Spicy Kimchi Mac Cheese (Print)

Bold fusion pasta combines tangy kimchi, creamy cheese sauce, and crisp sesame topping for vibrant flavor.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 1 tbsp salt, for boiling water

→ Cheese Sauce

03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
05 - 1 3/4 cups whole milk
06 - 1 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
07 - 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
08 - 1/4 cup cream cheese, cubed
09 - 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - Salt, to taste

→ Kimchi Mixture

14 - 2/3 cup well-fermented kimchi, chopped
15 - 1 tbsp kimchi juice
16 - 2 spring onions, finely sliced

→ Topping

17 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
18 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
19 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
20 - 1 tsp sesame oil

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 390°F. Grease a medium baking dish evenly with butter.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until mixture bubbles but does not brown.
04 - Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until sauce is smooth and thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
05 - Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Mix until fully melted and silky.
06 - Blend in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt as preferred.
07 - Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions to the cheese sauce.
08 - Add drained macaroni to the sauce and fold gently to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
09 - In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Stir well, then sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
10 - Bake for 15–20 minutes until topping is golden brown and edges are bubbling. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fusion of American and Korean flavors for an exciting twist
  • Crispy sesame topping adds irresistible texture
02 -
  • Classic kimchi may contain fish sauce, so use vegan kimchi for a fully vegetarian dish
  • Contains wheat, dairy, and sesame: check product labels if you have allergies
03 -
  • Add chili flakes for extra heat or swap cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for a more nuanced flavor
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based cheeses and milk with vegan butter

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