Looking for delicious, quick, and easy camping meals for your camping trip? Look no further, because Dutch Oven Mac & Cheese is a great choice that you and your loved ones are sure to love!
Creamy cheese sauce, soft pasta shells and crispy bacon will make this dish perfect. As the night falls and the air begins to cool, it would be great to enjoy a bowl of heart-warming, stomach-filling.
Get ready for the best dining camping experience ever!
Contents
Main Ingredients
The dish is a combination of simple ingredients but no less nutritious. The specific ingredients I use for 4 servings of Dutch Oven Mac & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 tablespoons mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 5 oz bag of Kettle Brand Jalapeño chips (crushed for topping)
- Some other ingredients you like adding: bacon, jalapenos, smoked sausage, bell peppers, etc.
Equipment
Here are a few simple tools you’ll need to bring:
- A 4-liter Dutch oven—sturdy, versatile, and perfect for making creamy mac and cheese.
- A chimney starter makes lighting coals quick and easy.
- A box grater, ideal for freshly shredding cheese, which always melts better than pre-shredded.
That’s all! With just a few basics and you’re ready to make a delicious campfire meal.
How to Cook Dutch Oven Mac & Cheese
| Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes |
A super simple recipe made from super simple ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make Dutch Oven Mac & Cheese:
Step 1: Get your campfire going and prepare a good bed of coal.
Step 2: In a 4-quart Dutch oven, combine the macaroni, water, butter, and salt. Cover the Dutch oven and set it on a small bed of coals. Add 10–15 coals on top of the lid to heat it evenly and cook for 10 minutes. You’re looking for tender pasta with most of the liquid absorbed.
Step 3: Once it’s ready, carefully take the Dutch oven off the fire and remove the lid (watch out, it’s hot!).
Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheese, mustard, and garlic powder. Give it a quick taste and adjust the salt if you like. The cheese will melt into a creamy, gooey dream.
Step 5: Spoon it into bowls or plates, then sprinkle a generous layer of crushed jalapeño chips on top for that crunchy, spicy kick.
Tip: Don’t skip the chips – they take this dish to a whole new level!
Customizing Your Flavors
The beauty of campfire mac and cheese? You can make it your own. Here are a few of my favorite add-ins to take Dutch Oven Mac & Cheese to the next level:
- Cooked Bacon Bits: Sprinkle them on top for a smoky, crispy finish, or fold them right into the cheesy noodles for a flavor-packed bite.
- Caramelized Onions: Saute onions in a bit of butter and olive oil until they’re golden and sweet, then mix them into your pasta for a rich, savory touch.
- Chili Pepper Twist: If you love a little heat, toss in some roasted jalapeños, green chilis, or pimento peppers. It’s the perfect way to spice up your mac and cheese!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
An easy, budget-friendly dish—so why not give it a try? I’m sure you’ll love it from the very first bite.
- Easy: This Dutch oven mac and cheese comes together in around 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick camp dinner after a long day of adventure. Just boil water and stir in cheese, and you’re done!
- Versatile: You can mix it up any way you like: adding smoked sausage, broccoli, or chicken is a great option. Want to spice things up? Add taco meat or sprinkle some of your favorite seasoning blend. Switch up the cheese to keep things interesting!
- Economical: With just a few simple ingredients, you’ve got yourself an ideal meal. This is a good idea for campers on a budget. It’s meatless but hearty enough to keep everyone feeling full of protein.
Save and enjoy! Have a good experience! 🌄🍳
We’d love to know your results us at greententlife.com!
If you have any questions, please contact us immediately at Contact Us.