Caribbean Baked Mac & Cheese

I'm sharing an old school Caribbean recipe that's on most holiday tables in some form across the diaspora. In Trinidad, you can find a version made with spaghetti noodles. In Barbados ketchup is a staple ingredient (don't knock it till you've tried it). Macaroni Pie or Macaroni and Cheese as it's called in Guyana is a dish made with cheesy love. Here's a recipe that's super easy to make with big, bold flavors Caribbean style.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni

• 2 cups shredded Gouda cheese

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• 2 large eggs

• 4 tbsp butter, melted

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper diced

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  
  

• Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package instructions (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and toss with the melted butter. Stir in onion and bell pepper while hot then set aside .

  
  

• In a large bowl, whisk together the cheese, whole milk, evaporated milk, eggs, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the macaroni and fold evenly distributing mixture.

  
  

• Pour into a greased baking dish (scrapping all the sides for extra cheese!)

  
  

  Sprinkle reserved cheese over the top of the pan.

  
  

  Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling

• Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes to set before serving. The cheese will melt through, creating a creamy and cheesy bite without needing a sauce.