Pin A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping—this Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese brings fusion flavors to your dinner table inspired by Tineke Younger's viral sensation.
The first time I made this kimchi mac & cheese, the aroma brought everyone into the kitchen before it was even out of the oven. The combination of cheesy sauce with kimchi's tang was an instant hit with my friends.
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:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook the pasta:
- 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 and thicken:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add cheeses:
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.
- Flavor the sauce:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Mix in kimchi:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- 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:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin We love gathering everyone around when this mac & cheese is fresh out of the oven—a bubbling, crispy-topped dish that's perfect for sharing on a chilly evening.
Required Tools
You'll need a medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, and an oven to make this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains: wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and sesame. Always check product labels, and choose vegan kimchi for a fully vegetarian adaptation.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g.
Pin Enjoy this spicy, cheesy twist on a comfort food favorite—each bite is packed with creamy goodness and kimchi zing.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different cheeses in this dish?
Yes, swap cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for extra flavor complexity. Use plant-based cheese for vegan formats.
- → How can I add more heat?
Stir in chili flakes or extra gochujang for intensified spiciness. Taste as you go for your preferred spice level.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
It's vegetarian-friendly if dairy and vegetarian kimchi are used. Check that your kimchi is fish-free for strict diets.
- → Can I make it vegan?
Substitute dairy ingredients and butter for vegan versions. Opt for plant-based kimchi and cheese alternatives.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Cook macaroni just until al dente, avoid overbaking, and ensure enough sauce to coat the noodles generously.
- → What toppings work well besides sesame?
Try crushed nuts, fried shallots, or extra spring onion. Blend crispy toppings for more texture and flavor variety.