Spicy Kimchi Mac Cheese

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.

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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

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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.