I grew up eating breadfruit in a number of ways, but only as an adult when we visited Tobago some years ago, did I have my first delicious encounter with breadfruit pie. It was a long day of driving around the island, when we stopped at Jemma’s Seaview Kitchen for a late lunch. The stewed fish with this amazing breadfruit pie hit the spot and with the soothing sound of the waves crashing just feet away.. the ‘ritis’ kicked in. Since that day I vowed to come up with a recipe for breadfruit pie to equal what we enjoyed that memorable day.
You’ll Need…
1 breadfruit (about 4lbs)
1.5 cups evaporated milk
2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
1 cup grated “medium” cheddar
1/2 cup Monterrey jack Cheese
3 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
1/4 scotch bonnet pepper diced fine
pinch of nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* salt the water when cooking the breadfruit (1/4 teaspoon)
Notes: Top with bread crumbs (optional).. reserve 1/4 cup of cheddar to top the mix before going in the oven. You may need an extra 1/4 cup of liquid (milk, cream or water) to thin the cheese sauce if it goes too thick. You can use your favorite type of cheese to personalize this dish if you wanted. Remember to wear gloves when handling scotch bonnet peppers and wash your hands with soap immediately after. Do NOT include any seeds as that’s where most of the heat is.
We’ve got to pre-boil the breadfruit before we can assemble it in the pie for baking. Cut off the stem part, then rest that flat side down on your counter and cut into wedges. Then peel the skin off with a potato peeler or sharp pairing knife. The final step is to remove the sort of spongy center (almost like the continuation of the stem), so you’re left with a wedge that all breadfruit meat.
Rinse with cool water, place in a deep pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, salt and allow to cook until it’s tender. It will take about 20 minutes and as it boils you’ll notice it will change color (a bit darker). To be sure it’s fully cooked, pierce with a sharp knife and make sure there’s no resistance. Drain and set aside to cool a bit.
In another sauce pan heat the butter on low heat, then as it melts add the flour and cook for about 4-5 minutes. It’s important that you constantly whisk it, so the flour does not clump or burn. Now add the evaporated milk, turn up the heat to medium and whisk. Add all the other ingredients (except the breadfruit.. remember to save back a bit of cheese for topping) and cook for a couple minutes. Until you have a thick, but smooth sauce. Remember to add a bit more liquid if it’s overly thick.
It’s now time to assemble the breadfruit pie. Slice each wedge of cooked breadfruit about 1/4 inch thick, then place a layer onto a greased cooking dish. Add a layer of cheese, then another layer of sliced breadfruit and top with the remaining cheese sauce. Sprinkle on the grated cheese we reserved.
Place on the middle rack of a pre-heated 350F oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Since I used a shallow baking dish I placed it onto a cookie sheet, so it would be easy to remove from the oven and if any cheese bubbled over, it wouldn’t cause a mess in my oven. After 30 minutes I turned on my broiler and let it go for 2-3 minutes to give it that wicked golden touch on top.
Allow it to cool for a couple minute to really set, then dig in. This breadfruit pie would be enough to serve 5-6 people as a side dish. I assure you that this one will be a hit with your family. The lovely texture or the breadfruit, combined with that wicked cheese sauce we made and the slight zing for the scotch bonnet peppers, will have you wanting more. The first time I put this one together it took me right back to that day we had lunch in Tobago… the only thing missing was the sound of the waves and cool ocean breeze.
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Chris! Would you believe I just received two breadfruits from a friend do I will definitely be trying this recipe. I live in Tobago and knows about Jemma’s pie. Have always wanted a breadfruit pie recipe. Thank you so much Chris.
Thanks for this awesome recipe. The aroma of the cheese sauce was awesome. I added grated ginger to mine. love your recipes .Will keep trying them.
Very interesting cook videos. I’m enjoying your shows.
anyone have suggestions on a good company to use to import breadfruit into the states? we’ve been trying for years to find someone local to bring it in with no success…
I followed the recipe however substituted it with potato an it was just as delicious
I now live in Tobago and love breadfruit. I have been to Jemma’s and love their breadfruit pie. Now with your recipe I intend to have my own pie. Thanks.
This was a wonderful idea for breadfruit. I followed your recipe and thoroughly enjoyed the result. My husband absolutely loved the dish. Thanks a million!
Hi, I have just moved to Trinidad and we have a huge Breadfruit tree in our garden so today I baked your Breadfruit pie and it is wonderful hate I didn’t cook them last year.this recipe will be on my menu more often,yum. Thanks for the recipe.
I’ve never had breadfruit pe before as a lover of this wonderful fruit i am foinf to try this receipe.
Chris…I made this recipe a few months ago, and it was FANTASTIC.
My kids were up for thanksgiving from the city (I live near Fenelon Falls) and brought two breadfruit.
What do you think of making this and freezing?
Thanks,
Bajan…
realy the best breadfruit pie i ever had thnx for shareing the recipe
hello great recipe. I am a student and I will be using it for my foodservice project but i wanted to know how many people can it serve.
forgive my spelling and errors,that why you should always read over and edit. thanks
my doctor told me that breadfruit is a complete food, full of nutrients. i love them,can't find a nice one here but as soon as as someone bring up one, i am trying this receipec a calories or not. thank you.
Chris, I love your recipes! Do you have any cookbooks for us to purchase? If so, I want all of them!!
Ahhh what another wonderfully delicious way to enjoy BREADFRUIT.Mmmmmm thank you Chris.
Am looking forward in trying out the Breadfruit Pie'' It looks quite delicious' I love boiled and roast breadfruit with saltfish and steamfish
normally i grate or mash the breadfruit and i also add salt fish to mine very delicious
Have never tried breadfruit pie like this – like scalloped potatoes 🙂 Generally the breadfruit (or greenfig!) will be mashed with the milk and cheese and butter etc and baked like that. I love breadfruit anyway anyhow.
Our organization Trees That Feed Foundation is working hard to plant breadfruit trees in tropical countries. We also know that we have to help spread the excitement about Breadfruit as a great food source. You have created a great recipe thank you. We appreciate it as this will help take breadfruit from the home kitchen to the best restaurants in the Caribbean. Keep them coming. If you want to experiment with dried shredded breadfruit I am happy to send you some. __ Mary McLaughlin 312 933 0241__
Our organization Trees That Feed Foundation is working hard to plant breadfruit trees in tropical countries. We also know that we have to help spread the excitement about Breadfruit as a great food source. You have created a great recipe thank you. We appreciate it as this will help take breadfruit from the home kitchen to the best restaurants in the Caribbean. Keep them coming. If you want to experiment with dried shredded breadfruit I am happy to send you some.
Mary McLaughlin 312 933 0241
We have a bread fruit tree and my all time favorite is oil down with pig tail and carrots/ dasheen bush but I certainly try this. Thanks for sharing.
Breadfruit will be in season here in about a month. I will certainly be trying this recipe out. Any idea what the calorie count would be for something like this? LOL