White Cheddar Macaroni Pie

A Caribbean classic with a twist!

I have been making macaroni pie--as it's often called in the Caribbean--for years. I vividly remember looking forward to Sunday dinner as a child because of the macaroni and cheese!

Even the pickiest of eaters will likely enjoy this macaroni!

I learned to make this entire dish in seventh grade, but years later I added a twist: white cheddar and whole-wheat macaroni! With its rich, creamy flavor on the inside and its garlic-butter panko topping, this recipe will please even those who claim to like regular pasta most. You can use white macaroni, of course, but I encourage you to try the wheat macaroni as its flavor pairs very well with white cheddar. Wheat will also give you more fiber to balance the cheese!

White Cheddar Macaroni Pie

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. wheat macaroni

• 16 oz shredded white cheddar, divided (2 8-oz bags)

• 12 oz carnation milk (1 can)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup + 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, divided

• 1/4 cup garlic butter (pizzeria garlic cup)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat to 350°F and gather all ingredients.

2. Heat large pot of water, tablespoon of oil, and pinch of salt to boiling.

3. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions or until slightly soft. Pour into casserole dish and cover loosely. Set aside.

4. Heat carnation milk at medium-low heat. Add garlic powder and salt.

5. When small bubbles start to form, add a little cheese and stir until cheese turns to cheese sauce. Repeat this process, adding and stirring, until you have added 12 oz.

6. Pour cheese sauce into casserole dish and mix with macaroni. Add a pinch of panko breadcrumbs and stir again.

7. Top evenly with 1/2 cup cheese (sprinkle around edges then move to center)

8. In small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic butter. Sprinkle over top of macaroni.

9. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
   

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Be sure to leave your review in the comments after trying this recipe. Even the pickiest of eaters will likely enjoy white cheddar macaroni pie! I hope it becomes a family favorite.