Macaroni Pie: Caribbean Mac & Cheese Puts Kraft to Shame

Patrick

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I know that everyone has their own way of preparing Macaroni Pie. Do you have your version posted?

Thanks, UC reader Kajmere for this question via our contact page. Well, for those not familiar with Caribbean macaroni pie, I should start by mentioning that it’s a little different from what Americans generally think of when it comes to combining macaroni and cheese.

Last year, Americans spent nearly a billion dollars on Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. A billion… With a “B!”

Now, Steve may correct me on this, but I don’t ever remember being served  Mac & Cheese by my Trinidadian parents at home. In our house, when macaroni came in contact with cheese, it was always in the firm, delicious form of macaroni pie.

Similar to guava cheese, the name “macaroni pie” is a bit of a misnomer. Yes, there is macaroni involved and baking, but it’s far from what could really be considered a pie.

Thankfully, the recipe is quite simple and sure to add a special Caribbean twist to almost any meal. It’s great as a side dish with meats, vegetables, etc. Or you can cut your macaroni pie into smaller cubes (or bake it in a muffin pan) to serve as an appetizer… Just expect rave reviews from guests when entertaining!

Once again, this recipe (though slightly modified) comes from our favorite cookbook: The Naparima Girls’ High School Cookbook, which you can buy for yourself online now at the Uncommon Caribbean Shop.

And remember, if you really want the perfect accompaniment to your macaroni pie, try this simple recipe for callaloo, another traditional West Indian side dish.

Macaroni Pie

Macaroni Pie is basically mac and cheese, but perfected in Trinidad. This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to add some West Indian flare to any meal.

Print

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Macaroni
• 2 Eggs
• 2 cups Grated cheese (we like pepper jack and cheddar)
• 1.5 cups Evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 pinch Grated Nutmeg
• 2 Hot dogs (or Tofu Pups for the vegetarians)

Instructions

1. Start by following the instructions for the macaroni.
2. Cut hot dogs lengthwise, then horizontally into 1/2 inch segments. Fry hot dogs until crispy.
3. Beat the eggs until fluffy.
4. Combine cooked macaroni, hot dogs, and eggs, and everything else (except 1/4 cup of cheese) in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.
5. Pour it all into a greased casserole dish or baking dish. Sprinkle saved 1/4 cup of cheese evenly over the top.
6. Set your oven to 350 degrees. Bake until firm. (approximately 30 minutes) Personally, I like to go a little further until the macaroni on top gets a little brown and crispy.
7. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 248Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 550mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 5gProtein: 13g

Last updated by Patrick Bennett on 01/24/2021.

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