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 fusion main dish that has taken social media by storm, inspired by Tineke Younger.
I first tried this recipe on a chilly weekend and was amazed by how well the funky taste of kimchi paired with the creaminess of classic mac & cheese. It is now a go-to comfort food in our home for cozy nights and casual gatherings.
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 Oven:
- 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.
- 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 Cheese & Flavors:
- 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:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine:
- Add drained macaroni to the sauce and mix until fully coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Make 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 My family always asks for seconds when this hits the table. Even those new to kimchi are surprised by how much they love this twist on a familiar favorite.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Kimchi may contain fish sauce—use vegan kimchi if needed and always check product labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save This spicy fusion mac & cheese is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Garnish with extra spring onions or sesame seeds for an inviting finish.
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with penne, fusilli, or shells for similar texture and sauce coverage.
- → What cheeses work best in this dish?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese offer creaminess and flavor, but Gruyère or fontina add depth.
- → Is there a vegan version available?
Absolutely—replace dairy cheeses, milk, and butter with plant-based alternatives and choose vegan kimchi.
- → How spicy is the final dish?
Gochujang and kimchi bring moderate heat; add chili flakes for extra spice or use mild kimchi for less heat.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → Are there common allergens?
Contains wheat, dairy, and sesame; check kimchi ingredients for possible fish sauce if serving vegetarians.