Typical ingredients in macaroni pie include macaroni pasta, cheese, milk, butter, flour, salt, pepper and various spices. Additional ingredients sometimes used include onion and bread crumbs. Other ingredients may also be used. It can be prepared as a low-fat dish using reduced fat cheese and skim milk. Some versions, such as those in Scotland, are prepared using a pie crust, while others are not. It may be served sliced into wedges.
By region
Caribbean
In the Caribbean, macaroni pie is typically prepared without using a pie crust. In the Caribbean, it is sometimes consumed cold, which may be referred to as "Caribbean style".
Barbados
Macaroni pie is a popular dish in Barbados, where it is commonly consumed as a side dish along with fried fish. It is sometimes prepared as a spicy dish, using spices such as black pepper, curry powder and hot sauces.
The dish is very popular in Trinidad and Tobago and is often available as a common dish at lunches and dinners. It has been described as a staple food in Tobago. Cheddar cheese, a key ingredient in the dish, was brought to Trinidad by English peoples. It is sometimes served as a side dish accompanied with stewed meats.
Finland
The Finnish macaroni casserole or makaronilaatikko is a popular dish made with elbow pasta and egg-and-milk mixture, and baked until it sets. Often sautéed minced meat is added, thus creating a lihamakaronilaatikko. The casserole may be topped before baking with breadcrumbs and grated cheese and/or knobs of butter, to form a crunchy crust. Makaronilaatikko is typically served with tomato ketchup and pickles such as gherkins.
Greece
is a type of macaroni pie in Greek cuisine prepared using elbow macaroni noodles and various additional ingredients.
Italy
In Italian cuisine the macaroni pie is a traditional dish in several cities, with a long tradition originating from the pastizzi prepared by the chefs active in the Italian courts of the Renaissance: the most well known, filled with pigeon meat and truffles, comes from Ferrara, while also RomeNaples and Sicily have their own version. The Sicilian Timballo has been immortalised by Luchino Visconti in his movie Il Gattopardo.
In the United States, macaroni pie has been and continues to sometimes be referred to as "baked macaroni and cheese". It is a part of the cuisine of the Southern United States. In the United States during the mid-1900s, the word "spaghetti" was typically used to refer to macaroni, and spaghetti noodles were used to prepare macaroni pie during this time period. An American recipe from 1870 includes grated ham as an ingredient in the dish, and also calls for the meat from squirrels, birds or wild ducks. An American recipe from 1892 includes pork and ham in the dish's preparation.
