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Savory One-Skillet Campfire Mac and Cheese with Smoky Bacon

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A quick and hearty campfire mac and cheese recipe featuring smoky bacon and creamy sharp cheddar, perfect for outdoor meals with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 225 g)
  • 6 slices smoky bacon, chopped (preferably thick-cut)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 30 g)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon over medium heat in your skillet until crisp (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove bacon pieces and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Add butter to the skillet with the bacon fat and melt completely (1-2 minutes). Sprinkle flour evenly over the melted butter and stir continuously, cooking for about 2 minutes until bubbly and golden but not browned.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens (5-7 minutes).
  4. Cook the elbow macaroni separately according to package instructions until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain well and add to the cheese sauce. Alternatively, cook pasta directly in the skillet if there is enough liquid, adding extra milk or water if needed.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Fold in crisp bacon bits, reserving some for garnish.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
  7. Serve immediately hot and melty from the skillet.

Notes

Use a lid on the skillet to speed up melting and cooking. Stir frequently but gently to avoid burning. For a crispy topping, sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs and brown near fire edge carefully. To make vegetarian, omit bacon and increase smoked paprika or add smoked mushrooms. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. Pre-cook pasta at home to save time at camp.

Nutrition

Keywords: campfire mac and cheese, smoky bacon, one skillet, camping recipe, easy mac and cheese, outdoor meals, comfort food

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/savory-one-skillet-campfire-mac-and-cheese-with-smoky-bacon-recipe-for-perfect-outdoor-meals/