Save A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping. Inspired by Tineke Younger, this version of mac & cheese brings spicy fusion to your table for a viral sensation in every bite.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
The first time I made this dish, my friends couldn't believe how delicious and creative it tasted. The kimchi adds a punchy twist to creamy mac & cheese that elevates the whole plate.
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
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Cheeses & Flavors:
- Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted. Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper. Season with salt.
- Kimchi Step:
- Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine & Fill Dish:
- Stir macaroni into sauce until coated. Pour into prepared dish.
- Topping:
- Combine panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden on top and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save This spicy mac & cheese quickly became a weeknight favorite in my family, especially when we're craving something comforting and bold.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame; check kimchi label for fish sauce if needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy comfort with a crispy topping. This dish is guaranteed to spice up any dinner table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is recommended for optimal sauce coverage and classic texture.
- → Can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the gochujang or omit chili flakes for a milder result while keeping flavor depth.
- → How do I make this vegan?
Substitute with plant-based cheeses, vegan butter, and dairy-free milk. Use vegan kimchi as well.
- → Which cheeses can I use?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese blend best. Gruyère or fontina offer rich alternatives.
- → What should I serve alongside?
A crisp green salad or lightly pickled vegetables complement the creamy, bold flavors perfectly.
- → Is it suitable for meal prep?
Yes, bake and refrigerate. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
