Have you ever been in the mood for some jerk chicken, but also craving mac and cheese? Well, my dear foodies, I have the perfect solution for you – Caribbean Jerk Macaroni and Cheese! This dish is a fusion of two amazing foods that will leave your taste buds dancing. Get ready to indulge in some serious comfort food that will satisfy all of your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb macaroni
– 3 tbsp butter
– 3 tbsp flour
– 2 cups milk
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ tsp dried thyme
– ½ tsp ground allspice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
– ½ cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup diced cooked ham
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp jerk seasoning
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to the package’s instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is golden and fragrant.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Add the salt, thyme, allspice, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly. Turn off the heat and add the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ham, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and jerk seasoning. Cook until the veggies are tender and the ham is crispy.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Fold in the ham and veggies mixture.
8. Pour the mac and cheese into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top the dish with breadcrumbs.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
This Caribbean Jerk Macaroni and Cheese is a dish that will leave your taste buds jumping for joy. The combination of cheesy goodness with the delicious, spicy flavors of jerk seasoning make for a dish that is unforgettable. It’s perfect for a comfort food night in or to share with loved ones at your next gathering. So go ahead, indulge a bit and enjoy this amazing dish!