Save A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping. This Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese is a viral sensation inspired by Tineke Younger and brings a delicious fusion twist to a favorite dish.
I first tried making this after seeing it trend online. The result was an irresistible blend of spicy, savory, and creamy that instantly became a staple for our cozy family dinners.
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 Pasta:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Thicken & Add Dairy:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes). Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.
- Season Sauce:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Add Kimchi:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine Pasta & 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.
Save This has become a comfort food for lazy Sundays with my family: everyone requests seconds and there's never any leftovers.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Always check kimchi ingredients for fish sauce and labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 545 calories, 26 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein
Save Serve piping hot with extra kimchi on the side: it's sure to be a new favorite at your table.
Common Questions
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Add more gochujang or a pinch of chili flakes to increase heat and depth for extra spice.
- → Can I substitute cheeses in the sauce?
Try Gruyère or fontina for nuanced flavor. Vegan cheeses work well for dairy-free adaptations.
- → How do I ensure a creamy sauce?
Whisk the roux until smooth, and add milk gradually. Melt cheeses slowly for a velvety texture.
- → Is this dish vegetarian friendly?
Yes, if you use dairy products and vegetarian kimchi. Choose vegan cheese, milk, and butter for vegan options.
- → Are there allergens I should watch for?
This dish contains wheat, dairy, and sesame. Check kimchi labels for fish sauce and allergens.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Assemble and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.