This ultra-creamy mac and cheese recipe is a bold twist on the classic comfort food, featuring spicy Korean kimchi paired with white cheddar cheese. Thanks to a special ingredient, sodium citrate, the cheese sauce achieves a velvety, stable texture, making it perfect for both immediate enjoyment and reheating.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3/4 cup milk (increase to 1 cup if finishing in the oven and prefer a thinner sauce)
• 1 teaspoon sodium citrate
• 6 ounces goat’s milk or regular white cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3 cups shredded), divided
• 2 ounces gruyere cheese, shredded (about 1 cup shredded)
• 1/2 ounce pecorino cheese, finely shredded (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup drained and coarsely chopped kimchi
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
• Thinly sliced green onions (for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, draining it when it is just barely al dente. If baking the final dish, remove it 30–60 seconds earlier.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, combine milk and sodium citrate. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the sodium citrate dissolves and the milk forms small bubbles around the edges (do not let it boil).
3. Add the Cheese:
   Reduce heat to low and add the cheese in handfuls, whisking until fully melted before adding the next batch. If finishing in the oven, reserve 1/4 cup of cheese for topping.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, followed by the kimchi.
5. Optional Baking Step:
   Preheat the broiler. Lightly butter a 2-quart casserole dish or 3–4 oven-safe cocottes. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared dish, then top with reserved cheese and breadcrumbs. Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until breadcrumbs are browned and cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving; serves 4)

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Enjoy this rich, tangy, and spicy dinner for a unique take on mac and cheese!

The Role of Sodium Citrate in Cheese Perfection

One of the standout aspects of this recipe is its use of sodium citrate, a lesser-known but incredibly useful ingredient for home cooks who love experimenting with cheese sauces. Sodium citrate acts as an emulsifier, allowing the cheese to melt smoothly into the milk without curdling or separating. This is especially important for achieving the creamy, luxurious texture that defines this mac and cheese.

Unlike traditional recipes that rely on roux (a mixture of butter and flour) as a thickening agent, sodium citrate creates a velvety sauce with a pure cheese flavor. This technique, often employed by chefs in modernist cuisine, ensures that every bite delivers the rich, creamy consistency that mac and cheese lovers crave. Additionally, this method makes reheating leftovers much easier, as the sauce remains stable and doesn’t break or become grainy.

Kimchi: The Unexpected Star Ingredient

Kimchi, a staple of Korean cuisine, is the unexpected hero in this recipe. Made from fermented vegetables, typically cabbage and radish, and seasoned with chili, garlic, ginger, and other spices, kimchi is known for its bold flavor profile. It’s tangy, spicy, and slightly funky, which might seem like an unusual addition to mac and cheese. However, the combination works remarkably well.

The acidity of the kimchi cuts through the richness of the cheese, providing balance and a burst of flavor in every bite. The heat from the chili adds a gentle kick that elevates the dish without overpowering it, making it approachable even for those who are cautious about spice. The chopped kimchi also introduces a delightful textural contrast to the otherwise creamy dish, giving it a layer of complexity that traditional mac and cheese lacks.

A Carefully Curated Cheese Blend

Cheese selection is at the heart of any mac and cheese recipe, and this one is no exception. The recipe features a thoughtful blend of white cheddar, gruyere, and pecorino cheeses, each chosen for its unique properties:

• White Cheddar: A classic choice for mac and cheese, cheddar brings sharpness and a creamy texture to the sauce. Using white cheddar instead of the orange variety keeps the sauce visually clean and allows the other ingredients to shine.
• Gruyere: Known for its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, gruyere adds depth and richness to the dish. Its excellent melting properties make it a natural partner for cheddar.
• Pecorino: This aged sheep’s milk cheese introduces a salty, tangy note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Its finely shredded texture ensures it melts seamlessly into the sauce.

By combining these cheeses, the recipe achieves a complex, layered flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Customization and Versatility

This mac and cheese recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it suitable for a range of occasions and preferences. The optional baking step, for example, allows you to tailor the dish to your desired texture. If you prefer a gooier, stovetop-style mac and cheese, you can skip the oven entirely. On the other hand, baking the dish under the broiler adds a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce beneath.

For added customization, the recipe can easily accommodate dietary preferences and ingredient substitutions. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the dish gluten-free, while plant-based cheese and milk alternatives can transform it into a vegan-friendly option. Additionally, you can experiment with different cheeses or spice levels to suit your palate. The kimchi could even be swapped for other fermented or pickled vegetables if you’re feeling adventurous.

The Art of Presentation

While mac and cheese is often considered a casual dish, this recipe elevates it to dinner-party-worthy status. The use of green onion as a garnish adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, golden mac and cheese. The coarsely chopped kimchi scattered throughout the dish creates visual interest, while the golden breadcrumbs add a hint of rustic charm.

For a more dramatic presentation, consider serving the dish in individual oven-safe cocottes. This not only makes portioning easier but also adds an elegant touch to the dining experience. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this mac and cheese is sure to impress.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this ultra-creamy mac and cheese with kimchi truly special is the way it seamlessly combines comfort and innovation. It takes a dish that is universally loved and reinvents it with bold, unexpected flavors and modern culinary techniques. The result is a meal that feels familiar yet exciting, indulgent yet balanced.

The recipe also invites home cooks to experiment and step outside their comfort zones. Incorporating kimchi into a classic American dish might seem unconventional at first, but it’s a testament to how food can bring together different cultures and traditions. The end result is a fusion of flavors that highlights the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

This ultra-creamy mac and cheese with kimchi is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the science of sodium citrate to the bold flavors of kimchi and the careful balance of cheeses, every element of this dish has been thoughtfully considered to create something truly special. Whether you’re a mac and cheese purist or an adventurous foodie, this recipe offers a fresh take on a classic that’s sure to delight.

So why not give it a try? Step into the kitchen, grab your favorite cheeses, and embrace the delicious possibilities of this bold, modern twist on mac and cheese. Your taste buds—and anyone lucky enough to share the dish with you—will thank you.