Reddit's Trendy Mac And Cheese Add-On That Spices Up A Classic

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Mac and cheese has long been the archetypal comfort food — creamy, indulgent, and just simple enough to whip up after a long day. And online, it's been getting a dramatic, spicy upgrade. On Reddit, one home cook shared their experiment of folding Buldak Carbonara ramen sauce into mac and cheese, transforming the dish into something simultaneously familiar and fired up. This quick mac upgrade requires no extra work, just a generous shake of the hot Buldak Carbonara sauce (either the sauce bought individually or that which comes in a Buldak ramen packet) into a pan with butter, garlic, cream, cheese, and noodles for a dish that is rich and velvety with plenty of heat.

The Buldak brand itself has leaned into this very hack, encouraging fans to add Buldak Carbonara sauce to its mac for what it calls a "bold and unforgettable" twist (per Buldak). If you don't have Buldak on hand, you can also use other hot sauces for a similar elevation — think sriracha or even a heavy dose of Tabasco. And there's no need to stop there — you can layer in even more complexity, adding gochujang chili paste for extra spice and smokiness or folding in thick slices of mozzarella for maximum cheese power. Feel free to add in some freshly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even some diced peanuts for crunch. You can also whip this up with your highest-ranked boxed mac and cheese for ultimate ease in a dish that is both comforting and bold.

Buldak is not only the perfect addition to your mac and cheese, but to your pantry at large. The South-Korean-owned ramen and hot sauce brand has endless flavors ready for remixing. The Carbonara flavor is particularly flexible, with a creamy sauce and a heat that's more rounded than searing, making it an ideal complement for everything from seared mushrooms to mozzarella cheese. Try the carbonara sauce drizzled over your breakfast — fry up a piece of toast, top it with a runny egg, and some slices of ham for a morning that starts with plenty of heat — reminiscent of sugar-topped Korean street toast. Toss the sauce over chewy rice cakes, drizzle it over french fries, layer it on chicken wings, or use it to add some kick to your favorite cheesy pizza.

Don't be shy about using the spices in the ramen packet as well — take a spicy meatball recipe and make it Buldak hot by swapping out the usual paprika, cumin, and mint for Buldak sauce and seasonings. The result is a meatball with heat and plenty of depth. Or use the packets to make an easy, fiery marinade for your crispy grilled cauliflower by whisking Buldak seasoning with a little sesame oil and soy sauce. The spice packets can even be mixed into a mayonnaise with garlic and sesame oil for a modified spicy aioli.

And if you want to really use the entire ramen packet — seasonings, the sauce, and the noodles– creators online have plenty of ingenious ideas. Try Buldak bacon rolls: wrap kimchi and Buldak Carbonara noodles inside strips of bacon, then bake or pan-fry for a smoky, spicy, tangy flavor bomb. Or make spicy rice balls by chopping the noodles, mixing them with rice, and wrapping the fiery combo around a soft-boiled egg for an addictive handheld snack.