Spicy Kimchi Mac Cheese (Printer View)
Creamy mac and cheese infused with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and crispy sesame topping for bold comfort.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 10.5 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
→ Cheese Sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 1 3/4 cups whole milk
06 - 5.3 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
07 - 2.6 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
08 - 1.8 oz 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 oz well-fermented kimchi, chopped
15 - 1 tablespoon kimchi juice
16 - 2 spring onions, finely sliced
→ Topping
17 - 1.8 oz panko breadcrumbs
18 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
19 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
20 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or oil.
02 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with 1 tablespoon salt. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over moderate heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add all-purpose flour and whisk, cooking for 1 minute until foamy.
04 - Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4 to 5 minutes.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
06 - Blend in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add salt to taste.
07 - Gently fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and finely sliced spring onions until evenly distributed.
08 - Add the drained macaroni to the cheese mixture. Stir until each piece is thoroughly coated. Transfer mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
09 - In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, toasted sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle the mixture uniformly over the macaroni.
10 - Place dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let cool for a few minutes before portioning.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Fusion of creamy cheese and spicy kimchi for a unique twist
- Super simple to adapt for vegetarian or vegan diets
02 -
- Kimchi can contain fish sauce—use a vegan option if needed
- Sesame seeds add nutty notes and extra crunch to the topping
03 -
- Add a pinch of chili flakes if you want more heat
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for a nuanced flavor