Go Back
–+ servings
Macaroni Pie in a serving dish

Caribbean Macaroni Pie (Baked Macaroni and Cheese)

A rich and savory baked pasta dish layered with creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and a golden breadcrumb topping, is a true Caribbean comfort food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Breads & Bakes, Side Dishes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb bucatini pasta
  • 1 stick butter divided
  • 5-8 strips bacon fried crispy, chopped
  • 2 pimento peppers finely diced
  • 1/2 bird’s eye pepper finely diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups aged cheddar cheese grated
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic crushed, grated, or finely diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper diced
  • 2 stalks scallions chopped
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
  • 1-2 tablespoons butter for greasing the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    boiled macaroni pie in pot
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 20–30 seconds. Add the breadcrumbs and toast, stirring well. Reduce heat to low, add the chopped parsley, mix, and remove from heat. Set aside.
    toasted breadcrumbs and bacon in pan
  4. In a deep saucepan, melt the remaining butter over low heat. Add the pimento peppers, bird’s eye pepper, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring continuously.
  5. Add the black pepper and salt to the saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook for another 3–4 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
    flour added to sauce
  6. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. If needed, return the pan to the burner for 1–2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  7. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2/3 of the grated cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the chopped scallions and mix well.
    grated cheese added to sauce
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, folding gently to combine. Grate the nutmeg into the mixture and stir.
    pasta added to cheese sauce
  9. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.
    pasta cheese mixture added to baking dish
  10. Top the macaroni with half of the reserved cheese, followed by half of the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
    macaroni topped with more cheese
  11. Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
    baked macaroni pie with golden crust
  12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
    macaroni pie with portion scooped out

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!