Pin it 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 tasted kimchi mac & cheese after seeing it trend online, and was amazed by how the spicy, tangy depth of kimchi made a simple comfort food truly unforgettable.
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 Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Melt Cheeses & Season:
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted. Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and season with salt.
- Kimchi Mixture:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine & Assemble:
- Add drained macaroni to the sauce and mix until fully coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Sesame 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.
Pin it This dish always brings my family together on chillier evenings—everyone gathers around the table for the first bubbling slice and shares stories over spicy, cheesy bites.
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—choose vegan kimchi if allergies are present.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 545 calories, 26 g fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein
Pin it Serve immediately for the best creamy texture—the fusion of flavors is unbeatable fresh from the oven.
Common Questions
- → What makes this dish spicy?
The spiciness comes mainly from gochujang, a Korean chili paste, and well-fermented kimchi. You can increase the heat by adding chili flakes if desired.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Swap cheddar for Gruyère or fontina to customize the flavor and creaminess of the sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based cheeses, milk, and vegan butter. Also ensure your kimchi is vegan, as some contain fish sauce.
- → How do I get a crunchy topping?
The crunchy layer is made from panko breadcrumbs mixed with toasted sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil, then baked until golden.
- → What kind of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is ideal for capturing sauce, but other short pasta like shells or penne are great alternatives.
- → Does this contain gluten or dairy?
Yes, it contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and sesame. Use gluten-free or dairy-free versions if needed.