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Campfire Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 93 reviews

This Campfire Mac & Cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s perfect for cooking outdoors. Featuring a blend of yellow and white cheddar cheeses, evaporated milk, and a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick, this dish is cooked over a campfire for an authentic rustic flavor. Topped with a crispy Ritz cracker and Parmesan crust, it’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal to enjoy while camping or at any outdoor gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 (16-oz.) box elbow pasta
  • Kosher salt, for boiling water

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
  • 1 tsp. ground mustard
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded yellow cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large aluminum pan suitable for campfire cooking, combine the drained pasta with evaporated milk, melted butter, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the shredded yellow and white cheddar cheeses and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook Over Campfire: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place it over the campfire coals or on a grill rack and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is creamy and bubbly. Remove from heat carefully.
  4. Add Toppings and Serve: Stir the cheesy pasta gently to incorporate any melted cheese. Then, evenly sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers and freshly grated Parmesan on top to create a crispy, flavorful crust. Serve warm directly from the pan.

Notes

  • Use a sturdy aluminum pan that can withstand direct heat from the campfire.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to your preferred spice level.
  • For a smokier flavor, cook the pan on hot embers rather than open flames.
  • If cooking indoors, you can replicate the recipe by baking the assembled mac and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
  • Ensure pasta is not overcooked initially, as it will continue to soften slightly during campfire cooking.

Keywords: campfire mac and cheese, outdoor cooking, cheesy pasta, campfire recipe, cheddar mac and cheese, camping food

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/campfire-mac-and-cheese-recipe/