Unbelievably Delicious Macaroni Pie ๐ง๐ถ๏ธ
Overview:
- Name: Unbelievably Delicious Macaroni Pie
- Category: One Dish Meal
- Keywords: Cheese, Caribbean, High In…, Weeknight, Oven, Freezer, < 4 Hours, Easy
- Rating: โญโญโญโญโญ (5/5)
- Review Count: 16
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 617.6
- Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat: 32.7g
- Saturated Fat: 19.8g
- Cholesterol: 117.8mg
- Sodium: 584.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 54.2g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Protein: 26.5g
Description:
Brace yourself for a journey to the heart of Caribbean flavor with this Unbelievably Delicious Macaroni Pie! This dish, a cherished gem from my childhood, has been lovingly perfected over years of culinary exploration. It’s a staple at family dinners, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
In Jamaica, we add a kick of heat with Scotch Bonnet peppers, but don’t worry, you can tailor the spice level to your preference. This versatile recipe allows for endless experimentation with seasonings until you find the blend that sets your taste buds dancing.
Not just a main course, this macaroni pie can also be sliced into delightful squares and served as appetizers on toothpicks, perfect for any gathering. And here’s the best part โ it freezes like a dream and tastes even better as leftovers, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb macaroni
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 onion
- 2 scallions
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 green pepper
- 1 hot chili pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook the macaroni in salted water until it is well done but not soggy. |
| 2 | Drain well. |
| 3 | Place the onion, garlic, scallion, green pepper, and hot pepper in a blender with a little milk and puree. Set aside. |
| 4 | Take out 1 cup of grated cheese and mix with breadcrumbs. Set aside. |
| 5 | Grease a 10″x6″ casserole dish with a bit of butter. |
| 6 | Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). |
| 7 | Mix the hot macaroni with the butter until all the butter is melted. |
| 8 | Add the remaining cheese and the seasoning mixture, and mix until the melted cheese forms a sauce. |
| 9 | Once well incorporated, add the egg and mix thoroughly. |
| 10 | Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with breadcrumb/cheese mixture. |
| 11 | Slowly pour the remaining evaporated milk over the top, ensuring not to overflow. |
| 12 | Let it stand for about 15 minutes for the milk to be absorbed. |
| 13 | Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crusty, and the milk has been absorbed. |
| 14 | Allow it to cool for another 15 minutes before serving. |
Tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding cooked bacon or diced ham to the macaroni mixture before baking.
- If you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to omit the hot chili pepper or adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique twist on this classic dish. Gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack can add exciting flavors.
- To make ahead, assemble the pie up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow baking instructions.
Indulge in the irresistible comfort of this Unbelievably Delicious Macaroni Pie โ a dish that will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite in your home! ๐ฝ๏ธโจ
