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Easy Foil Packet Mac and Cheese Recipe for Perfect Campfire Meals

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A quick and easy campfire mac and cheese recipe cooked in foil packets, delivering creamy, cheesy comfort food with minimal cleanup, perfect for outdoor meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Measure out 1 ½ cups of uncooked elbow macaroni, shred your cheeses, and cut the butter into small pieces. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Mix the base: In a medium bowl, combine the macaroni, 1 cup of milk, 1 ½ cups of broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine but don’t overmix—just enough to coat the pasta. The liquid will cook the noodles, so don’t worry if it looks soupy.
  3. Assemble the foil packets: Tear off two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches each). Place the macaroni mixture in the center of one sheet. Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese and small butter pieces evenly over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using.
  4. Seal the packets: Fold the foil over the ingredients and crimp the edges tightly to seal. Make sure to leave a little space inside so the pasta can expand as it cooks. The packet should be fully enclosed to trap the steam.
  5. Cook over the campfire: Place the foil packets on hot coals or on a grill grate about 6 inches above the fire. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning the packets every 5 minutes using tongs to prevent burning. The pasta should be tender and the cheese melted.
  6. Check for doneness: Carefully open a packet (watch out for steam) and poke the macaroni with a fork. If it’s soft and creamy, it’s ready. If not, reseal and cook for another 5 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer the foil packet to a plate or eat straight from the foil if you’re feeling rustic. Add extra black pepper or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you brought some along.

Notes

Use heavy-duty foil or double wrap regular foil to prevent tearing. Turn packets regularly to avoid burning. Leave space inside the packet for pasta expansion. If fire is too hot, move packets away from direct flames or raise them higher on the grate. Pre-shred cheese and measure liquids before your trip to save time. Customize with veggies, spices, or proteins as desired. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives. Gluten-free pasta can be used but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: campfire mac and cheese, foil packet mac and cheese, easy campfire meals, outdoor cooking, camping recipes, cheesy mac and cheese, quick mac and cheese

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/easy-foil-packet-mac-and-cheese-recipe-for-perfect-campfire-meals/