Save A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping. This Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese is inspired by Tineke Younger and has become a viral sensation for good reason.
I first made this recipe after seeing a viral video online, and the results exceeded expectations: spicy, creamy, and so satisfying. Now it is my go-to comfort food for groups and family dinners.
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 Macaroni:
- 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:
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.
- Season Sauce:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Kimchi Mix-In:
- 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 & Serve:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save This is now a family favorite—everyone requests it for potlucks, and the pan is always scraped clean at the end of the night. Even picky eaters love the balance of flavor and texture.
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. Always check labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save Bright, bold, and deeply comforting: this kimchi mac & cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Go ahead and try it for your next weeknight dinner or gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I adjust the heat level?
Absolutely! Add extra gochujang or a pinch of chili flakes for more spice, or reduce both for a milder flavor.
- → What cheeses work best?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese are classic here. Gruyère or fontina can be swapped for nuanced flavor.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
It's vegetarian if kimchi and cheeses are plant-based. Check kimchi ingredients for fish sauce and use vegan options if preferred.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pasta and sauce, assemble in the dish, and refrigerate. Bake with topping right before serving for freshness.
- → How do I achieve a crunchy top?
Melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, and sesame oil are combined for a deliciously crisp, golden topping.
- → What kitchen tools are needed?
You need a medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, and an oven for the best results.