Kimchi Mac and Cheese

User Reviews

5.0

39 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    20 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr

  • Servings

    8 bowls

  • Calories

    645 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish, Snacks

  • Cuisine

    American

Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Mouthwatering umami packed kimchi mac and cheese with three different types of cheeses - delicious, cheesy, creamy and packs a flavor punch!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 oz curly pasta I used Cavatappi pasta, but macaroni, shells, and most short pasta works!
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup kimchi chopped finely, juices drained - you can go up to 1 cup to enhance flavors
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar shredded
  • 2 cups gouda shredded
  • 1 cup parmesan shredded
  • cup bread crumbs Panko preferred
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Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta based on the directions on the box (cook about 1 minute under direction for perfect texture)
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet on medium heat - I recommend at least a 10 inch skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the kimchi to the butter and saute until the water in the kimchi reduces significantly (roughly 5-6 minutes)
  3. Add flour to this and whisk to create a roux. Once mixed well, add the cream, salt, pepper and garlic powder and whisk nicely to form a fluid mixture (Mornay sauce).
  4. By this time, the pasta should be done - drain the pasta (reserving ⅓ cup of pasta water)
  5. Reduce flame to a low heat, and add 2 cups of cheddar, 2 cups of gruyere and ½ cup of parmesan to the Mornay sauce and whisk to create a gooey cheese sauce.
  6. Add about 2-3 tablespoon of pasta water to the sauce and stir well, then add the pasta and coat well until you get to desired consistency. Note: You might want to add or reduce the cheese based on your own preference for cheesiness!
  7. Add the remaining cheddar, parmesan and the bread crumbs to the top of the skillet and then pop in the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to make sure it doesn't burn, but you do want it to get JUST close to burning. Tastes delicious!
  8. No garnishes are required, but if you do want to garnish, use some Korean red chili pepper (gochugaru) or red pepper flakes as well as fresh scallions for an herby note. Serve hot, hot, hot!

Notes

  • Kimchi is traditionally not vegan (uses shrimp) - so make sure you find a kimchi brand that is marked vegan. I use Mother In Law's brand kimchi in this recipe!
  • Pasta type: Any type of curly pasta works in the recipe. I've used Cavatappi since it has many folds and works great with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Macaroni, elbows, shells, all work in this recipe! 
  • Cheeses used: I use a combination of soft and sharp cheese (cheddar) + soft and mild cheese (gouda) and a crispy textured, salty cheese (Parmesan). You can swap the gouda with gruyere or fontina or even brie for milder flavors. 
  • Use mini cocottes for a great presentation if you have those on hand. But even if using a skillet, make sure to use a large enough skillet, so the pasta layer is no more than 2-3 shells deep. This ensures maximum cheesiness! 
  • To make this vegan: I've tested this recipe with vegan butter and cheese (specifically: Country Crock Plant Butter instead of regular butter, and either Follow Your Heart or Violife cheddar instead of regular cheddar, with the latter tasting a BIT saltier than the former). 

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 645kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 28g (9%) Protein 35g (70%) Fat 44g (68%) Saturated Fat 28g (140%) Cholesterol 152mg (51%) Sodium 1317mg (55%) Potassium 219mg (6%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1205IU (24%) Calcium 895mg (90%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8bowls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 645 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 645kcal 32%
Carbohydrates 28g 9%
Protein 35g 70%
Fat 44g 68%
Saturated Fat 28g 140%
Cholesterol 152mg 51%
Sodium 1317mg 55%
Potassium 219mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1205IU 24%
Calcium 895mg 90%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

39 reviews
Excellent

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