Growing up in Haiti, macaroni au gratin was the ultimate comfort food. It was a dish that always managed to make us feel warm and fuzzy inside. I remember my mom making it for us on chilly nights when we wanted to snuggle up in our blankets and watch TV. The aromatic fragrance of melting cheese and perfectly cooked macaroni always brought a smile to our faces.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of flour
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of grated Gruyere cheese, divided
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Add in the flour and whisk until it’s fully incorporated. Then, add in the milk slowly while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the mixture has thickened and there are no lumps.
5. Add in half of the grated Gruyere cheese and stir until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
6. Add in the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well.
7. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter and pour in the macaroni and cheese mixture. Top with the remaining grated cheese.
8. Bake the macaroni and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly on top.
9. Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm and gooey comfort of this delicious Haitian macaroni au gratin!
This dish will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a reminder of my childhood and the love and warmth that my family always shared with me. I hope that you can enjoy it with your loved ones and create your own wonderful memories.
