Buldak Kimchi Mac and Cheese: The Cheesy Spicy Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed

I’ve got to be honest with you—this recipe happened because I wanted comfort food but couldn’t decide between my favorite cheesy mac and the bold kick of Korean flavors.

That’s when it clicked: why not mix the fiery taste of buldak sauce, the tangy crunch of kimchi, and the gooey goodness of mac and cheese?

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you never thought of it before. Let me walk you through exactly how to make this, and why you’re going to fall in love with it.

What Is Buldak Kimchi Mac and Cheese?

Buldak kimchi mac and cheese is exactly what it sounds like: a mash-up of creamy macaroni and cheese with the spicy, smoky kick of buldak (fire chicken) sauce and the tangy crunch of kimchi. It’s comfort food with a fiery twist. The cheese balances the heat, the kimchi adds a punch of flavor, and the pasta makes it filling and cozy. It’s basically the best of both worlds in one bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I’m obsessed with it, and why you might be too:

• Cheesy but not boring – That creamy cheese pulls everything together.
• Spicy but balanced – Buldak sauce brings heat, but cheese cools it down.
• Tangy and crunchy – Kimchi adds that perfect kick and texture.
• Comfort food with a twist – It’s familiar, but exciting at the same time.

If you like food that makes you feel cozy but also wakes up your taste buds, this dish is for you.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy—just a few simple things you can grab at most stores:

• Macaroni pasta (or any pasta shape you like)
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (whole milk works best)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Buldak sauce (you can find it bottled or use instant buldak ramen packets)
• Kimchi (chopped into small pieces)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional but recommended: green onions, sesame seeds, or even an egg on top.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make It

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta according to the package directions until just cooked (al dente). Drain it and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

• Melt butter in a pan.
• Whisk in flour to make a quick roux (this thickens the sauce).
• Slowly pour in milk while whisking until smooth.
• Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

3. Add the Heat

Stir in buldak sauce. Start with a little and taste—you can always add more if you want extra fire.

4. Mix in the Kimchi

Fold in chopped kimchi for that crunchy, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

5. Combine Everything

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until every piece is coated.

6. Optional Topping

You can serve it straight from the pot or bake it in the oven with extra cheese on top for a golden crust.

Tips to Make It Perfect

• Balance the spice – Too hot? Add more cheese or milk.
• Choose the right cheese – A mix of sharp cheddar and melty mozzarella works best.
• Use good kimchi – The flavor depends a lot on how good your kimchi is.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – It should be firm so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.

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How to Serve Buldak Kimchi Mac and Cheese

This dish is filling on its own, but you can level it up with:

• A fried egg on top (trust me, it’s incredible).
• Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish.
• Pairing it with crispy chicken for a full-on comfort meal.

It’s also great as a late-night snack, party dish, or even a Netflix marathon food.

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FAQs

Q: How spicy is buldak mac and cheese?
A: It can get really spicy, but the cheese tones it down. You control the heat by how much sauce you add.

Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Yes! Just add less buldak sauce or mix in more milk and cheese.

Q: Do I have to use buldak sauce?
A: If you can’t find it, you can use gochujang (Korean chili paste) mixed with soy sauce and a little honey.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make it and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat with a splash of milk.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for stretch, or a mix of both for the perfect combo.