Save 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 encountered kimchi mac & cheese at a late-night potluck with friends—its spicy twist woke up every taste bud. Since then, it is my go-to dish when I crave something cozy that stands out.
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 & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 4 minutes).
- Mix in Cheeses:
- Lower heat, stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.
- Add Seasoning:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Combine Kimchi:
- Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Assemble:
- Add macaroni to sauce and mix until coated. Pour into baking dish.
- Add Topping:
- Mix panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save My family loves the fun twist this recipe brings to our weeknight dinners—we all gather around and dig into the gooey, spicy goodness. Even those who once doubted kimchi now request seconds!
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Some kimchi brands use fish sauce—vegan kimchi is available for those with dietary restrictions. Always check product labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save This kimchi mac & cheese disappears fast—serve it hot for the best creamy, tangy bite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, any short pasta works—penne, shells, or fusilli will hold the cheesy kimchi sauce well.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The gochujang and kimchi add a moderate kick. Adjust heat with more or less gochujang or kimchi juice as preferred.
- → Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely! Replace dairy with plant-based cheeses, milk, and butter. Use vegan kimchi for dairy- and fish-free results.
- → What cheeses can be substituted?
Try Gruyère, fontina, or other melty cheeses for a different flavor profile. Mix and match for your own twist.
- → Is kimchi essential for this dish?
Kimchi adds unique tang and depth. If omitted, consider adding sautéed cabbage and extra chili paste for a similar vibe.
- → How can I add extra crunch?
Combine more panko or chopped nuts with sesame seeds for a heartier topping when baking.