Bahamas Mac and Cheese Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

When you think of comfort food, mac and cheese immediately comes to mind, but have you ever experienced the vibrant and tropical twist of the Bahamas Mac and Cheese? This recipe brings together the creamy, cheesy goodness you love with a burst of Caribbean flavor that makes every bite feel like a mini-vacation.

Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Bahamas, this dish combines tender pasta with a luscious cheese sauce, enriched with island spices and a hint of sweetness. It’s the perfect way to elevate a classic favorite and impress your family or guests with something both familiar and exciting.

This Bahamas Mac and Cheese recipe is not just about taste; it’s about embracing the spirit of the islands through food. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, craving a cozy night in, or looking to try a new twist on an old favorite, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Plus, it’s straightforward enough for even novice cooks to master. Let’s dive in and explore why this Caribbean-inspired comfort food deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bahamas Mac and Cheese recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and creamy textures that blend seamlessly for a mouthwatering experience. What sets it apart from your typical mac and cheese is the addition of island spices like nutmeg and a touch of sweetness from condensed milk, which enhances the cheese sauce beautifully.

It’s incredibly versatile, making it a great side dish for grilled seafood or a hearty main course on its own. The recipe is also easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or even some protein additions like shrimp or jerk chicken if you want to get creative.

Best of all, this dish is incredibly comforting and satisfying, perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant taste will transport you straight to the warm Caribbean shores with every forkful.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Whisk
• Baking dish (about 9×13 inches)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
• Cheese grater

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
3. Prepare the cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in the warm milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Continue whisking and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the condensed milk and spices: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, mustard powder, nutmeg, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well to combine and heat through gently.
5. Incorporate the cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated.
8. Assemble and bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For an extra tropical twist, consider adding diced cooked ham or sautéed shrimp to the pasta before baking.

If you want a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. For a richer flavor, mix in some cream cheese or swap half the cheddar for smoked gouda.

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

For a vegan or dairy-free version, check out our guide on substituting nuts in vegan cheese recipes and our recipe for vegan pepper jack cheese slices.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Bahamas Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled jerk chicken or spicy Caribbean shrimp for a full island-inspired meal.

For a vegetarian option, try it with sautéed callaloo or a fresh mango and avocado salad to balance the richness. It also makes an excellent hearty side for barbecues and potlucks.

Don’t forget to check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for light accompaniments or our Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide for flavorful vegan sides.

Conclusion

Bahamas Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that infuses Caribbean flavors into every creamy, cheesy bite. Its rich texture and vibrant spices make it a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special.

By incorporating both traditional and island-inspired ingredients, this recipe offers an exciting way to enjoy mac and cheese beyond the ordinary. Its versatility allows for endless variations, making it a fantastic dish to experiment with and make your own.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe’s straightforward method and luscious results will have you coming back for more. So, gather your ingredients and bring a taste of the Bahamas to your dining table today!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bahamas Mac and Cheese”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a Caribbean twist featuring spicy peppers and coconut milk. Perfect comfort food with a tropical flair.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups elbow macaroni”, “1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese”, “1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese”, “1 cup coconut milk”, “1/2 cup evaporated milk”, “2 tablespoons butter”, “2 tablespoons all-purpose flour”, “1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional)”, “1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 cup breadcrumbs”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly whisk in coconut milk and evaporated milk until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add nutmeg, salt, and black pepper; cook until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the sauce for heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “420 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “38 g”}}