Spicy Kimchi Mac Cheese (Print)

Bold macaroni combines creamy cheese sauce, tangy kimchi, and sesame-studded crunchy topping.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 10.5 ounces elbow macaroni
02 - 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water

→ Cheese Sauce

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 1.9 cups whole milk
06 - 5.3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
07 - 2.6 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
08 - 1.8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
09 - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - Salt, to taste

→ Kimchi Mixture

14 - 5.3 ounces well-fermented kimchi, chopped
15 - 1 tablespoon kimchi juice
16 - 2 spring onions, finely sliced

→ Topping

17 - 1.8 ounces panko breadcrumbs
18 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
19 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
20 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish and set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain well and reserve.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add flour and whisk vigorously for one minute until a paste forms.
04 - Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously until mixture is smooth and thickened, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
06 - Stir in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season to taste with salt.
07 - Fold chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and sliced spring onions into the cheese sauce.
08 - Add drained macaroni to the sauce blend. Mix until pasta is evenly coated. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
09 - In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, toasted sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Toss until fully mixed.
10 - Sprinkle topping evenly over the macaroni mixture. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Irresistible fusion of American and Korean flavors
  • Layered with crunch, heat, and cheesy goodness
02 -
  • Kimchi may contain fish sauce always check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
  • For vegan adaptation, use plant-based cheeses, milk, and vegan butter, plus vegan kimchi.
03 -
  • Add chili flakes to the cheese sauce for extra heat.
  • Swap cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for a nuanced cheese flavor.

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