Baked Gochujang Mac and Cheese

The baked mac and cheese recipe to beat them all! You can always enjoy the mac and cheese stovetop but baking it brings it to another level! The addition of gochujang and gochugaru adds a nice kick that cuts through all of the richness of the cheese sauce.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve at least 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

In a large saucepan over medium low heat, gently simmer together milk, heavy cream and cream cheese until the cream cheese has melted.

Step 3

Season with garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper and gochugaru.

Step 4

Simmer for 1-2 minutes and set it aside.

Step 5

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat.

Step 6

Add minced garlic and chopped green onions. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much.

Step 7

Whisk in the flour to create a roux with the garlic and green onion infused butter. Cook for 3-4 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.

Step 8

Gradually whisk in the warm cream mixture you created earlier (if it is no longer warm, heat it before adding it to the roux), ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.

Step 9

Add 1/4 cup of pasta water and 1-2 tbsp of gochujang. Add more gochujang if you would like it to be more spicy.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheeses and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 11

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.

Step 12

Add some warm milk if your mac and cheese is too thick.

Step 13

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 14

Transfer the mac and cheese to your baking dish. Begin with a layer of mac and cheese, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat until you've used all the mac and cheese.

Step 15

For extra cheesiness, use cubed cheese instead of shredded cheese while layering for yummy pockets of cheese when baked.

Step 16

Top with even more shredded cheese (preferably cheddar cheese for a golden crust) and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 17

Garnish with finely chopped green onions if desired. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving!