Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, spicy pasta dish that features kimchi, taking a bold new twist on an American classic. This kimchi mac and cheese will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine Asian Fusion, Korean

Keyword kimchi mac and cheese, kimchi macaroni and cheese, korean mac and cheese

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Calories 726kcal

Author Megan

Equipment

Ingredients

1 lb dried elbow pasta
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ cup kimchi juice 190 g
1 cup Kimchi 200g finely chopped
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 200 g grated
3 cups mozzarella cheese 300 g grated

Garnish

½ cup sharp cheddar cheese grated for topping
½ cup mozzarella cheese grated for topping
2 stalks Green Onion chopped

Instructions

Cook the Pasta. Boil your pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for later. Strain and set aside.
Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (180°C). Place the wire rack in the center.
Make the kimchi roux. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Then add the chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, gochujang, gochugaru, salt, and white pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until reduced. Then whisk in the flour to form the roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
Add the milk. Slowly pour the milk in while whisking to prevent lumps until smooth, about 1 minute.
Add the cheeses. Lower the heat to low or medium-low, then add the cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add one tablespoon of pasta water at a time.
Combine. Gently fold the drained pasta into the sauce.
Bake. Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra cheese and panko bread crumbs. Bake for 25 minutes until golden on top. For extra char, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
Serve. Garnish with green onion and serve right away. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

See the Expert Tips section for more guidance.

Nutrition