Hello Foodies! Welcome to Bahamian Mac and Cheese Recipe. Bahamian Mac and Cheese is a baked, flavorful dish with firm macaroni, vegetables, spices, and a golden, cheesy crust.
I am Neeru and in this post, I am going to cover the Bahamian Mac and Cheese Recipe along with its ingredients, equipment, expert tips, origin, and much more!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Bahamian
- Course: Main Dish
- Servings: 4 People
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
What is the Bahamian Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Bahamian Mac and Cheese is a baked dish from the Bahamas, featuring elbow macaroni mixed with sautéed vegetables, a blend of cheeses, and spices.
Unlike creamy versions, it has a firmer texture, rich flavors, and a golden, cheesy crust, reflecting the vibrant and hearty essence of Bahamian cuisine.
What does Bahamian Mac and Cheese taste like?
Bahamian Mac and Cheese tastes incredible. I savor its rich, cheesy flavor, enhanced by sautéed onions and bell peppers.
The blend of spices adds a subtle kick, while its firm, baked texture, and golden crust make each bite a delightful mix of savory and slightly crunchy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the Bahamian Mac and Cheese Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Bell pepper, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Evaporated milk | 1 cup |
| Egg, beaten | 1 |
| Cheddar cheese, grated | 3 cups (divided) |
| Mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Thyme | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Breadcrumbs (optional) | 1/4 cup |
Equipment You’ll Need
Below I have listed the exact equipment needed for preparing the Traditional Bahamian Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Large Pot: For boiling the macaroni.
- Skillet: To sauté onions and bell peppers.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients and making the cheese mixture.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For baking the mac and cheese.
- Oven: To bake the dish to perfection.
How To Make Bahamian Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In a skillet, sauté finely chopped onion and bell pepper until softened.
Step 4: Prepare Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine evaporated milk, beaten egg, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Mix cooked macaroni, sautéed vegetables, and cheese mixture until well combined.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Bahamian Mac and Cheese!
Few Instruction Images
Serving Suggestions
Below I have listed some serving suggestions for the Homemade Bahamian Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Bahamian Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food.
- Its firm, baked texture and golden crust make it satisfying.
- Serve it with salads, meats, or traditional Bahamian dishes.
- Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness with family and friends.
Storage Techniques
To store Bahamian Mac and Cheese, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze for up to two or three months in a freezer-safe container for extended storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk to retain moisture if needed.
Expert Tips
Below I have mentioned some tips for your Bahamian Macaroni and Cheese Recipe:
- Combine different cheeses to create a more nuanced taste.
- Experiment with adding other vegetables for extra texture.
- Adjust spice levels according to personal preference.
- Make ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
Nutritional Information
Below I have mentioned the nutritional information of the Bahamian Mac n Cheese Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 15g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.
Wrapping Up
To begin making Bahamian Mac and Cheese, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then sauté finely chopped onion and bell pepper.
Prepare the cheese mixture by combining evaporated milk, beaten egg, mustard, spices, and grated cheddar cheese. Mix everything before baking.
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Happy Cooking♥
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Bahamian Mac and Cheese?
Bahamian Mac and Cheese is a baked dish featuring elbow macaroni, sautéed vegetables, spices, and a cheesy, golden crust.
What is Bahamian Mac and Cheese made of?
Bahamian Mac and Cheese consists of elbow macaroni, sautéed onions and bell peppers, spices, evaporated milk, eggs, and cheddar cheese.
Is Bahamian Mac and Cheese spicy?
It can be, depending on the amount of cayenne pepper used. Adjust to taste for desired spice level.
Can I freeze Bahamian Mac and Cheese?
Yes, it freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
What can I serve with Bahamian Mac and Cheese?
It pairs well with salads, grilled meats, and seafood, or as a side to traditional Bahamian dishes.
Recipe Card
Bahamian Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot For boiling the macaroni.
- Skillet To sauté onions and bell peppers.
- Mixing bowl For combining ingredients and making the cheese mixture.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish For baking the mac and cheese.
- Oven To bake the dish to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaron
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 small Onion finely chopped
- 1 small Bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 cup Evaporated milk:
- 1 Egg beaten
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
- Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- In a skillet, sauté finely chopped onion and bell pepper until softened.
Step 4: Prepare Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine evaporated milk, beaten egg, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Mix cooked macaroni, sautéed vegetables, and cheese mixture until well combined.
Step 6: Bake
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Bahamian Mac and Cheese!
