Bahamian Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
• 2 tablespoons (20g) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (20g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) milk 2 cups (470ml) milk
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (25g) breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (25g) breadcrumbs

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
2. 2.
   Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. 4.
   Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, thyme, paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined.
7. 7.
   Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Elbow macaroni — Cook the macaroni until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite when baked.
• Cheddar cheese — Use a good quality cheddar cheese for a rich and flavorful macaroni and cheese.
• Thyme — Use dried thyme for convenience, but if you have fresh thyme, feel free to use it for an even more vibrant flavor.
• Breadcrumbs — Opt for panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Monterey Jack, to create your own unique flavor profile.
• To make it a heartier meal, add cooked bacon or diced ham to the macaroni and cheese before baking.
• For a golden and extra crispy crust, broil the macaroni and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, but the texture may be slightly different.

Serving advice

Serve the Bahamian Baked Macaroni & Cheese as a main dish accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives over the baked macaroni and cheese before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.