Save A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping, Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese is a fusion main dish inspired by Tineke Younger that has become a viral sensation.
I first tried a version of kimchi mac & cheese after seeing it online, and now it's a staple when I crave something cozy and just a little adventurous.
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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
- Prepare the Oven and Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings:
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted. Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Add Kimchi Mixture:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine and Assemble:
- Add drained macaroni to the sauce and mix until fully coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping:
- Combine panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save This mac & cheese is a favorite during movie nights with my family, where everyone gets excited for the surprise of crunchy sesame topping in each 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 kimchi labels for fish sauce if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545. Total Fat: 26 g. Carbohydrates: 57 g. Protein: 19 g.
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Enjoy this bold fusion dish as a showstopper at potlucks or for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes this dish unique?
The fusion of spicy kimchi and creamy cheeses with a crunchy sesame topping creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
- → Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Substitute the cheeses, milk, and butter for plant-based alternatives and use vegan kimchi to enjoy a dairy-free version.
- → Is there a way to increase the spiciness?
For extra heat, add chili flakes or additional gochujang when preparing the cheese sauce for more kick.
- → Which pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is ideal for this dish due to its ability to hold sauce well, but shells or penne are tasty alternatives.
- → Can the sesame topping be replaced?
Try replacing sesame seeds with chopped nuts, fried onions, or omit for a simpler finish if you prefer or have allergies.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cool and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently and add a bit of milk if needed.
