Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese

A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping. This dish became a viral sensation inspired by Tineke Younger, blending the best of American and Korean flavors for a unique mac & cheese experience.

I first made this recipe after seeing it trending online and was pleasantly surprised by how well the spicy kimchi complemented the classic creamy cheese sauce. It's now a staple on cozy nights, and my family asks for it whenever they crave something comforting but with a kick.

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

Prepare Oven & 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.

Make Cheese Roux:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Add Milk & Thicken:

Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes).

Finish Cheese Sauce:

Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted.

Flavor Cheese Sauce:

Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.

Add Kimchi Mixture:

Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.

Combine & Transfer:

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

Serving this Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese always reminds me of our family get-togethers, where everyone gathers around the table in anticipation of bold new flavors. It sparks lively conversation and happy memories every time.

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 product labels for allergen details.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 545 calories, 26 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein

Save

Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese delivers comfort and adventure in every bite. Make it your own by customizing the cheeses and toppings and enjoy the fusion goodness!

Recipe Guide

→ How does kimchi affect the flavor?

Kimchi adds tangy, fermented notes and mild spice, lifting the dish with vibrant, savory flavors.

→ Can vegan alternatives be used?

Absolutely! Substitute plant-based cheeses, milk, and butter for a dairy-free version, and use vegan kimchi.

→ What cheeses work best in this dish?

Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese offer creamy texture and flavor. Gruyère or fontina may add complexity.

→ What is the topping made of?

A mix of panko breadcrumbs, toasted sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil creates a crunchy, savory crust.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, if you use dairy cheeses and ensure the kimchi is free from fish sauce or animal products.

→ How spicy is the finished dish?

The heat level is moderate due to gochujang and kimchi; increase with chili flakes if desired.