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.
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 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.
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.
Save 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.