Save to Pinterest 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 tried kimchi mac & cheese after seeing its viral run last year: the combination was unexpectedly addicting. The balance between velvety cheese sauce and sharp, spicy kimchi made each bite exciting—perfect for chilly nights or sharing with friends.
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:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F) and grease a medium baking dish.
- Boil Pasta:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling 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.
- Finish Sauce:
- Gradually add milk: whisk constantly until smooth and thick (about 4, 5 minutes). Lower heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese until fully melted.
- Season:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper. Season with salt.
- Kimchi Mix:
- Gently fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, spring onions.
- Combine:
- Add drained macaroni to sauce. Mix until fully coated. Pour into baking dish.
- Topping:
- Mix panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, sesame oil. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake 15, 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save to Pinterest This dish quickly became our family's movie night favorite: our youngest always asks for the crispy topping and spicy bite.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Always check product labels: kimchi may include fish sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save to Pinterest The ultimate comfort food with a bold fusion twist: serve hot and enjoy creamy, spicy goodness in every bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different cheeses for the sauce?
Yes, Gruyère or fontina can replace cheddar or mozzarella for new flavor notes. Experiment with favorite cheeses for personal preference.
- → Is there a vegan adaptation?
Swap dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives. Use vegan kimchi and butter for a fully vegan version with similar richness.
- → How can I increase the heat?
Add extra gochujang or sprinkle chili flakes into the sauce for intensified spiciness. Adjust to your taste.
- → Can gluten-free pasta be used?
Absolutely! Choose your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- → Does kimchi need to be well-fermented?
Well-fermented kimchi adds tang and complexity. Fresh kimchi offers a milder flavor, so select based on your taste and texture preferences.
- → Can this dish be made ahead?
Prepare and assemble ahead, then bake before serving. Store covered in the fridge and reheat for best texture and flavor.