Trinidadian Macaroni Pie
+5 photos

Trinidadian Macaroni Pie

24 servings
Trinidadian macaroni pie is a crowd-pleasing baked macaroni and cheese recipe that’s especially popular in Trinidad during the holidays.

Ingredients

  • plus 1 teaspoon salt

    divided

    1 tbsp
  • bucatini or elbow macaroni
    1 lb
  • unsalted butter
    2 tbsp
  • cans evaporated milk
    2
  • eggs

    beaten

    2
  • ketchup
    3 tbsp
  • yellow mustard
    2 tbsp
  • neutral cooking oil
    2 tsp
  • yellow onion

    grated

    ¼
  • garlic cloves

    grated on a microplane or pressed in a garlic press

    3 large
  • pimento peppers

    minced, see recipe note

    3
  • black pepper
    1 tsp
  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • cayenne pepper

    optional

    ½ tsp
  • extra sharp white cheddar cheese

    shredded

    8 oz
  • extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese

    shredded

    16 oz

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta, stirring to loosen any clumps of pasta that stick together. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, according to the package directions.  Drain the pasta and return it to the same pot. Add the butter and toss until the butter is completely melted and the pasta is coated. Cover the pot with a lid and set aside off the heat as you continue to prep the remaining ingredients.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    While the pasta cooks, whisk together the evaporated milk, eggs, ketchup, and mustard in a 4-cup measuring cup or medium bowl until combined. Set aside.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Heat the oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and pimento peppers and sauté until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Add the aromatics to the pasta along. Season with the black pepper, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper, if using. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings distribute well throughout the pasta.  Pour the milk mixture over the pasta and give it a good stir. Add about 3/4 of the cheese, a little at a time. Continue to mix until all the cheese is mixed in (it does not have to be completely melted).  Transfer to a 9x12 or 9x13-inch baking dish or aluminum foil pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Cover the baking dish or pan with a piece of aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until it’s golden brown and bubbling on top, about another 20 minutes. If you’d like a dark golden crust, let it bake an additional 5 to 6 minutes. If you shake the pan gently, the macaroni should not jiggle.  Love the recipe? Leave us stars below!

    Step 6
Trinidadian Macaroni Pie
+5

Trinidadian Macaroni Pie

4.5(2)85 min24 servings214 cal

Similar Recipes

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie

Easy Chicken Pot Pie is a delicious, filling, and comforting dish packed with plenty of chicken and vegetables. Premade crust makes it easy!

85 minutes532 kcal
Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe - comfort food at its best! This delicious dish combines tender chicken and mixed veggies in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with golden Cheddar Bay biscuits. Perfect for cozy family dinners, it's packed with savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this pot pie is a must-try!

40 minutes6 servings
Samosa Pie

Samosa Pie

Hot water pastry crusts — technically made with boiling water — are the secret behind classic savory British pies that bake up unfathomably tall, stand on their own power and don’t crumble when sliced. Boiling water creates a silky, sturdy dough that is a breeze to roll and form, and also to flavor. This pie from the British author and television host Nadiya Hussain riffs on the lamb samosas she grew up eating with her Bangladeshi family. Here, Ms. Hussain’s turmeric-infused crust turns a brilliant golden brown as the pie bakes.

543 kcal
Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie

Impress your guests with this creamy & delicious Sweet Potato Pie recipe! It adds the perfect touch to finish your Thanksgiving meal.

3.7 hours8 servings421 kcal
One Pot "Stick of Butter" Tortellini

One Pot "Stick of Butter" Tortellini

This one pot meal is so easy and delicious that you will need extra bread to sop all that sauce up from your plate!

27 minutes
Best Chicken Pot Pie

Best Chicken Pot Pie

The BEST Chicken Pot Pie you will ever taste with a flaky, buttery crust and chicken and vegetables in a creamy herbed gravy. It is the most well-loved meal in our own house AND on the blog.

120 minutes455 kcal
Tourtiere (French Canadian Meat Pie)

Tourtiere (French Canadian Meat Pie)

Chef John's version of this Christmas Eve staple is incredibly simple to make, with a homemade flaky crust and a spiced pork, beef, and potato filling.

2.3 hours768 kcal
Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie

In this hearty and satisfying meal, ground beef is smothered in a delicious and thick gravy along with carrots, onions, celery and peas, then covered in creamy mashed potatoes and baked. Known for being freezer friendly, easy to make and economical, this recipe stretches its simple ingredients to feed many mouths. For variation, try using other vegetables in the base and swapping in sweet potatoes for the topping.

120 minutes6 servings584 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 2 ratings

simplyrecipes.com
4.5(2 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food to grace your holiday table or next family gathering? This Trinidadian Macaroni Pie delivers a rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying baked macaroni and cheese that’s a true celebration dish, perfect for feeding a crowd.

What truly sets this Trinidadian Macaroni Pie apart is its harmonious blend of two extra sharp cheddar cheeses – both white and yellow – creating an incredibly flavorful and gooey interior. The unique combination of evaporated milk with savory aromatics like grated onion, garlic, and distinctive pimento peppers elevates this recipe beyond your everyday mac and cheese, making it a special, crowd-pleasing classic.

Prepare for a decadent and hearty dish that captivates with every forkful. You'll love the perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce, offering a subtle savory depth and a comforting warmth from paprika and optional cayenne pepper. The result is a golden-brown pie with a rich, inviting texture and a comforting aroma, making it a beloved tradition during the holidays in Trinidad.

While the recipe offers a choice between bucatini or elbow macaroni, you can select your preference based on the texture you enjoy most or what you have on hand. For those who prefer a milder flavor, remember that the cayenne pepper is entirely optional, allowing you to tailor the spice level to your liking without compromising the authentic taste.

This substantial dish shines as a festive centerpiece during holidays and family gatherings, effortlessly feeding a large group and bringing smiles to everyone at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions