Bajan Macaroni Pie (Baked Macaroni and Cheese)
Local name: Macaroni pie
In short: Barbadian baked macaroni and cheese set firm enough to slice, with sharp cheddar, evaporated milk, mustard and a golden crust. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 375 kcal
Macaroni pie is the side dish no Bajan Sunday lunch is complete without. Unlike creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese, it is baked until firm enough to cut into squares, with a golden cheese crust and an edge that is a little crisp. A spoonful of ketchup and mustard in the custard gives it a sharpness that is particularly Barbadian. Serve it with baked chicken, rice and peas, and salad.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Butter a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish.
- Boil the macaroni in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package says, so it stays slightly firm. Drain well.
- Melt the butter in a small pan and cook the onion for 3 minutes until soft.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, evaporated milk, ketchup, mustard, pepper, salt and hot sauce until smooth.
- Add the macaroni, onion and two thirds of the cheese and stir well. Pour into the dish and spread level.
- Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden with darker edges.
- Rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares, so the pie firms up.
Tips
- Use a sharp, well-flavored cheddar. Mild cheese makes a bland pie, and part of the cheese can be swapped for a harder cheese like Edam.
- The ketchup and mustard are the traditional Bajan touch, but they are subtle. Increase the mustard if you like a sharper pie.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between macaroni pie and mac and cheese?
Macaroni pie is baked in an egg and evaporated milk custard until firm enough to slice. American-style mac and cheese is usually saucy and creamy.
Can I make macaroni pie ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it a day ahead, cover and chill, then bake 10 minutes longer. Leftovers keep for 4 days and reheat well in slices.
Can I freeze macaroni pie?
Yes. Freeze cooked, cooled squares wrapped individually for up to 2 months, and reheat from frozen in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 20 minutes.
How long does it take to make Bajan Macaroni Pie (Baked Macaroni and Cheese)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bajan Macaroni Pie (Baked Macaroni and Cheese)?
About 375 kcal per serving, with 19 g of protein, 32 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 375 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
