Description

This Kimchi Macaroni and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the spicy tang of kimchi and crispy bacon for a deliciously unique twist on a classic comfort food. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is smothered in a rich cheese sauce infused with kimchi and bacon, topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

200 gram Elbow Macaroni

Main Ingredients

250 gram Kimchi
to taste Bacon
250 milliliter Milk
15 gram All-Purpose Flour
125 gram Cheddar Cheese
125 gram Parmesan Cheese
to taste Breadcrumbs

Seasonings

to taste Salt
to taste Ground Black Pepper
to taste Chicken Bouillon Powder

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) to get it ready for baking the final dish.
Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
Prepare Bacon: Pan-fry the bacon to your preferred crispiness, then cut it into small pieces and set aside.
Cook Kimchi and Make Sauce: Add a small amount of oil to a hot pan, sauté the kimchi for about a minute to release its flavors, then add the bacon pieces. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and cook for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually stir in the milk, whisking well to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Season with chicken bouillon powder, salt, and ground black pepper to taste.
Add Cheeses and Combine: Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses into the sauce, cooking until they have fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked macaroni and mix well, ensuring every piece is coated with the cheesy kimchi sauce.
Prepare for Baking: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking tin. Sprinkle additional cheese and breadcrumbs evenly on top to add a crunchy, cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the baking tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the top is melted, golden, and bubbly. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Notes

Adjust the amount of kimchi to your spice tolerance, as it adds a tangy heat to the dish.
For a vegetarian option, omit bacon or use vegetarian bacon substitutes.
Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor results.
If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit more milk during the sauce-making step.
Breadcrumb topping provides a lovely crispy texture – feel free to enhance with a little melted butter mixed into breadcrumbs before sprinkling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-American)

Keywords: Kimchi, Macaroni and Cheese, Korean fusion, cheesy pasta, bacon, baked pasta, comfort food