Save A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping. Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese is a viral sensation inspired by Tineke Younger and brings a delicious fusion to the table for anyone craving something different.
After stumbling across the Tineke Younger Mac & Cheese craze, I had to try this fusion twist for myself. Blending classic comfort food with Korean zest, it instantly became a weeknight favorite in our home.
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 Pasta:
- 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.
- Flavor the Sauce:
- Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Add Kimchi & Spring Onions:
- 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.
- Prepare Topping:
- Combine panko, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin it We love serving this dish on chilly nights, gathering around the table and sharing laughs over each spicy, creamy helping. It always sparks conversation — even our grandparents give it an enthusiastic thumbs up.
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. Use vegan kimchi if needed. Always check product labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 545 calories, 26 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein
Pin it This Spicy Kimchi Mac & Cheese guarantees comfort with a twist. Make it your own with your favorite cheese blend and enjoy the fusion!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, substitute elbow macaroni with rotini, shells, or penne for varied texture and shape.
- → Is it possible to make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based cheeses, milk, vegan butter, and kimchi free of fish sauce for a dairy-free variation.
- → What cheeses work best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese create creaminess, but Gruyère or fontina add extra depth.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Add chili flakes to the cheese sauce or use extra gochujang for a more intense heat profile.
- → Is it safe for those with sesame allergies?
Omit sesame seeds and use alternate toppings if you have sesame allergies. Always check labels for safety.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate. Bake before serving; add the topping just before baking to keep it crisp.