If you’ve ever been curious about Haitian comfort food that’s both easy and bursting with flavor, you have got to try this Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines the rich, herby goodness of epis with the nostalgic taste of hot dogs and the satisfying touch of hard-boiled eggs. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds, and once you make it, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The epis base brings an aromatic, fresh depth that transforms simple spaghetti into something truly special.
- Super Easy and Quick: Putting this together doesn’t require any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Hearty and Satisfying: With the hot dogs and hard-boiled eggs, this dish is filling and perfect for any mealtime.
- Family Favorite: This recipe has a way of bringing everyone to the table faster than you’d expect.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays its own role in making this Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe stand out. I like to think of it as a lovely balance between fresh veggies, protein, and that unique Haitian flair.
- Spaghetti: Using regular spaghetti noodles keeps the dish comforting and familiar.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky texture and helps cook the epis and veggies just right.
- Haitian Epis: This magical herb blend really creates the signature flavor—worth making fresh or having ready in your fridge.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and a little bite once sautéed.
- Green and Red Bell Peppers: Fresh peppers bring crunch and color that brighten the dish.
- Roma Tomatoes: Their natural acidity balances the richness.
- Tomato paste: This thickens the sauce and deepens the tomato flavor.
- Maggi cubes: These are flavor bombs—boosting the savory notes. If you don’t have them, bouillon cubes or a splash of soy sauce works too.
- Hot Dogs: They’re nostalgic, tender, and soak up the sauce flavors wonderfully.
- Ground cloves: Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth and depth.
- Water: Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and marry the flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients—remember to taste and adjust.
- Hard-boiled eggs: These are the finishing touch, adding texture and richness to each serving.
Variations
One of the best things about this Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re swapping ingredients or playing with flavors, there’s room for creativity.
- Meat Swaps: I’ve swapped hot dogs for beef kielbasa or smoked sausage, and the family still loved it just as much.
- Seafood Twist: Some Haitian families add shrimp or other seafood instead of hot dogs for a coastal spin.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply skip the meat and add extra veggies or beans, and it still tastes fantastic.
- Spice Level: Feel free to add a bit of Scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce for extra heat if that’s your vibe.
How to Make Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Spaghetti Just Right
Start by boiling your spaghetti until al dente—the noodles should have a slight bite but not be too mushy. I always reserve a few ladles of that starchy pasta water because it’s pure gold when it comes to keeping your sauce silky and well-coated. Trust me on this one; it keeps everything from drying out.
Step 2: Sauté the Epis and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, then add your epis. Cook it until you start to smell the fragrances and it turns a lovely golden color—this step is crucial because it unlocks the flavors trapped in the epis. Then toss in the chopped onions, bell peppers, and fresh tomatoes, sautéing them for about five minutes until they soften. I’ve found that taking your time here makes a huge flavor difference.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in the tomato paste and crumble in the Maggi cubes, blending them thoroughly. Add your hot dogs cut into rounds, sprinkle in the ground cloves, and mix it all up. Pour in about a third of a cup of your reserved pasta water and let it simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. What you’re aiming for is a sauce that’s thick enough to coat your pasta but still has some movement—if it gets too thick, a splash more pasta water will rescue it.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Then Plate
Toss your cooked spaghetti right into the sauce, mixing it so every strand is coated with that beautiful, flavorful mixture. When serving, don’t forget to slice your hard-boiled eggs in half and nestle one half on top of each serving—it’s a classic finish that adds creaminess and visual appeal.
Pro Tips for Making Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe
- Fresh Epis Matters: I recommend making fresh epis yourself—the difference in flavor compared to store-bought is worth the little extra effort.
- Reserve That Pasta Water: I learned this trick from my mom; it’s the secret to a sauce that clings perfectly without turning gummy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sautéing the peppers and onions slowly lets their natural sweetness come through instead of steaming them.
- Taste as You Go: The saltiness from Maggi cubes varies, so I always check before adding extra salt to avoid it getting too salty.
How to Serve Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe

Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or scallions on top to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a dash of hot sauce or a light drizzle of olive oil makes it even more mouthwatering. The hard-boiled eggs on each plate? They’re a must—they add that rich texture to every bite.
