Save to Pinterest 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 is perfect for anyone craving a flavor-forward twist on traditional mac & cheese.
I first whipped up this kimchi mac & cheese after watching a viral clip and was instantly hooked—the creamy sauce and spicy kick surprised my friends and family during our latest comfort food night!
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
- Preheat & Prep:
- 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.
- Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 4 minutes). Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted. Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Kimchi Mixture:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine & Bake:
- Add macaroni to the sauce and mix until coated. Transfer to the prepared dish. Combine panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle topping over pasta. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save to Pinterest Serving this at our family gathering quickly turned into a lively debate over who got the last scoop—my little cousin even asked for seconds!
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 545, Total Fat 26 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 19 g
Dietary Adaptations
Easily make it vegan by substituting plant-based cheese, milk, and butter. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this spicy twist on classic mac & cheese fresh from the oven with a little extra kimchi on the side—it's comfort food with an exciting kick!
Ask About This Recipe
- → How does kimchi affect the dish’s flavor?
Kimchi adds tang, spice, and an umami kick, making the mac and cheese bold and vibrant with a pleasant heat.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, try Gruyère or fontina for different flavors. Mix and match based on your preference for sharpness or meltiness.
- → Is this dish vegetarian or vegan friendly?
It’s vegetarian if you use dairy and vegetarian kimchi. For a vegan version, opt for plant-based cheeses and milk.
- → What gives the topping its crunch?
Panko breadcrumbs and toasted sesame seeds deliver extra texture and a nutty crunch after baking.
- → How spicy is this meal?
Main spice comes from kimchi and gochujang; adjust by adding extra chili flakes or using milder kimchi.
- → What can I do for gluten-free adaptation?
Use gluten-free macaroni and swap regular flour with gluten-free flour for the sauce base.