Caribbean Macaroni Pie

So I just got back from Trinidad for the start of Carnival season. And other than a lifetime of memories, I brought back a taste for this Caribbean Macaroni Pie. If you’re a baked mac ’n cheese head like me, you need to tap in with my easy recipe made just for you!

Mac ’n cheese is one of my all time favorite foods. Even when it’s not the best, I still find some joy in eating it. Kinda weird right? But not to worry with my Trini style Caribbean Macaroni Pie recipe because it is valid!

Maybe it’s the easy mac style noodles, the bite of sharp cheddar, or maybe the island flavor of green seasoning. Whatever it is, Caribbean Macaroni Pie is hands down one of my favorite ways to enjoy baked mac ’n cheese.

And for all my cheese sauce & roux lovers…yup, it’s made using eggs! #LetsVibe

Ingredients

2 boxes easy mac style mac ’n cheese (like Kraft)
or 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles

2 tablespoons butter

Cheese Blend

1/2 lb yellow sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 lb white sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 lb colby jack cheese

Custard Ingredients

12 oz evaporated milk
not sweetened condensed milk

2 eggs

1 tablespoon ketchup

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

2 tablespoons caribbean green seasoning

1/2 tablespoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
or seasoned salt

Instructions
Makes 12-16 servings

Discard cheese powder packets that come with easy mac
We only need the noodles for their long straight shape

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Coat 9x13” baking dish with non-stick spray & set aside

Boil 2 boxes easy mac noodles according to package instructions

Freshly shred each cheese from cheese blend ingredients & mix to combine

Set aside 2 cups of cheese blend in separate dish to be used later as topping

Add each measured custard ingredient to a small mixing bowl, whisk to combine & set aside

Drain pasta water from cooked noodles & do not rinse rinse noodles
The extra starch will help the macaroni pie set

Transfer un-rinsed noodles to large mixing bowl & mix-in butter to coat noodles

Add already combined custard ingredients to buttered noodles & mix to coat noodles in custard

Add already combined cheese blend (minus 2 cups) to custard coated noodles & mix to combine well

Transfer from mixing bowl to baking dish & spread in an even layer

Top evenly with remaining cheese blend & bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees

Remove from oven & allow to cool at least 30 minutes to set

Cut into squares to serve & enjoy!