Cheese Covered Caribbean

Top 7 island-inpired dishes.

The Caribbean is known for its sunny skies, blue seas and delectable regional dishes. These dishes are known for their unique spices, tropical flavors and mouth watering goodness globally. With food so tasty in the tropics, the only thing that could make it even better is CHEESE-YES CHEESE! Avery Aames said “Life is great. Cheese makes it better.” It is said that cheese makes everyone happy and with that let us explore together and indulge in the cheesy filled goodness of the islands. These mouthwatering dishes, snacks and treats will leave you in awe, wanting more!

01. Cheese Patty

Flaky golden crusts fall on your lap as you bite into a hot cheese and beef turnover pastry crust. This condiment filled with crisp sharp cheddar cheese is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. A visit to Jamaica is not complete without a cheese patty and maybe even grab a few to bring back home.

INGREDIENTS

Crust

  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Curry Powder
  • Tumeric Powder
  • Grated Butter
  • Ice Cold Water

Filling

  • Oilve Oil
  • Ground Beef
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Salt/Pepper
  • Thyme
  • Allspice
  • Curry Powder
  • Scotch Bonnet Pepper
  • Scallions
  • Chicken Stock
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Butter

method

  1. Make the dough by adding all the crust ingredients together except the ice water. Once the ingredients are combined, slowly add ice-water and bring the dough together. Empty the dough onto a clean surface and begin kneading the dough. Once complete, cover the dough and place in the fridge to chill.
  2. Make the filling by browning the ground beef and adding all the ingredients until cooked. Once tender, set aside to cool down before assembling the patty.
  3. Assemble the patty by rolling out the dough then filling with some of the beef filling. remember to add your cheese and then shape into a half moon and then use a fork to seal in the seams.
  4. Place the patties in the oven and bake until golden brown.
  • Once the patties are cool then enjoy the cheesy Caribbean goodness.

02. Flan de Queso

Flan de Queso forms a major component of Puerto Rican cuisine and culture. Known as a family favorite dessert, this silky smooth custard dish is described by many as the merging of coconut flan and cheesecake to create one of the sweetest mouth watering dishes in the region. Enjoy the best of both worlds with this cheese filled dessert, watch out though, because you may end up eating it all!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white sugar

method

  1. Preheat the oven.
  2. Place sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract in a blender; blend until smooth.
  3. Place sugar in an even layer in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the edges start to brown, about 1 minute; drag sugar into the center with a spatula once the edges start to brown. Continue cooking, stirring from time to time, until caramel is an even golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, pour 1 inch boiling water into a large oven-safe pot or baking dish to make a water bath.
  5. Pour caramel into a 9-inch flan mold or baking pan; swirl so that caramel reaches 1 inch up the sides. Pour the condensed milk mixture on top. Set in the water bath.
  6. Set the flan and water bath in the preheated oven; bake until a damp table knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, 2 to 3 hours. Invert onto a serving plate so that caramel is on top.

A meal is not complete without dessert. Enjoy a piece of our cheese covered Caribbean by indulging in Flan de Queso.

03. Macaroni Pie

Let us leave Puerto Rico and journey to the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. It is said that Trinidad and Tobago has the best Macaroni Pie in the Caribbean. This is a Caribbean comfort food that is enjoyed by young and old. The multiplicity of this dish allows it to be served hot, cold or warm for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It can be served as a main dish or as a side dish with meat and vegetables. Similar to American baked mac and cheese, with a little special Caribbean flare and spice.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Butter or cooking spray, for coating the pan
  • 1 medium green bell pepper
  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 1 small sweet or yellow onion
  • 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 8 ounces dried macaroni or elbow pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon habanero hot sauce
  • Salt/Pepper
  • 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Once soft, drain and return to the same pot adding butter. Put aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, whisk together the evaporated milk, eggs, ketchup, and mustard in a 4-cup measuring cup or medium bowl until combined. Set aside.
  4. Heat the oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and pimento peppers and sauté until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  5. Season with the black pepper, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper, if using. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings distribute well throughout the pasta.
  6. Pour the milk mixture over the pasta and give it a good stir. Add about 3/4 of the cheese, a little at a time. Continue to mix until all the cheese is mixed in. Transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  7. Cover the baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until it’s golden brown and bubbling on top, about another 20 minutes.

This perfect cheese filled pie can be enjoyed at any time of the day. If you're accustomed to American classic mac and cheese, then this Caribbean spin will add new flavor and excitement to your dinner table and it's the perfect way to share in the cheesy Caribbean flavor.

04. Caribbean Snacks

Work hard and snack often, as snacks heal all wounds. Here in the Caribbean there are a myriad of cheesy snacks for you to choose from.These delectable treats are a must have while journeying through the Caribbean. Cheese Zees, BigFoot, Cheese Krunchies and Tigaaz, all these seasoned cheesy treats are filled with Caribbean flavors and baked to perfection. Once you taste these snacks you will never go back!

Enjoy not just the sea and sun, but the delicious cheesy dishes and treats that form a part of the wholesome Caribbean experience. The Caribbean is great and these cheesy meals make them better. Enjoy the flavour of the region for Cheese Lovers Day.

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