Kimchi Bacon Mac and Cheese

Super easy and super cheesy. It can even be made using lactose free ingredients so you won't have to worry about a tummy ache. This recipe only takes about 15-20 minutes to make and has a really delicious and unique flavor that I absolutely love. If you are looking to level up your mac and cheese, this is a great option.

About the Recipe

Don't you hate it when recipes start with someone's entire life story... yeah me too. I'm never gonna do that. If you need help finding lactose free ingredients, please take a look at the database tab.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (half a box) of pasta - use any shape you want

• 6 oz of bacon

• 3 Tbsp butter (lactose free options shown in the database linked above)

• 2 Tbsp flour

• 1.5 Cups whole milk (lactose free options shown in the database linked above)

• 1/4 Cup pasta water

• 1 Tsp Sodium Citrate (optional, but recommended)

• 16 oz of Shredded Cheddar Cheese (lactose free options shown in the database linked above)

• 1 packet of Sazon

• 1 Tbsp of sesame oil

• 1/4 Cup of Kimchi (at least - add more if your heart desires)

• Optional black sesame seeds for garnish

• Salt to taste

Preparation

1. Boil a large pot of water and cook your pasta according to the directions on the package. Remember to save 1/4 cup of the pasta water right before straining the pasta.

2. While the pasta cooks, chop your bacon into small pieces and cook in a small pot or sauce pan over medium heat.

3. Once the bacon is fully cooked and crispy, remove the bacon from the pan using a slotted spoon so the rendered bacon fat remains in the pan. Set the bacon aside in a small bowl. We will add it back in later.

4. Add the butter and flour to the bacon fat in the pan, and cook for 2 minutes and stir well so the ingredients are fully comnbined and there aren't clumps of flour.

5. Lower your heat to the low setting and add the whole milk and reserved pasta water to the pot and stir again until combined.

6. Add the sodium citrate if you have it. Sodium citrate helps the milk and cheese bond together giving you an incedibly smooth and creamy sauce. It's a huge upgrade to cheese sauces so I highly recommend ordering some. I've linked the one I use in the ingredients.

7. Slowly add the shredded cheese, and keep stirring to allow the cheese to fully melt before adding more.

8. Once all of your cheese is melted into the sauce, add one packet of Sazon. Sazon is my quick and easy hack for making a delicious mac and cheese with a beautiful orange color. I have also linked Sazon in the ingredients if you need to order some.

9. Turnnoff the heat and add the sesame oil, bacon and kimchi. Stir until combined and season with salt to taste.

10. Garnish with more kimchi and black sesame seeds if desired.