Barbados Macaroni Pie

Ingredients

• • 1 lb elbow macaroni
• • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• • 3 eggs, beaten
• • 4 tbsp butter
• • 1 small onion, finely diced
• • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• • 1 tsp hot pepper sauce
• • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• • Salt and black pepper to taste
• • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
• • 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

1. 1. Cook pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. 2. Preheat oven: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. 3. Sauté aromatics: Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large pot. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. 4. Make cheese sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in evaporated milk, mustard, hot sauce, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. 5. Add cheese: Add 3 cups of grated cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. 6. Combine: Remove from heat. Stir in cooked macaroni until well coated. Let cool slightly, then stir in beaten eggs.
7. 7. Assemble: Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup cheese. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over top.
8. 8. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.