Patrick Oconnell
Caribbean Macaroni and Cheese, also known as Macaroni Pie, is a delicious and indulgent comfort food. It is a unique twist on the traditional macaroni and cheese, packed with herbs, spices, and a few unexpected ingredients such as ketchup and mustard. This dish is a celebration of the creativity and simplicity of home-cooked meals and is often served as a side with fish or stewed meats. With its Caribbean flair, this recipe takes you on a tropical vacation with every bite.
How to Cook Caribbean Macaroni Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Main or Side |
| Cuisine | Caribbean |
| Main Ingredients | Pasta, Cheese, Butter, Eggs, Milk |
| Other Ingredients | Spices, Herbs, Vegetables |
| Equipment | Saucepan, Baking Dish, Oven |
| Preparation Time | Varies, approx. 30 mins |
| Cooking Time | 20-40 mins |
| Servings | 8 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Preparing the pasta
Once the pasta is cooked to your desired texture, drain the water and run the macaroni under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Place the macaroni back into the pot and mix in the cheese. You can use 2.5 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese or 1 cup of aged cheddar and 2 cups of regular cheddar. You can also add butter to the pasta at this stage.
Now your pasta is prepared and ready for the next steps of making Caribbean macaroni cheese!
Cooking Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops: A Tasty Guide
You may want to see also
Making the cheese sauce
To make the cheese sauce for Caribbean macaroni cheese, you will need a large pot or pan. First, shred your cheese. You can use a combination of aged cheddar and regular cheddar, or sharp cheddar. The amount of cheese you'll need will depend on your recipe, but generally, you'll need several cups. Next, dice your bell peppers and onion and cook them in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 8 minutes. Then, add your spices and seasonings. This may include cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and habanero hot sauce. You can also add mustard and ketchup for extra flavour.
In a separate bowl, beat an egg and add cream or evaporated milk. You can also add some of the grated cheese to this mixture. Return to low heat and stir until the mixture is creamy and the cheese has melted, about 2 minutes. Now, add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the macaroni is thoroughly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25 to 30 minutes. For a crispy, golden crust, turn on the broiler and broil for an additional 2 to 5 minutes. Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Delicious Frozen Fish & Cheese: Quick and Easy Cooking
You may want to see also
Combining the sauce and pasta
Once you've cooked your pasta, it's time to combine it with your sauce. First, grate some nutmeg into the cooked pasta. Next, add the pasta to your cheese sauce and fold together until the macaroni is thoroughly coated.
Now, it's time to assemble your macaroni cheese. Grease a baking dish with butter. If you want a thick pie, opt for a smaller dish. Pour the macaroni mixture into the dish. If you want to create layers, spread half of the mixture into the dish, followed by half of your reserved cheese, and then add the remaining macaroni and cheese. Otherwise, simply top the macaroni with the remaining cheese.
For an extra crispy topping, you can also add a layer of breadcrumbs. Cover the dish with tin foil and place it in the oven. For a 9x9-inch baking dish, bake at 350ºF for 25 to 30 minutes. If you're using a 9x13-inch dish, bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. If your macaroni pie is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and remove the foil about 10 minutes before it's finished cooking.
After baking, allow your macaroni pie to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
The Perfect Steak and Cheese: Tender Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Baking the dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or a 9x9-inch or other 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. If you want a thick pie, use a smaller baking dish. For a crispier crust, cover the dish with tin foil. Place the dish in the middle rack of the oven.
Bake for 20 minutes. If your dish is covered with foil, remove it and continue to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. If not, bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in colour. For a crispier crust, turn the oven to broil for the last 3 minutes before removing the pan from the oven.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
The Perfect Cheese Crisp: A Quick, Easy Guide
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
Caribbean Macaroni and Cheese, also known as Macaroni Pie, is a popular dish in the Caribbean and can be served in a variety of ways. It is often eaten as a side dish with fish or stewed meats, but some prefer it as a main dish with a salad on the side.
Macaroni Pie is a great dish for holidays and Sunday dinners, and it can be served as a comforting, indulgent meal for the whole family. It is also a good option for vegetarians if meat is excluded from the recipe.
For a traditional Caribbean experience, serve the Macaroni Pie with a refreshing glass of sorrel, a sweet and tart drink commonly enjoyed at Christmas in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean.
If you're looking for a more filling meal, you can serve the Macaroni Pie with garlic bread or even a side of plantain chips for a true Caribbean flavour.
Finally, for a more comprehensive feast, you could pair the Macaroni Pie with other Caribbean dishes such as rice and peas, jerk chicken, or fried dumplings. This would create a delicious and authentic Caribbean spread.
Spinach and Cheese: A Quick, Easy, and Delicious Dish
You may want to see also
