Pin A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping inspired by Tineke Younger, this fusion dish brings a viral sensation to your table.
I first tried kimchi in mac & cheese after seeing it trending online: the mix of creamy cheese and spicy, funky kimchi is pure joy for adventurous eaters and always turns even skeptics into fans.
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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 Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil macaroni in salted 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. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 4, 5 minutes).
- Melt & Season Cheese:
- Lower heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese until melted. Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper. Season with salt.
- Add Kimchi Mixture:
- Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine Pasta & Bake:
- Add drained macaroni to sauce. Mix until coated. Pour into baking dish.
- Make Topping:
- Combine panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, sesame oil. Sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 15, 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin When my family gathers for movie night, this spicy-saucy mac & cheese disappears faster than popcorn and gets requests for seconds every time.
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Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Check if kimchi contains fish sauce; vegan kimchi is available.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 545 calories, 26 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein
Pin 
Enjoy this fusion comfort food straight from the oven for gooey, spicy perfection. Reheat leftovers gently to keep the sauce creamy.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, shells, or fusilli all work well and hold the creamy sauce nicely.
- → What cheeses can I substitute for cheddar?
Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives for a nuanced flavor profile.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Swap dairy cheeses, milk, and butter with plant-based versions, and use vegan kimchi for a fully vegan meal.
- → How spicy is gochujang in the sauce?
Gochujang adds moderate heat and depth. Adjust quantity or add chili flakes for extra spice.
- → Can I prepare this meal ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble ahead, store in the fridge unbaked, and bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free pasta, flour, and panko breadcrumbs to adapt this dish for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → Why is sesame used in the topping?
Sesame seeds and oil add nutty flavor and aroma, complementing the kimchi's tang and cheesy richness.