Side Dishes
You’ll find this dish pairs wonderfully with something crisp and refreshing like a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Sometimes I whip up some Haitian pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables) on the side, which contrasts beautifully with the savory pasta and ups the flavor game.
Creative Ways to Present
Whenever I make this for guests, I like to serve the pasta in individual bowls and place the hard-boiled eggs standing upright in the center — it adds visual interest and a little surprise. For special occasions, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or cheese on top brings some extra texture and a little luxe touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors really deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day. Just keep the hard-boiled eggs separate if you can, to maintain the texture.
Freezing
Freezing works okay for the sauce and pasta mixed, but I’d recommend skipping freezing the hard-boiled eggs—they can get watery when thawed. When freezing, portion out meals so you don’t have to thaw more than you need.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but be sure to stir midway for even heating. Add fresh hard-boiled eggs when serving for best texture.
FAQs
-
What exactly is Haitian epis, and can I substitute it?
Epis is a fragrant Haitian seasoning blend made from herbs, peppers, garlic, and onions. It’s essential for authentic flavor in this Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe. If you don’t have epis, a combination of green bell peppers, garlic, onions, fresh parsley, and thyme blended together works as a decent stand-in, but nothing truly replaces homemade epis.
-
Can I use other types of sausage instead of hot dogs?
Absolutely! The recipe is really flexible. Sausages like kielbasa, smoked sausage, or even chorizo can add interesting flavors. Just adjust cooking times if using raw sausage to ensure they’re cooked through.
-
Is this Haitian spaghetti recipe spicy?
Not inherently. It’s more aromatic and savory than spicy. If you want heat, you can add Scotch bonnet peppers, hot sauce, or chili flakes to taste. I usually leave it mild for family-friendly meals but spice it up when serving adults.
-
How long does Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe take to make?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 35 minutes. It’s great for weeknights or whenever you want something tasty without spending all day in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried making Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe, I was blown away by how a few simple ingredients could come together to create such a comforting, flavorful dish. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen for quick dinners that don’t skimp on soul. I hope you give it a try and share it with your loved ones—you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a family classic. Happy cooking!
Print
Haitian Spaghetti with Epis, Hot Dogs, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Haitian
Description
Haitian Spaghetti is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich Haitian-inspired tomato sauce made with epis (a traditional blend of herbs and vegetables), sautéed peppers, onions, tomatoes, and savory hot dogs, finished with boiled eggs for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- ½ lb Spaghetti
Sauce and Vegetables
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Haitian Epis
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 2 Roma Tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 small Maggi cubes
- ⅛ tsp ground Cloves
- ⅓ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt to taste
Protein
- 4 Hot Dogs, cut into rounds
- 2 Hard boiled eggs (halved for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about ⅓ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a large saucepan, heat ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of Haitian Epis and fry until fragrant and golden in color, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced green and red bell peppers, and diced roma tomatoes to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and meld together.
- Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and crumble in 3 small Maggi cubes. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Hot Dogs and Cloves: Incorporate the sliced hot dogs and ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves into the sauce. Stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in ⅓ cup of the reserved pasta water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors develop. Adjust salt to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, tossing well to coat every strand evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Plate the Haitian spaghetti and top each serving with half of a hard boiled egg. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant blend of flavors.
Notes
- Copyright The Foreign Fork. For personal or educational use only.
- Meat: Hot dogs are used in this recipe, but you can substitute with any sausage or even seafood as common in Haitian cuisine.
- Tomato Paste brings depth and richness, tying the sauce flavors together.
- Spaghetti noodles are easy to find and make this recipe accessible for many cooks.
- Fresh peppers, onions, and tomatoes add vibrant flavor and freshness to the dish.
- Maggi cubes are essential for umami and saltiness; if unavailable, use bouillon cubes or equal parts Worcestershire and soy sauce as substitutes.
- Haitian Epis is a key ingredient; it’s a blend of herbs and vegetables that define the sauce’s flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the hot dogs entirely.
- If the sauce is too thick, add extra reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Some cooks prefer frying the sausage before the epis; this recipe adds epis first to infuse meat flavors gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg

