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.
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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
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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.
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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.
