Pin 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 on a rainy weekend, and it instantly became our family's favorite movie-night treat. The kick from kimchi makes it irresistible and perfect for sharing at potlucks.
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.
- Make Roux:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add Cheeses & Seasoning:
- 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 Mixture:
- 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.
Pin My kids laughed the first time I brought out a bubbling dish of kimchi mac & cheese, but now they always ask for seconds and sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Check kimchi labels for fish sauce if allergic.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Pin Serve hot straight from the oven with extra chopped spring onions or kimchi on the side for those who love more heat.
Recipe Q&A
- → What makes this dish uniquely flavorful?
The combination of melty cheeses, tangy kimchi, and spicy gochujang creates a bold, creamy, and slightly spicy taste profile.
- → Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cheeses, milk, vegan butter, and check for vegan kimchi to create a dairy-free version.
- → Is this dish spicy?
It has a gentle heat from gochujang and kimchi; increase the spice by adding chili flakes to the cheese sauce.
- → What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is crunchy and nutty, thanks to toasted sesame seeds and crispy panko breadcrumbs baked to golden perfection.
- → How do I adapt this for gluten intolerance?
Substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs; check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, swap cheddar for Gruyère or fontina to vary flavor depth while maintaining creaminess.
