Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 6 cups chopped kimchi, squeezed dry
  • 5 1/2 cubes whole milk
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound grated Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 pound shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Method

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Rinse macaroni with cold water and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease one 4-quart casserole dish with 1 tablespoon butter.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in microwave and mix with bread crumbs.
  • Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large, high-sided pan over medium heat. Add flour once bubbling; whisk for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the warm milk. Whisk until sauce thickens slightly.
  • Remove sauce from heat and stir in Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add the macaroni; stir to coat. Mix in the drained kimchi. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned on top, about 20 minutes.