Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 8 oz prepared Alfredo sauce just over half a jar
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4–1/2 cup half and half or whole milk
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. I like to use elbow macaroni because it’s the classic choice and holds the sauce well, but shells or cavatappi are great alternatives. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water. (This stops the cooking process and keeps it from sticking together.)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, shredded cheeses, and enough half-and-half or milk to keep the mixture creamy. This is the key to preventing it from drying out when it’s stored in the cooler or reheated over the fire. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the mac and cheese mixture between four mini aluminum pie tins, spraying them first with nonstick cooking spray. This step makes cleanup so much easier later. If you’re making one large portion, transfer everything to a bigger aluminum dish. Cover each tin tightly with aluminum foil, spraying the side that touches the food with more nonstick spray. Seal the edges well to keep everything contained.
- Store the tins in a plastic bag in your cooler until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to eat, prepare your campfire and let the flames die down until you have hot, glowing coals. Place your cooking rack a couple of inches above the coals and set the tins on top. Let them cook for 8–10 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even heating. When the cheese is melted and bubbly, they’re ready to serve!
Notes
Serving ideas to wow your camping crew
When it comes to presentation, you can’t go wrong with the rustic charm of serving this straight out of the tins. But if you want to take it up a notch, garnish each portion with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad to round out the meal. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve it alongside grilled sausages or a charcuterie board for a true campfire feast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: dinner