Name: Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb dried elbow pasta; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¾ cup kimchi juice (190 g); 1 cup kimchi, finely chopped (200 g); 1 tablespoon gochujang; 2 teaspoons gochugaru; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon white pepper; ½ cup all-purpose flour (70 g); 3 ½ cups whole milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (200 g); 3 cups mozzarella cheese, grated (300 g); ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated for topping; ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated for topping; 2 stalks green onion, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 40 reviews

If you are craving a dish that delivers bold flavors with the comfort and creaminess of your classic comfort food, the Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. This fantastic twist on traditional mac and cheese blends the tangy, spicy zest of kimchi with a luscious, cheesy sauce that wraps every bite in pure indulgence. From the crunchy bursts of fermented kimchi to the rich melty cheeses and the subtle heat from gochujang and gochugaru, this dish is a vibrant celebration of flavor and texture you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan filled with a chunky red-orange mixture that has soft, uneven pieces of lightly cooked white vegetable, possibly cabbage, mixed in. A metal whisk is stirring the ingredients in the pan. The pan is on a stovetop with a white marbled surface underneath, and a glass measuring cup with white liquid is visible in the background. The scene has natural lighting and a casual home cooking vibe. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish sing with flavor. Each component contributes something special, whether it’s the creamy base, the spicy kick, or the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked pasta.

1 lb dried elbow pasta: The classic choice for mac and cheese that holds sauce beautifully.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky roux for the sauce.
¾ cup kimchi juice (190 g): Infuses the sauce with that signature tang and umami punch.
1 cup finely chopped Kimchi (200g): Provides bursts of spicy, fermented crunch throughout.
1 tablespoon gochujang: Korean chili paste that brings a deep, slightly sweet heat.
2 teaspoons gochugaru: Korean chili flakes adding smoky spice and color.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
½ teaspoon white pepper: Gives gentle warmth without changing the sauce color.
½ cup all-purpose flour (70 g): Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
3 ½ cups whole milk: Creates the luscious, velvety liquid base for the cheese sauce.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (200 g), grated: Delivers that classic sharp, cheesy flavor.
3 cups mozzarella cheese (300 g), grated: Melts beautifully for gooey stretch and mild creaminess.

How to Make Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried elbow pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce. Perfectly cooked pasta is the base that will hold all those velvety, spicy flavors.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes. This step cooks off the raw flour taste and lays the foundation for your creamy, thick sauce that will envelop the pasta.

Step 3: Add Milk and Kimchi Juice

Slowly whisk in the whole milk and kimchi juice, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring as the mixture thickens and comes together into a smooth, rich béchamel sauce. This combo brings a beautifully balanced creaminess with a subtle tangy twist unique to the Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe.

Step 4: Stir in Seasonings and Korean Flavors

Add the gochujang, gochugaru, salt, and white pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine. These ingredients give the sauce its signature Korean-inspired heat and complexity, making it uniquely satisfying and delightfully spicy.

Step 5: Melt in Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and irresistibly gooey.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Kimchi

Fold in the cooked pasta and finely chopped kimchi, mixing gently to ensure every bite has that beautiful combination of creamy cheese and tangy kimchi crunch. Your Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe is now ready for the final touch.

Step 7: Bake (Optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with a mixture of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and bake for 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. This step adds a delightful crust, perfect for texture contrast.

How to Serve Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a white oval dish full of baked macaroni and cheese with a golden-brown crust on top, including slightly darker browned spots and a few small green garnish leaves. Inside the dish, the macaroni is creamy and orange, with visible small pasta curves beneath the crispy top layer. A wooden spoon is scooping some macaroni out from the right side of the dish. Below it, there is a white bowl filled with the same bright orange creamy macaroni, also topped with green garnish. In the background, two small white flower-shaped dishes contain reddish pickled vegetables and sliced green onions. Everything is set on a white marbled surface with a soft, light cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top right before serving. The mild, crisp bite complements the rich, spicy cheese sauce beautifully and makes the dish look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve Kimchi Mac and Cheese alongside a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance its richness. Crunchy pickled vegetables can also make an excellent pairing, echoing the kimchi’s tang while adding extra texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Try offering this dish in individual ramekins for a fun, personal serving approach. You can also add a drizzle of sriracha or a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra layer of flavor. For gatherings, a big casserole-style presentation encourages sharing and cozy vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld even further overnight, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps revive the sauce’s lusciousness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just ensure the pasta types hold sauce well, so each bite stays flavorful.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe has a moderate level of heat thanks to the gochujang and gochugaru, balanced by creamy cheese and milk. You can adjust the spice by reducing or increasing these ingredients to your taste.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Feel free to swap in cheeses like Monterey Jack for milder flavor or Gruyere for a nuttier profile. Just keep in mind the meltability to maintain that creamy texture.

Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese?

Baking is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a golden, crispy top layer. If you’re short on time, serving it straight from the stovetop is equally delicious.

Where can I find kimchi juice?

If your kimchi doesn’t produce much juice, you can usually find bottled kimchi juice at Asian markets, or simply use some extra brine from store-bought kimchi. It’s the magic ingredient that lends iconic tanginess to this recipe.

Final Thoughts

The Kimchi Mac and Cheese Recipe is a game changer for anyone ready to elevate their comfort food game with daring, delightful flavors. It brings the best of two worlds together—rich, cheesy goodness and spicy, tangy Korean flair. Once you try it, you might find yourself making it for every cozy night in or sharing it proudly at your next dinner. Trust me, this is one recipe that will earn a permanent spot in your culinary rotation.