Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente (it should still be slightly firm), as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir.
Bajan Macaroni Pie (Barbados Macaroni Pie)
- Total time - 55 minutes
- Preparation - 15 minutes
- Bake time - 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Country: Barbados
In Barbados, this dish is revered. Unlike American mac and cheese, Macaroni Pie is baked whole, resulting in a firm, creamy structure with a crispy crust. Use a good sharp Cheddar, ideally New Zealand Anchor Cheddar if available, for the best flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 450 g macaroni (elbow or long tube)
- 500 g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 500 ml evaporated milk (2 cans)
- 0.33 cups ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 piece small onion, grated or very finely diced
- 1 piece egg, beaten
- salt and black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon chili sauce or cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing and pasta)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
Step 2: Sauce and Mixing
In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg. Add the evaporated milk, ketchup, yellow mustard, grated onion, and optional chili sauce. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Assembling the Pie
Add most of the grated cheese (about 400 g) to the pot with the pasta and pour the milk mixture over it. Stir well to ensure all pasta is coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture.
Step 4: Baking
Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cream inside is set and bubbling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting.