Dutch Oven Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
This easy Dutch oven macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for outdoor cooking, with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a hungry crowd without a ton of prep work.
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and making it in a Dutch oven while camping takes it to a whole new level.
There’s nothing quite like a cheesy, creamy bowl of macaroni after a day of hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the campfire.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love easy campfire meals, this Dutch oven mac and cheese will quickly become a favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — no powdered cheese packets in sight!
Cooking it in a Dutch oven means you get that delicious, gooey consistency with a slightly crispy, golden crust around the edges.
The best part? You can prepare most of the ingredients at home, making campsite cooking a breeze.
Pro tip: We like to cook the noodles at home, throw them in a large freezer bag for easy packing, and then throw it all together once we’re in the great outdoors.
Ingredients
- Uncooked elbow macaroni – We like to cook this classic pasta shape at home, allow it to cool completely, and store it in a large freezer bag with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Alfredo sauce – A rich, velvety shortcut that creates a luscious base without the hassle of making a sauce from scratch.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – Brings bold, tangy flavor that makes this mac and cheese taste extra indulgent.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – Adds stretchiness and a mild, creamy taste.
- Parmesan cheese, shredded – A salty, nutty finishing touch that balances the creaminess and boosts the overall flavor.
- Half & half cream – Keeps the sauce ultra-smooth and creamy, even when cooking over a campfire.
Instructions
1. Cook the noodles (if needed) in the Dutch oven until al dente. Drain the water.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir.
3. Heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep at home: Save time at the campsite by cooking the macaroni in advance. Store it in a zip-top bag with a little olive oil to prevent it from clumping together.
- Use a mix of cheeses: Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while mozzarella and parmesan add creaminess and depth. Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses for a unique twist!
- Keep the heat low: Dutch ovens retain heat well, so keep the temperature on the lower side to avoid scorching the cheese.
- Add a crunchy topping: If you have breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on hand, sprinkle them on top for an added crunchy texture.
- Make it smoky: Cooking over a campfire? Let the Dutch oven sit with the lid on for a few extra minutes to infuse the mac and cheese with a delicious smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without a Dutch oven?
Yes! You can cook it on a stovetop in a regular pot or even in a slow cooker at home.
How can I make this mac and cheese even heartier?
Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or even smoked sausage for extra protein and flavor.
What if I don’t have alfredo sauce?
You can substitute with heavy cream and a little extra cheese to get a similar creamy texture.
Dutch oven macaroni and cheese is the perfect campfire meal — rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re making it for the kids or a group of hungry campers, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try on your next camping trip and enjoy a taste of home in the great outdoors!
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Dutch Oven Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup 250 ml alfredo sauce
- ½ cup sharp cheddar shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
- ½ cup half & half cream
Instructions
- Cook the noodles (if needed) in the Dutch oven until al dente. Drain the water.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir.
- Heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Notes
- Save time at the campsite by cooking the macaroni in advance. Store it in a zip-top bag with a little olive oil to prevent it from clumping together.
- Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while mozzarella and parmesan add creaminess and depth. Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses for a unique twist!
- Dutch ovens retain heat well, so keep the temperature on the lower side to avoid scorching the cheese.
- If you have breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on hand, sprinkle them on top for an added crunchy texture.
- Cooking over a campfire? Let the Dutch oven sit with the lid on for a few extra minutes to infuse the mac and cheese with a delicious smoky flavor.