If you’re looking to jazz up a classic comfort food with a delightful twist, this Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the bold, tangy kick of kimchi, this dish offers a brilliant harmony of flavors and textures that excite every bite. It’s a playful yet comforting meal that brings a fresh, vibrant edge to the beloved cheesy pasta, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends at your next dinner gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a black cooking pot filled with creamy, pale yellow macaroni and cheese pasta with short, curly pasta shapes. The cheese sauce looks smooth and slightly stretchy. A woman's hand holds a bright pink spatula stirring the pasta inside the pot. The pot is on a black stove, and the background above is blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list — each component plays a crucial role in building the luscious texture and dynamic flavor profile of this Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe. From the tender elbow macaroni to the complex blend of cheeses and the spicy fermented punch of kimchi, every item is essential to get that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy.

8 ounces elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully.
3/4 cup milk*: Adds creaminess and helps meld all the ingredients into a silky sauce.
1 teaspoon sodium citrate: A secret ingredient that helps the cheese melt smoothly without clumping.
6 ounces goat’s milk or regular white cheddar cheese (about 3 cups shredded, divided): Provides the rich cheesiness and depth of flavor.
2 ounces gruyere cheese (about 1 cup shredded): Adds a nutty, slightly sweet note that elevates the dish.
1/2 ounce pecorino cheese (about 1/4 cup shredded): Offers a salty sharpness that brightens up the sauce.
1/2 cup drained and coarsely chopped kimchi: The bold, spicy, fermented star that transforms the classic mac into a flavor adventure.
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping): Creates a satisfyingly crispy crust after baking.
Thinly sliced green onions (for topping): Adds a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color.

How to Make Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your elbow macaroni just until it is barely al dente — slightly underdone because it will continue cooking later if you choose to bake it. This ensures the pasta stays perfectly tender and not mushy in the final dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base

In a medium saucepan, gently warm the milk and sodium citrate together over medium heat. Whisk occasionally until the sodium citrate dissolves and the milk starts bubbling around the edges, but be careful not to let it boil. This special step ensures a smooth, velvety cheese sauce later on.

Step 3: Melt the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low and add your cheeses one handful at a time, whisking after each addition until completely melted. If you plan to bake your Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe for a golden crusty top, hold back about a quarter cup of cheese for sprinkling later. Otherwise, you can add all the cheese directly into the sauce for extra creaminess.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Kimchi

Fold the drained macaroni into the luscious cheese sauce followed by the chopped kimchi. The kimchi adds an unexpected spicy tang and crunch that perfectly complements the creamy cheese and tender pasta.

Step 5: Optional Baking for a Crispy Finish

If you want to take this Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe to the next level, preheat your broiler. Lightly butter small oven-safe dishes or a casserole pan, then transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into them. Sprinkle with the reserved cheese and panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible crispy topping.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

Broil your dish for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely as the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and the cheese bubbles delightfully. Keep your eyes peeled to avoid burnt breadcrumbs — the crust should be just crisp and crunchy.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Allow your Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe to cool for about five minutes before diving in. This resting time helps the cheese sauce settle and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe

The image shows several ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, ready for cooking. On the left, a large stainless steel bowl is filled with cooked elbow macaroni, pale yellow and slightly shiny. Next to it, there is a small white bowl filled with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, sitting beside a small stick of butter, cream-colored with red measurement markings on the wrapper. Above the cheese, a small white bowl holds a mix of reddish-orange kimchi with visible pieces of cabbage. To the right, a small white dish contains three different spices or seasonings in small piles: coarse white salt, ground black pepper, and a light brown powder. In the bottom right corner, a clear glass measuring cup holds a creamy white liquid, likely milk or cream, with light froth on top. The layout is neat and simple, with all the items spaced out on the smooth white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up your plate and provide a fresh contrast to the rich mac and cheese, sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top after baking. These add a lovely mild sharpness and a touch of vibrant green that’s visually inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to balance out the rich creaminess with fresh, clean flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets at your next dinner party. You can also add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra depth. The kimchi and cheeses bring so much character that playing with presentation really elevates the dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for a tasty next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Frozen mac and cheese with kimchi lasts up to two months and thaws beautifully to maintain its texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency. If you love that crispy topping, pop it in the oven or under the broiler for a couple of minutes after reheating.

FAQs

What is sodium citrate and why is it used in this recipe?

Sodium citrate is a food additive that helps the cheese melt smoothly without clumping or separating. It’s key to achieving the silky, creamy cheese sauce in this Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe.

Can I use other types of kimchi?

Absolutely! While traditional napa cabbage kimchi works best, you can experiment with radish or cucumber kimchi as well. Just make sure it’s well-drained before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Is it okay to use regular cheddar instead of goat’s milk cheddar?

Yes! Regular white cheddar will still give you that rich, tangy flavor. Goat’s milk cheddar adds a slightly more complex nuttiness, but feel free to use what you prefer or have on hand.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This particular Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe relies on dairy cheeses for its unique flavor and texture. However, you can try substituting vegan cheese alternatives and non-dairy milk, though the taste and mouthfeel will be different.

Why bake the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs on top?

Baking with breadcrumbs creates a crunchy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath. It adds both texture and visual appeal that makes this dish even more irresistible.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a mac and cheese lover or a kimchi fan looking to try something new, this Mac and Kim-Cheese Recipe brings together the best of both worlds in one bowl. It’s comforting, exciting, and downright delicious — perfect for any day you want to treat yourself with a dish that’s as fun as it is flavorful. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!