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.
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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:
- 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.
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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.
