Trinidad Macaroni Pie

Trinidad Macaroni Pie- Baked mac and cheese- the Caribbean Way – with tons of flavor. Comfort food never tasted so good! Add a little spice to your life.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine caribbean

Keyword caribbean, mac and cheese, side

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings 8

Ingredients

8 ounce uncooked Macaroni
2 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1-2 tablespoon jalapenos pepper minced seeded
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon thyme
½ cup finely diced onion
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup evaporated milk
1 egg
4 ounce mozzarella cheese grated
4 ounce sharp cheddar cheese  grated
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white pepper I used some seasoned pepper and fresh ground
½ teaspoons dry mustard

Instructions

Cook macaroni according to package directions.Be sure to salt water before cooking.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, sauté the garlic, thyme, Jalapeno pepper, smoked paprika for about 1 minute in 2 tablespoons butter.
Then add onions and continue cooking for about a minute more.
Proceed by adding the flour; whisk until blended. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until mixture thickens. Remove about ¼ cup of the mixture and slowly whisk with the egg making sure it doesn’t curdle. Dump the tempered egg back into the pan.and mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
Stir in more than half of the cheese (leave the rest to sprinkle on top) .
Drain macaroni and add to sauce; stir until coated. Add mustard and white pepper .Adjust seasonings. Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish or 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top . Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 -30 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

If you would like super creamy add an extra 1/2 cup of whole milk. I usually double this recipe. I top mine with more jalapeño peppers.

This recipe is not too firm or too creamy. It is just right. Gooey enough when it comes out of the oven and firm enough to slice when it cools down.