Pin it A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping—a viral sensation inspired by Tineke Younger.
I first tried this spicy kimchi mac & cheese after seeing it trend online, and it instantly became a go-to for chill nights and impressing friends who love bold flavors.
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 & Pan:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Boil Macaroni:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Melt Cheeses:
- Lower heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.
- Season:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Adjust salt to taste.
- Add Kimchi:
- Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine & Spread:
- Add drained macaroni, mix until coated, and pour into the prepared dish.
- Topping:
- Mix panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin it This dish is always a hit at weekend get-togethers, and my family requests it whenever they crave something special for movie night.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Always check ingredient labels for allergens and use vegan kimchi if avoiding fish sauce.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Pin it Serve warm, garnished with extra spring onions for fresh crunch. Enjoy the fusion of creamy, tangy, and spicy in every bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of kimchi works best?
Well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi offers the tang and depth ideal for blending with creamy cheese.
- → Can I make it vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, cheeses, and vegan butter. Ensure your kimchi is vegan-friendly, too.
- → Which pasta shapes are suitable?
Elbow macaroni works best, but shells or penne also hold the sauce and toppings well.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Increase or decrease the gochujang and add chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
- → What cheese combinations can I try?
Mix sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, or swap with Gruyère or fontina for added nuance.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish and refrigerate, baking just before serving for optimal texture and crunch.