Campfire Mac & Cheese

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AmericanDinner

Campfire Mac & Cheese

Creamy stovetop-style macaroni and cheese cooked in one Dutch oven or heavy pot for an easy, comforting campsite dinner or side.

Total

35 min

Servings

6

Level

Easy

Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups Water
  • 2 cups Whole milk
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack
  • 1/2 cup Finely grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Place a Dutch oven or heavy pot over moderate camp stove or campfire grate heat.

Add macaroni, water, milk, butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently. Cook approximately 10–12 minutes, stirring often so the pasta does not stick to the bottom.

If the liquid reduces too quickly before the pasta becomes tender, add a small splash of water or milk.

When the pasta is al dente and a small amount of creamy liquid remains, reduce the heat to low. Stir in Dijon mustard.

Add cheddar and Monterey Jack gradually, stirring constantly. Add Parmesan.

Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Do NOT boil aggressively after adding the cheese.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Rest approximately 3 minutes. Serve hot.

Nutrition per serving

480

Calories

22g

Protein

52g

Carbs

18g

Fat

Chef's Notes & Storage

SHRED YOUR OWN CHEESE: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that make the sauce slightly less smooth. LOW HEAT: Once the cheese is added, lower heat reduces the chance of the sauce becoming grainy. ONE-POT METHOD: The starch released by the pasta helps naturally thicken the sauce.

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