Cheesy pasta is a staple for any expedition. This recipe for macaroni and cheese, made deluxe by the addition of butter and dried veggies, is hot and delicious and transitions well from the backcountry to your kitchen at home. Be sure to check out the recipe for NOLS Famous Fried Macs!
Recipe: Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tsp. of salt
- 2 Tbs. onions or other dried vegetables (optional)
- 2 cups of uncooked pasta
- 3-4 Tbs. of butter
- 1 cup of diced or grated cheese (smaller melts faster)
- 4 Tbs. powdered milk
- Black pepper and garlic powder to taste
Directions
- Add salt, vegetables, and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil. (You can also rehydrate the dried veggies in clean water in a separate bowl while the pasta cooks.)
- Add pasta to boiling water; boil for 8-15 minutes, depending on pasta type, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain all but 1/4 cup of water. (If cooking in a pot, we recommend adding the pasta to a frying pan at this step and finishing cooking in the pan, rather than the pot, for easier cleanup later.)
- Add butter and cheese to the pot and stir.
- Add the powdered milk slowly until it becomes a thick liquid. Stir.
- Add any additional spices to taste.
- Stir over heat until the cheese is melted, then serve!
Watch the Recipe
NOLS' Famous Fried Macs
Prepare regular mac and cheese as described above. Stir and fry, adding more butter to the pan as necessary, for 5 to 10 minutes or until desired doneness. Top with parmesan cheese or salsa for added flavor.
Find more of our favorite backcountry recipes in NOLS Cookery.
