Haitian Macaroni and Cheese in a long white dish with a golden, crispy top, garnished with fresh herbs.

The Best Haitian Macaroni And Cheese Recipe You Must Try

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If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dishes, then you absolutely need to try Haitian Macaroni And Cheese. This dish is not your typical mac and cheese—it’s packed with bold flavors, rich seasonings, and a golden-baked cheesy crust that will make you fall in love at first bite.

I remember the first time I had Traditional Haitian Macaroni And Cheese at a family gathering. I was blown away by how different it tasted compared to regular mac and cheese. The mix of evaporated milk, eggs, and mayonnaise gave it a creamy yet firm texture, and the seasoning added a whole new depth of flavor.

Since then, I’ve been making this dish for every special occasion. And trust me, once you try this Easy Haitian Macaroni And Cheese, you’ll never go back to plain mac and cheese again! If you love rich and creamy pasta dishes, you should also check out my Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta—it’s packed with bold flavors and has a delicious Cajun kick!

In this blog, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how I make the best Haitian Macaroni And Cheese Recipe Easy, with tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s get started!

What Makes Haitian Macaroni And Cheese Special?

If you’ve never tried this recipe before, you might be wondering what makes it different. Here are a few reasons why it stands out:

1. Creamy Yet Firm Texture

Unlike American-style mac and cheese, which is usually gooey and runny, Haitian Macaroni Au Gratin has a firmer texture because it’s baked with eggs and evaporated milk. This creates a custard-like consistency that holds its shape when sliced.

2. Rich Flavor From Unique Ingredients

What I love most about this dish is the seasoning! Instead of just cheese and milk, this recipe includes mustard, mayonnaise, garlic, and a blend of spices that give it a bold and slightly tangy flavor.

3. Baked To Perfection

Baking the mac and cheese creates a crispy, golden-brown crust on top, which adds an amazing texture contrast to the creamy pasta underneath.

Flat lay of ingredients , including elbow macaroni, cheddar, gouda, evaporated milk, eggs, and seasonings.

Haitian Macaroni And Cheese Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients to make the process smooth and easy. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Elbow macaroni – The classic pasta choice for this recipe.
  • Cheese – I use a combination of cheddar, gouda, and parmesan for maximum flavor.
  • Evaporated milk – Makes the dish rich and creamy.
  • Eggs – Helps bind everything together.
  • Mayonnaise & Mustard – Adds a tangy, creamy depth of flavor.
  • Butter & Garlic – For extra richness and taste.
  • Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a slight kick.

I love using fresh seasonings in my pasta dishes! If you’re looking for another rich and flavorful meal, check out my Chicken Rasta Pasta for a Caribbean-inspired twist!

If you want to make Haitian Mac And Cheese With Ham, simply add diced ham for extra protein and flavor!

Step-By-Step Guide: How To Make Haitian Macaroni And Cheese

Now, let’s get into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps for a foolproof mac and cheese experience.

Step 1: Cook The Macaroni

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente—you don’t want it too soft because it will continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.

Whisking a creamy cheese sauce with cheddar, gouda, and evaporated milk for making cheese sauce mixing.

Step 2: Prepare The Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • Evaporated milk
  • Eggs
  • Mayonnaise and mustard
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Seasonings (salt, pepper, cayenne)

Once everything is well combined, stir in the grated cheese, reserving some for topping.

Mixing cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a baking dish, spreading it evenly before baking.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir well until every piece is coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Unbaked Haitian Macaroni and Cheese in a baking dish, topped with extra shredded cheese, ready for the oven.

Step 4: Transfer To A Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish with butter and pour in the macaroni mixture. Spread it evenly and top with the reserved cheese.

Freshly baked Mac & Cheese with a golden, crispy cheese topping, straight from the oven.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The edges should be bubbling, and the cheese should be slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Let It Cool & Serve

Once done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it firm up so you get those perfect slices!

Variations & Add-Ons

One of the best things about this Macaroni And Cheese is that you can customize it to your taste! Here are some ideas:

  • Haitian Mac And Cheese With Meat – Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a protein-packed meal.
  • Haitian Mac And Cheese With Ham – Diced ham adds a smoky, salty kick.
  • Spicy Version – Add chopped jalapeños or extra cayenne for some heat.
  • Extra Creamy – Mix in a little cream cheese for a richer texture.
A creamy, cheesy scoop of Macaroni being lifted from the baking dish.

Serving Suggestions: What To Eat With Haitian Mac And Cheese

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some tasty ways to serve it:

  • With Fried Plantains – A classic Haitian side dish that pairs beautifully.
  • With Griot (Fried Pork) – The combination of crispy pork and creamy mac and cheese is unbeatable.
  • With Pikliz – A spicy Haitian slaw that adds a fresh, tangy contrast.

Pair this mac and cheese with my Chopped Cheese Sliders for the ultimate comfort food combo!

Tips For The Perfect Haitian Macaroni And Cheese

  • Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta – It should still have a bite to it.
  • Let it rest before serving – This helps the texture set.

For more expert tips on achieving the perfect baked pasta dish, check out this expert cooking guide!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make the best Haitian Macaroni And Cheese, it’s time to give it a try! Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, holiday dinner, or just a weeknight treat, this dish will never disappoint.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. If you’re in the mood for another rich and indulgent pasta dish, try my Lobster Shrimp Pasta—it’s loaded with seafood, creamy sauce, and irresistible flavors!

FAQS

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply place it in the oven.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Keep in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

What is the best cheese for macaroni and cheese?

The best cheeses for mac and cheese are cheddar, gouda, gruyère, and parmesan because they melt well and create a rich, creamy texture. Combining different cheeses, like cheddar for sharpness and gouda for creaminess, gives the best flavor.

What culture is mac u0026amp; cheese from?

Mac and cheese originated in Italy but became popular in England and America, where it evolved into a comfort food staple. Haitian Macaroni Au Gratin is a unique Caribbean variation with bold flavors and added seasonings.

What cheeses should I avoid when making mac and cheese?

Avoid feta, ricotta, queso fresco, and cottage cheese because they don’t melt well and create a grainy texture. Also, blue cheese and aged cheeses can be too strong, and pre-shredded cheese can lead to a clumpy sauce.

The Best Haitian Macaroni And Cheese Recipe You Must Try

Recipe by zunairamuqadas94@gmail.comCourse: Side DishCuisine: Haitian
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Total time

50

minutes

Haitian Macaroni And Cheese is rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. Made with a blend of cheeses, evaporated milk, and Haitian seasonings, this baked mac and cheese has a delicious golden crust that makes it truly irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a comforting dish!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded

  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard

  • 3 tbsp butter, melted

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

  • ½ cup diced ham (optional)

  • ½ cup cooked ground beef (optional)

Directions

  • Heat a large pot of salted water until it reaches a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, then drain and rinse with cool water to halt the cooking process.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  • Stir in the cheddar, gouda, and parmesan cheese, reserving some for topping.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir well until evenly coated. If using ham or ground beef, mix it in now.
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and pour in the macaroni mixture, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top for a crispy, golden crust.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  • Let the macaroni rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite sides like fried plantains, Haitian griot, or pikliz.

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