Transport your taste buds to the vibrant islands of the Bahamas with this rich and savory Bahamian Mac and Cheese recipe! Indulge in the bold flavors of sharp cheddar, fresh onions, bell peppers, and a hint of spice for a uniquely Caribbean twist. Bake this island-inspired dish to golden perfection, creating a crispy, cheesy crust that’s utterly irresistible.
Check out other delicious Mac and Cheese recipes with heat, like my Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese and Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese. Replace the pasta with veggies with my Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, or make a nutritious version with my Protein Mac and Cheese recipe. Make a more tradition macaroni side dish with my Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe.
Ingredients
Find below the list of ingredients used to make my Bahamian Mac and Cheese. Note that this recipe is traditionally made with fresh Habanero Peppers, but due to their lack of availability in my rural grocery stores, I used banana peppers instead.
- Elbow Macaroni
- Butter
- Grated Cheddar Cheese
- Evaporated Milk
- Eggs
- Bell Pepper
- Yellow Onion
- Smoked Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pickled Hot Banana Peppers or a fresh Habanero Pepper
- Panko Crumbs
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375F and have a 9"x13" baking dish ready to go.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni as per the directions on the package.
2. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl and the mix in the evaporated milk.
3. Drain the cooked pasta and return the pasta to the pot. Add the pieces of butter to the pasta and stir in the butter until melted.
4. Add 3 cups of the grated cheese to the macaroni and stir it in.
5. Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, banana peppers, and spices to the pot.
6. Pour the egg mixture into the pot and stir to combine.
7. Coat the baking pan with non-stick spray. Transfer the macaroni mixture into the pan and flatten the top.
8. Sprinkle the top of the dish with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheese, and the panko crumbs.
Bake the Bahamian Mac and Cheese uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the baked dish from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes. Cut the Mac and Cheese into squares and serve warm as a side dish, or even as a main with a side salad.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pasta - Use small shell pasta, spiral macaroni, Penne, or Ziti pasta.
- Cheese - Replace the Sharp Cheddar with any of grated cheese. I suggest grating your own cheese, due to the pre-grated cheese not melted as well.
- Bacon - Although not traditionally found in Bahamian Mac and Cheese, try stirring in 2 cups of cooked bacon bits with the macaroni before placing in the dish.
Storage
Store any leftover Bahamian Mac and Cheese in an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
Recipe
Bahamian Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 450 grams Raw Elbow Macaroni
- 354 ml Evaporated Milk
- 4 large Eggs
- ½ cup Plant Butter
- 4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated, divided
- 1 large Bell Pepper cored and diced
- 1 large White Onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup Pickled Hot Banana Peppers finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Smoke Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoon Dry Oregano
- ⅓ cup Panko Crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F and have a 9"x13" baking dish ready to go.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni as per the directions on the package.
- Whisk the eggs in a large bowl and the mix in the evaporated milk. Set aside.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return the pasta to the pot. Add the pieces of butter to the pasta and stir in the butter until melted.
- Add 3 cups of the grated cheese to the macaroni and stir it in.
- Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, banana peppers, and spices to the pot.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pot and stir to combine.
- Coat the baking pan with non-stick spray. Transfer the macaroni mixture into the pan and flatten the top.
- Sprinkle the top of the dish with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheese, and the panko crumbs.
- Bake the Bahamian Mac and Cheese uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the baked dish from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
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