Save A bold and creamy comfort classic reimagined with tangy kimchi, melty cheeses, and a crunchy sesame topping—a viral sensation inspired by Tineke Younger.
I first tasted this at a friend's gathering, and the combination of creamy cheese with zingy kimchi was such a delightful surprise. It has since become my go-to recipe for sharing something unexpected and comforting.
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:
- 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.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 4–5 minutes). Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted. Mix in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Add Kimchi:
- Fold in the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and spring onions.
- Combine & Assemble:
- Add drained macaroni to the sauce and mix until fully coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Make 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.
Save Sharing this with my family, I watched everyone go back for seconds—my usually cheese-averse sibling even asked for the recipe, proving it's a hit for all palates.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large pot, baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), sesame. Check your kimchi for fish sauce, and use vegan kimchi and substitute cheeses and butter if required.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 545, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 19 g
Save Serve this piping hot for maximum comfort and flavor burst. You'll want to make it again and again!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use different cheese varieties?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère or fontina for cheddar, or use your favorite melting cheeses for nuanced flavor.
- → Is vegan adaptation possible?
Absolutely. Replace dairy cheeses, milk, and butter with plant-based versions and ensure kimchi is vegan.
- → What adds the signature spicy kick?
Gochujang chili paste and fermented kimchi deliver the spicy, tangy character in this dish.
- → Can I prepare it ahead?
You can assemble and refrigerate the pasta prior to baking, then bake fresh for ideal texture and crunch.
- → Are there common allergens?
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and sesame; check if the kimchi includes fish sauce for dietary needs.
- → How spicy is it?
The dish is moderately spicy but can be adjusted to suit your preference by adding chili flakes or omitting gochujang.