Name: Gochujang Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred); 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese; 2–3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp soy sauce; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines classic mac and cheese with a Korean-inspired twist.
The gochujang adds complexity, spice, and subtle sweetness.
Creamy, gooey, and full of bold flavor.
Easy to make with pantry staples and ready in about 30 minutes.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Elbow macaroni or other short pasta
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk (whole milk preferred)
Heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce
Salt and black pepper
Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
Add milk: Gradually whisk in milk (and cream, if using), stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Add gochujang and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amount of gochujang depending on your spice preference.
Add the cheese: Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated and creamy.
Optional bake: For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a Korean-inspired finish.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Extra spicy: Add more gochujang or a pinch of chili flakes for a stronger kick.
Creamier version: Stir in cream cheese or a splash of evaporated milk.
Protein boost: Mix in cooked chicken, bacon, shrimp, or tofu for added substance.
Vegetable version: Add roasted broccoli, kimchi, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
Baked topping: Mix breadcrumbs with butter and sesame seeds, sprinkle on top, and bake until crisp.
Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Tip: Avoid overheating, as the cheese sauce can separate—gently warm for best texture.

FAQs

1. What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, red chili flakes, and glutinous rice, known for its spicy, sweet, and savory flavor.

2. How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly to moderately spicy, depending on how much gochujang you use. Start with less and add more to taste.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the roux with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend.

4. What cheese works best?

A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the best combination of flavor and meltability, but you can also use Monterey Jack or Gruyère.

5. Can I use store-bought mac and cheese and just add gochujang?

Yes, for a quick version, stir gochujang into the cheese sauce of boxed mac and cheese—it instantly upgrades it.

6. How can I make it extra creamy?

Add more cream or an extra handful of cheese when mixing in the pasta. A little cream cheese also boosts the texture.

7. Can I add kimchi to this dish?

Absolutely! Chopped kimchi adds a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the rich, spicy sauce.

8. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, shells, cavatappi, or penne all work great for holding the sauce.

9. Is gochujang vegetarian?

Most gochujang is vegetarian, but check the label—some brands include anchovy extract or fish sauce.

10. What can I serve with Gochujang Mac and Cheese?

It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Conclusion

Gochujang Mac and Cheese transforms a comforting classic into something extraordinary. The creamy cheese sauce infused with Korean chili paste delivers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. Easy, bold, and deeply satisfying, this dish is guaranteed to impress anyone who loves a creative twist on comfort food.

Gochujang Mac and Cheese

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Gochujang Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy comfort with the bold, spicy-sweet flavor of Korean gochujang chili paste. It’s a rich, umami-packed twist on a classic favorite—creamy, smoky, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Course, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion, Korean-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth and slightly golden.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened and smooth.
Add minced garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amount of gochujang to your spice preference.
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Add cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
For a baked option, transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Adjust gochujang for spice level—start with 2 tablespoons for mild heat.
Use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor and creaminess.
Add cooked chicken, bacon, or tofu for a protein boost.
Mix in kimchi or vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
To reheat, stir in a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 75mg