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Creamy One-Pot Campfire Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Bacon Bits

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A creamy, comforting one-pot mac and cheese with crispy bacon bits, perfect for campfire cooking or cozy nights at home. This easy recipe delivers rich flavor and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200 grams)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup crispy bacon bits (about 100 grams), cooked and crumbled
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (960 ml) of salted water to a boil in your pot. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and smells slightly nutty.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth.
  6. Return the drained pasta to the pot and stir gently to coat every piece. Add more reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
  7. Fold in the crispy bacon bits, saving a small handful for garnish.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved bacon bits and optionally chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Stir continuously after adding cheese to prevent clumping or breaking. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. When cooking over a campfire, keep the pot slightly above embers to avoid burning. Soak pot immediately after serving for easier cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, campfire recipe, one-pot meal, creamy mac and cheese, bacon bits, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-one-pot-campfire-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-bits-easy-and-perfect/