Skip the field—this one-skillet mac & cheese is wealthy, creamy, and made with complete elements.
Mac & cheese is the final word consolation meals, and this one-skillet model is about to change into your new go-to tenting dinner. Utilizing only a block of cheddar, a splash of milk, butter, and some pantry spices, it’s luxuriously creamy with none of the components that you simply’ll discover within the boxed stuff.
The most effective half? There’s no have to fuss with draining pasta water at camp. The noodles simmer in simply sufficient water to cook dinner via, abandoning a starchy base that melts proper into the cheese sauce.
Easy, cozy, and endlessly customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs completely with our make-ahead chili, sausage and pepper foil packets, and any grilled meats or veggies. Plus, it’s all the time a success with children!
Throughout our journey to Trillium Lake this summer season, we needed to adapt our Dutch oven mac and cheese recipe to work on our stovetop due to hearth restrictions, and this recipe was born! Our children beloved it (and so did we!), and we hope that it earns a spot in your subsequent tenting menu.
-Megan & Michael
Suggestions for making this tenting
- Grate the cheese your self from a bigger block. Prepackaged shredded cheese comprises anti-caking brokers, which can inhibit its skill to soften and create a easy sauce.
- Pasta cooked in a skillet will must be stirred continuously so all the things cooks evenly.
- Because you aren’t draining the pasta, there will probably be loads of carryover warmth. Solely cook dinner your pasta to al dente or perhaps a little under-dente.
- The addition of milk is a should! It smooths all the things out and turns the melted cheese into an precise cheesey sauce. It doesn’t take a lot, however you do want it.
Pre-trip Prep
- You’ll be able to shred the cheese your self at dwelling forward of time, particularly should you don’t anticipate utilizing the block of cheese for anything. Preserve it in a sealed container within the cooler.
Ingredient notes
- Any medium-sized pasta will work. We used elbow macaroni as a result of it’s the basic, however shells, farfalle, penne, orecchiette, or fusilli all work with this methodology.
- Wish to kick up the protein? Think about using Banza pasta, which is comprised of chickpeas. It’s nearly precisely the identical style and texture as conventional pasta. It’s additionally an important gluten-free substitute.
Mac & Cheese Add-ins
There are tons of how to customise this mac & cheese. Listed here are only a few concepts to noodle on…
Protein Add-Ins
- Bacon or pancetta: Cook dinner within the skillet and take away earlier than beginning the mac & cheese. Add it again in on the finish.
- Canned tuna: Drain and stir in similtaneously the cheese
- Precooked sausage/sizzling canines: Chop and heat within the skillet earlier than including noodles
- Canned beans (black beans, white beans): Drain and add for further plant-based protein
Veggie Add-Ins
- Broccoli: Chop into small florets and cook dinner it together with the noodles.
- Frozen peas: Toss in throughout the previous couple of minutes of pasta cooking
- Solar-dried tomatoes: Add proper earlier than the cheese
- Jarred roasted crimson peppers: Chop and stir in for a smoky taste
- Canned inexperienced chilies: Straightforward manner so as to add slightly warmth and taste
Crunchy Toppings
- Crushed crackers or chips: Sprinkle on high earlier than serving
- Fried onions (store-bought): Add earlier than serving
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon high-quality sea salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz cheddar cheese (about 3 cups grated)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1-2 tablespoons mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Add macaroni, water, and salt to a high-sided 10″ forged iron skillet (or pot). Water ought to simply cowl the pasta. Deliver to a simmer over medium warmth. Stir continuously so it doesn’t stick.
2 cups elbow macaroni, 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon high-quality sea salt
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Cook dinner till pasta is tender and many of the water is absorbed (about 8–10 minutes; verify the package deal). Add a splash extra water if it will get too dry earlier than the pasta is completed.
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Cut back warmth to low. Stir in butter till melted. Add shredded cheese, milk, mustard, and garlic powder. Stir till easy and creamy.
2 tablespoons butter, 8 oz cheddar cheese, ¼ cup milk, 1-2 tablespoons mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Style and season if wanted, then serve & take pleasure in!
Word: Pre-grated cheese from the shop comprises anti-caking brokers, which implies it is not going to soften as nicely to create a easy sauce. On this case, it’s value it to grate your personal cheese! This may be completed at dwelling and saved in your cooler.
