Pin A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping—a viral sensation inspired by Tineke Younger.
The first time I made this Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese, my friends were skeptical—until they tasted it. The blend of spicy kimchi with creamy, gooey cheese earned rave reviews, and now it's a regular request for dinner parties. This dish truly brings fun and flavor to the table!
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 Macaroni:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce Base:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4 or 5 minutes).
- Add Cheeses:
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.
- Spice It Up:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Kimchi Mixture:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine & Assemble:
- 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 the pasta.
- Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 15 or 20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin 
This recipe made our weekly family dinners more lively. Even those who were hesitant about kimchi found themselves asking for seconds, and it's become our favorite fusion comfort dish.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. For allergies, use vegan kimchi and check labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 545. Total Fat: 26 g. Carbohydrates: 57 g. Protein: 19 g per serving.
Pin Serve this Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese hot and bubbling for the ultimate comfort food experience. The tangy kimchi lifts the classic mac and cheese to new levels.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni works well, holding the creamy sauce and standing up to baking. Other short pasta shapes also work.
- → Can I use non-dairy ingredients?
Yes, swap dairy cheeses and milk for plant-based alternatives. Use vegan butter for a fully vegan version.
- → How spicy is the final result?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to gochujang and kimchi. Adjust with extra chili flakes or milder kimchi as needed.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Assemble everything except the topping and refrigerate. Add the topping and bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free pasta and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What cheeses can I substitute?
Gruyère or fontina add depth. Choose any melting cheese that complements the spicy, tangy profile.