panko with melted butter, sesame oil, and sesame seeds, sprinkling evenly before baking to golden.
- → Is it possible to prepare in advance?
You can assemble the dish ahead, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for freshest results.
- → Are there alternative cheeses I can use?
Try Gruyère or fontina for distinct flavor layers, or dairy-free options for special diets.