Pin it 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, merging American and Korean flavors in every luscious bite.
I first tried this fusion recipe after spotting it on social media and instantly knew it’d be a hit in our kitchen. Kimchi brings a sharp, tangy brightness that lifts the traditional comfort of mac & cheese to addictive new heights.
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 elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4, 5 minutes).
- Add Cheeses & Season:
- Reduce 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 chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and sliced spring onions.
- Combine & Bake:
- Add drained macaroni to sauce, mix until coated. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- Mix panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake 15, 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin it This has become a frequent request at family gatherings, even winning over relatives who usually avoid spicy food. Watching everyone dig into bubbling cheese and crunchy topping is pure comfort and joy.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and sesame. Check kimchi labels if you need a fish-free or vegan option.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 545, Total Fat 26 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 19 g
Pin it Bake until the top is golden for the perfect texture and zing. With every bite, you’ll taste why this viral recipe deserves a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses work best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese provide richness and meltability. Gruyère or fontina can be substituted for added nuance.
- → Can vegan ingredients be used?
Yes, plant-based cheeses, milk, and vegan butter transform the dish for vegan diets. Use vegan kimchi if preferred.
- → How does kimchi alter the flavor?
Kimchi introduces tang, mild spice, and fermented depth, making macaroni extra bold and unique.
- → What adds crunch to the topping?
Panko breadcrumbs and toasted sesame seeds, combined with melted butter and sesame oil, create a golden, crispy layer.
- → Is this suitable for those with allergies?
This version contains wheat, dairy, and sesame. For allergies, check ingredient labels and use substitutions.
- → How spicy is this dish?
Gochujang and kimchi bring moderate heat; add chili flakes for extra spice or adjust to taste.