Kimchi Bacon Mac and Cheese

Name: Kimchi Bacon Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: elbow macaroni 180 g; ripe kimchi 120 g; bacon 80 g; cheddar cheese 120 g; milk 220 ml; butter 20 g; flour 1 tbsp; gochugaru 0.5 tsp; black pepper 0.3 tsp

Quick answer

Total time: 30 min
Level: Easy
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients: 9

About this dish

A roux-and-milk cheddar sauce made on the stovetop, with the macaroni stirred straight in, keeps this loose and creamy rather than baked and set.

Well-fermented kimchi brings sourness and heat, crisped bacon adds salt, and together they cut through the weight of the cheese. The kimchi is fried with the bacon first so its moisture cooks off before it meets the sauce.

Ingredients

servings

IngredientAmount

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Instructions

6 steps

1

Press 120g ripe kimchi lightly to remove excess liquid, then chop it finely.

Reserve 1 tablespoon of kimchi juice if using it for extra depth, and cut 80g bacon into 1cm pieces.
2

Boil 180g elbow macaroni in salted water for 1 minute less than the package time.

Drain when the center still feels slightly firm, so it can finish absorbing sauce without turning soft.
3

Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the bacon for about 3 minutes, until the edges crisp and some fat renders.

Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry for 2 minutes to drive off moisture.
4

In another saucepan, melt 20g butter over medium-low heat, then add 1 tablespoon flour.

Stir constantly for 1 minute, keeping the roux pale and nutty rather than browned or scorched.
5

Whisk in 220ml milk a little at a time until no lumps remain.

When small bubbles appear at the edge and the sauce thickens, lower the heat before stirring in 120g cheddar until smooth.
6

Add the macaroni and kimchi-bacon mixture to the cheese sauce, then season with 0.5 teaspoon gochugaru and 0.3 teaspoon black pepper. Fold over low heat for 1 minute until glossy and evenly coated, then serve immediately. If using the reserved kimchi juice, add its 1 tablespoon at the end.