When Dave and I took our trip to Barbados, we were curious about what Bajan food would be like. Our hotel offered a Bajan buffet by the pool and we were excited to try the local cuisine. The macaroni pie was one of our favorite dishes. The staff said the secret to the recipe is the New Zealand cheddar cheese which is made from grass fed pasteurized cow milk and tastes both buttery and smooth. It may seem curious that mustard and ketchup are in this recipe. But some of the key ingredients spice wise include turmeric and vinegar, which are in mustard. Also, sugar and tomato so ketchup does the trick. There is no doubt that Bajan macaroni pie is a delicious staple in Barbados!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook the macaroni for about 8 minutes until just tender (but not done as the macaroni will continue to cook in the oven). Drain the macaroni and leave in the strainer.
In a sauté pan, melt the butter and add the oil. Sauté the onion and red pepper (if using) until tender. In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add the mustard, ketchup and seasonings. Add the macaroni, onion mixture and the grated cheese (reserving 4 tablespoons for the topping).
Pour the macaroni mix into a greased casserole dish. Top with a mixture of the panko breadcrumbs and cheese. Bake for about 30-45 minutes depending on the depth of the dish. The pie is done when it is brown and bubbly. This serves 6-8 people. Cheers!
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook the macaroni for about 8 minutes until just tender (but not done as the macaroni will continue to cook in the oven). Drain the macaroni and leave in the strainer.
In a sauté pan, melt the butter and add the oil. Sauté the onion and red pepper (if using) until tender. In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add the mustard, ketchup and seasonings. Add the macaroni, onion mixture and the grated cheese (reserving 4 tablespoons for the topping).
Pour the macaroni mix into a greased casserole dish. Top with a mixture of the panko breadcrumbs and cheese. Bake for about 30-45 minutes depending on the depth of the dish. The pie is done when it is brown and bubbly. This serves 6-8 people. Cheers!