Go Back

Easy Gochujang Mac and Cheese

Gochujang Mac n' Cheese delivers a captivating combo of spicy and cheesy flavors! Bring the bold flavors of Korean cuisine to your Thanksgiving table with this easy-to-prepare recipe. It can be easily scaled up to serve larger crowds, and is sure to impress your guests as they savor each forkful.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Asian, Korean
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Gochujang Mac and Cheese
  • 1 lb macaroni noodles
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter half a stick
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp gochujang Korean red pepper paste, adjust to spice preference
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere plus more for topping
  • 1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar plus more for topping
  • butter or oil spray for greasing the pan
Spicy Crumb Topping
  • ½ cup panko Japanese style bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru Korean red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

  • grater
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • silicon spatula
  • Our Place Bakeware medium-sized baking dish (6x9")
  • Our Place Container Collection small container with lid

Method
 

Prepare Noodles and Topping
  1. Boil the macaroni noodles, removing them from heat just before they reach al dente (1 minute less than package instructions.) Drain the water. Do not rinse with cold water.
  2. Combine the spicy crumb topping ingredients. Mix until everything is evenly distributed - shaking it for 10 seconds in a closed container works very well.
Make Cheese Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour gradually until mixed well.
  2. Add gochujang and continue whisking until it forms a paste.
  3. While whisking, pour in the milk. Gently heat the mixture until it begins to bubble.
  4. Add the shredded cheeses. Continue whisking and cooking until the cheeses are fully melted. Remove from heat and set aside.
Combine and Bake
  1. Combine the macaroni noodles with the cheese sauce. Mix well, being careful not to crush or tear at the pasta.
  2. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
  3. Top with extra gruyere and cheddar. Then add the spicy crumb topping.
  4. Bake at 350℉ for 10-15 minutes until the topping is nice and crisp.

Video

Notes

Note 1. Gochujang can be purchased at Asian grocery stores like H-Mart, 99 Ranch, and Weee! Asian Grocery App. It comes in a range of spice levels so you can choose the spice option that is best for you.