Description
A creamy and cheesy camping mac n' cheese recipe that’s perfect for outdoor cooking over coals. This dish combines elbow macaroni with Alfredo sauce and a blend of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. It can be prepared at home or cooked directly over campfire coals for a cozy, delicious meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 8 oz prepared Alfredo sauce (just over half a jar)
Cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1/4-1/2 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray (for tins and foil)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine Sauce and Cheese: Stir the prepared Alfredo sauce into the cooked pasta. Add the sharp cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Pour in enough half and half (or whole milk) to keep the mixture loose and creamy, preventing it from drying out. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Prepare for Cooking: Spray four mini aluminum pie tins (or one large dish) with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the mac and cheese mixture evenly between the tins. Spray one side of aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray and cover each tin with the foil, spray side down, pressed against the food to prevent sticking. Seal each tin tightly and place them in a large plastic food storage bag to keep cool until ready to cook.
- Cook over Campfire Coals: Build a fire and allow it to burn down until you have hot coals. Set up a cooking rack approximately 2-3 inches above the coals. Place the covered aluminum tins on the rack over the hot coals. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the mac and cheese is hot and melted. Remove carefully and serve immediately.
- Optional Shortcut - Oven Baking: For a quick home version, bake the mac and cheese in a glass or ceramic baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly. No fire or camping required!
Notes
- Using half and half or whole milk prevents the mac and cheese from drying out when cooking over coals.
- Spraying the foil with cooking spray prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil.
- Aluminum pie tins are perfect for individual servings and easy cooking over a campfire.
- The mac and cheese can be prepared ahead of time and kept in a cooler until ready to cook.
- You can adjust the cheese blend to your preference or use different types of cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American