Bahamian Macaroni
Bahamian Macaroni is a creamy, cheesy casserole with green peppers, celery, and onions, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings that love rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat eggs, then add butter and finely chopped vegetables (celery, green pepper, onion).
- Grate 2 packages of sharp cheese on a plate.
- Cook macaroni until done, then drain without rinsing.
- Put hot macaroni into the bowl with the egg mixture, butter, and vegetables.
- Add in the shredded cheese and mix well until the butter and cheese are melted.
- Pour in 3 cups of milk and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Grate the last brick of cheese and sprinkle on top.
- Bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Yellow Cheese(Soft Cheese) in addition to sharp cheese. If you're out of whole milk, evaporated milk can serve as a great substitute. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Make sure to finely chop the vegetables to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bahamian Macaroni as a hearty main dish alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Fruit Bites for a light dessert. For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. This dish also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual servings until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bahamian Macaroni contains roughly 406 calories, with 9g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne macaroni with other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type, ensuring it's al dente before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Bahamian Macaroni is a vegetarian-friendly dish as it primarily contains pasta, cheese, and vegetables. Just ensure that the cheese used is rennet-free to maintain its vegetarian status, and consider adding more veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaroni mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, ensuring even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).