Haitian Macaroni Au Gratin is comfort food at its finest, and this Macaroni and cheese takes it to a whoooole different level. On top of all that gooey, cheesy goodness, there’s a crisp golden topping that adds a satisfying crunch.
This gratin de macaroni is even better, it’s super easy to make with barely any prep time, meaning that this tantalizing dinner treat will be on your table in no time. Forget the boxed stuff – we guarantee our easy Haitian mac and cheese will become a regular feature in your home.
Rigatoni Macaroni
The type of pasta you use may not seem to matter too much, but each shape (over 600 of them!) actually serves a purpose. When it comes to macaroni, this nice size pasta is designed to cling on to as much sauce as possible, ensuring that you’ll get a delicious mouthful with every bite.
So while this macaroni au gratin recipe will work perfectly well with other types of pasta, Rigatoni is the way to go if you want a classic Haitian dish. However, if you don’t have it on hand, any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or spirali will do just fine.
As the pasta in this Haitian mac and cheese dish will continue to cook when you “broil” the top, it’s important that you only cook it until it is barely al dente, or firm to the bite. Cooking times will vary depending on the brand of pasta you use, although this should take around 12-15 minutes from when all the ingredients are completely incorporated.
If you overcook the pasta a little at this stage it’s not the end of the world, but the end dish will be a lot softer in consistency. Overdo it too much, however, and it will end up a cheesy mush.
Follow the steps exactly in the recipe card below to ensure that you make this Haitian gratin de macaroni, perfectly each time.
Cheese To Use
Our Haitian Macaroni Au Gratin recipe is highly adaptable, and really you can use whatever cheese you’d like. But a classic sharp (or mild) cheddar is a real crowd-pleaser, with a smooth flavor and almost unbeatable melting power. It also helps to give the dish that irresistible golden color.
Gruyere is also a common ingredient in macaroni cheese recipes, lending the meal a grown up taste with subtle sweet and nutty notes that the kids will still enjoy.
Other commonly found types of cheese (that are not famously used in Haitian recipes) you might like to try in this dish include Gouda and Monterey Jack. You could even opt for smoked Gouda to add an extra layer of complexity.
Haitian Mac and Cheese Tips And Tricks
Don’t panic if you think the cheese mixture looks too runny when you pour it into the baking dish – it will thicken up as you bake it in the oven, and when you let it briefly cool after cooking.
Finally, it’s important to keep an eye on your Macaroni Au Gratin when you put it in the oven. It can turn from golden brown to black and charred in just a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
For this recipe we used the Rigatoni pasta. However, if you don’t have it to hand, any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or spirali will work as well.
More Haitian Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Instant Pot Haitian Rice And Beans
By the way, it warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from our site.
We’d especially would love to know if you have tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.
Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!
Macaroni Au Gratin
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 16 Oz. Box Of Rigatoni
- 12 Qts. Water
- ¼ Cup Red Bell Peppers Diced
- ¼ Cup Green Bell Peppers Diced
- 1 Small Onion Diced
- Salt And Pepper To Taste
- 3 Cups Cheddar Cheese Or Mexican Style Cheese Will Work As Well
- 1 Can Carnation Milk (12 Oz. Can) Plus ½ Cup
- 1 Tbsp. Better Than Bouillon Paste Vegetable Paste
- 2 Cups Grated Parmesan Cheese Divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large pot, bring the water to boil, add salt to taste. Add the onions and diced peppers. Cook the pasta in accordance to the direction on the box. Once the water has decreased to about 1 cup. Reduce the heat to medium low. Add the Carnation milk, stir. Then add the bouillon paste, and 2 cups of the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Layer the pasta on a baking sheet, top with the handful of cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Repeat the steps until the pasta and cheese are completely layered, and topping the the pasta with the parmesan cheese to create a crunchy crust. Bake until golden brown (about 25 minutes) on 375°.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Patty
How many ounces in the can Carnation milk? What is total amount of milk used in the recipe?
Mirlene
Use 12 oz can Carnation Milk.
Laura
This was so delicious! I am very impressed with the method of cooking! It is so smart! With traditional american (french) one makes a roux with butter, flour, and warmed milk, but this utilizes the starch that comes off the pasta and the canned milk is slightly thinned by the water coating the pasta, it is brilliant and economical and saves having to wash more pots. I used Gouda and cheddar and Parmesan. It was even better than homemade American Mac n cheese!!! I greased the baking dish with bacon fat, it added a nice subtle favor. Thank you!!
Mirlene
Thank you so much, Laura. So very glad you enjoyed it.
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain
I am completely obsessed with the bold cheesiness of this macaroni casserole – looks like my kid would love this!
Mirlene
I am very glad to hear it. Thank you!
Katie
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try this one. I think my family would love it!
Toni Dash
I really loved how easy this is to make!
Angela
What a great mac and cheese. I love the addition of the peppers and onions. Tasty!
Mirlene
Thank you, Angela.
Dannii
My kids love mac and cheese, and this looks like a great alternative to it. I can’t wait to give it a try.
Mirlene
Thank you Dannii! Hope you get a chance to try it.
Rudy Joseph
This is a great recipe! As a young Haitian American, I been meaning to learn more of the recipes for the food. Thank you! It turned out great!
Mirlene
Thank you so much Rudy. It makes me happy to read that you liked it and it turned out great for you. Thank you so much for your comment. 🙂
Shalonda Renois
I have to try this version of Haitian Macaroni!!! Looks delicious.
Mirlene
Thank you Shalonda! I Cannot wait to hear back how you like it. Please respond back and let me know.
Christy
This recipe is amazing. 🥰 My family is blended American and Haitian. I love adding a bit of the recipes my husband is used to to our weekly meal rotation. This will definitely be added. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Mirlene
Happy Holiday to you and thank you so much. I am really glad you enjoyed it. 🙂