This recipe for Bahamian Mac & Cheese is an easy way to impress your guests with a warm and satisfying meal. This simple dish is a twist on the classic mac and cheese thanks to the addition of a variety of spices to the cheesy sauce. This hearty dish takes very little time to prepare and requires only a handful of basic ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The sauce’s cheesy creaminess and a little hint of spice make for an exquisite combination.
• The meal is elevated from ordinary mac & cheese by the inclusion of flavorful Bahamian spices.
• You just need a few simple ingredients, and the preparation is a breeze.
• The dish’s texture is greatly improved by the topping of breadcrumbs and cheese.
• It’s a fun spin on a traditional meal that’s sure to please.

Is Bahamian Mac And Cheese Healthy?

Bahamian mac & cheese isn’t the healthiest food option. There is a lot of saturated fat and it’s very rich in calories. However, it does provide certain necessary nutrients, such as protein and calcium.

Bahamian Mac And Cheese Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni. Most macaroni and cheese recipes call for elbow macaroni since it’s the most versatile shape. The sauce and other seasonings may seep into its nooks and curves, ensuring that they permeate the whole meal.
• Butter. The sauce is enriched with taste and made silky smooth by the addition of butter, which also helps to thicken it.
• All-Purpose Flour. The sauce can be made thick and smooth with the aid of all-purpose flour.
• Milk. Cheese and milk are a delicious combination because of the milk’s creamy texture and little sweetness.
• Cheddar Cheese. Cheddar cheese enhances a dish’s saltiness, taste, and creamy texture.
• Gouda Cheese. When melted, Gouda cheese imparts a nutty taste and a mushy texture.
• Paprika. Paprika enhances the dish with a smokey taste and a touch of spice.
• Garlic Powder. The flavorful and somewhat spicy garlic powder is a great addition.
• Salt. The addition of salt elevates the taste of all the other components.
• Ground Black Pepper. Black pepper, ground, offers a somewhat spicy flavor and a touch of heat.
• Panko Breadcrumbs. The crunch and texture of Panko breadcrumbs are fantastic.
• Fresh Parsley. Adding some fresh parsley brightens up the dish and gives it a subtle herbaceous taste.

What Pasta Is Ideal For Bahamian Mac And Cheese?

You should use elbow macaroni for cooking Bahamian mac and cheese. This is because its small size makes it ideal for storing cheese sauce and giving the dish a velvety finish. As for the cheese, a blend of cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella is ideal. This blend enhances the dish with a rich flavor and smooth texture.

Best Cheese For Bahamian Mac And Cheese?

Bahamian mac and cheese benefits from the use of sharp cheddar cheese. Its bold taste pairs well with the dish’s other components. To boost the flavor, you can use a different kind of cheese, such as Monterey jack, gouda, or gruyere.

Is Bahamian Mac And Cheese Vegan?

The cheese sauce used in Bahamian mac and cheese is not suitable for vegans. The milk, cheese, and butter in it are to blame for this. Using plant-based milk and vegan cheese (nutritional yeast or vegan cheddar) will make it suitable for vegans.

How To Make Bahamian Mac And Cheese

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Bring to a boil a big saucepan of salted water. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the package until al dente. Drain.
• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the mixture. Cook for two minutes while stirring continuously.
• Add the milk gradually while whisking continually to prevent lumps. Raise the temperature to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, often stirring, for three minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the cheddar and Gouda cheeses until they are melted and blended.
• Stir the macaroni into the cheese sauce once it has been cooked.
• The macaroni and cheese should be poured into the prepared baking dish.
• Combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and panko breadcrumbs in a small bowl. The mixture is sprinkled on top of the macaroni and cheese.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the surface is golden brown.
• Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley leaves. Enjoy!

What To Serve With Bahamian Mac And Cheese?

• Fried Plantain. Bahamian mac & cheese goes well with fried plantain. It enhances the creamy mac and cheese with a sweet and savory flavor. Fried plantains are cooked in a small pan with oil until they are brown and crispy. Accompany the mac and cheese with this tasty and crispy side dish.
• Grilled Fish. Fish that has been grilled is a terrific alternative to the typical mac and cheese because it is both light and healthful. Numerous tasty ingredients, such as garlic and lemon, can be used in the dish’s preparation.
• Sauteed Vegetables. Cooking the veggies in a sauté pan is a terrific method to make the mac and cheese more nutritious. Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms may lend a lot of color to a dish. A crunchier texture will be achieved by adding veggies to the mac and cheese.
• Roasted Potatoes. For a salty contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, try serving it with roasted potatoes. Roasted potatoes may be made by cutting them into quarters, then tossing them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before placing them in the oven to cook. Add some crunch and flavor to your mac & cheese with these potatoes.
• Cornbread. Combining mac and cheese with cornbread’s sweet and salty flavors is a terrific idea. Cornbread is versatile and may be made with a wide range of ingredients and seasonings. This side dish goes wonderfully with mac and cheese.
• Jerk Chicken. Add some heat to your mac & cheese with some jerk chicken. To spice up the mac and cheese, the chicken can be cooked with a variety of spices such as allspice, nutmeg, and garlic.
• Coleslaw. Coleslaw is a wonderful accompaniment to mac & cheese since it is both light and refreshing. Macaroni and cheese can be served with a number of dressings, including mayonnaise, sour cream, or vinegar, for a more complex and savory taste.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Bahamian Mac And Cheese. Add additional heat to the cheese sauce by mixing in some chopped jalapeno peppers and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Lobster Bahamian Mac And Cheese. Add some opulence to your mac and cheese by topping it with some sautéed lobster flesh.
• Bacon And Mushroom Bahamian Mac And Cheese. Toss some cooked bacon and a cup of sautéed mushrooms into the cheese sauce for some more flavor and texture.
• Jerk Bahamian Mac And Cheese. To give the cheese sauce an island flavor, try adding some jerk spice.
• Coconut-Crusted Bahamian Mac And Cheese. Put a crispy topping of coconut flakes, breadcrumbs, and butter on top of the mac and cheese.
• Tropical Bahamian Mac And Cheese. To add a tropical twist to the traditional meal, include chopped mango and pineapple in the cheese sauce.

How To Store Bahamian Mac And Cheese

• In The Fridge. Macaroni and cheese in the style of the Bahamas should be refrigerated in an airtight container. You should never store food in the fridge for longer than three days. Mac and cheese may be stored uncooked for up to two days in the fridge, provided it is sealed tightly and kept in the airtight container it was cooked in.
• In The Freezer. Bahamian mac and cheese may be frozen, but only after it has cooled to room temperature. After the mac and cheese have cooled, store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Don’t forget to write the date and what’s inside on the container label before putting it in the freezer. You may safely freeze Bahamian mac & cheese for up to three months.
• To Reheat. The best way to reheat leftover Bahamian mac & cheese is in the oven. Prepare a 350F oven. Move the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish. Wrap the dish with aluminum foil. Put the mac and cheese in the oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally checking, until the cheese is melted and the dish is hot and bubbling. It’s best to let frozen macaroni and cheese thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating it.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Overnight Mac And Cheese
• No Boil Baked Mac and Cheese

Bahamian Mac And Cheese Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 178.67
• Cholesterol 30.53mg
• Sodium 180.33mg
• Potassium 60.67mg
• Total Carbohydrate 12.53g
• Dietary Fiber 0.85g
• Sugars 0.78g
• Protein 9.58g
• Vitamin C 2%
• Calcium 21%
• Iron 4%