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Roamify Recipes: Bacon Mac & Cheese

A warm, creamy campfire meal hits different after a long day outdoors. This easy make-ahead recipe lets you prep everything at home and enjoy rich, gooey comfort food in minutes at camp.

Ingredients (at home)

  • 8 oz pasta (macaroni or your favorite)

  • 6–8 slices bacon

  • 1½ cups heavy cream (in a wide-mouth jar)

  • 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, or mix cheddar + Monterrey Jack) — put most of it in the jar with the cream, reserve a small handful for topping if you want

  • ½ tsp garlic powder (into the jar)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • Optional: BBQ chicken seasoning

Prep at home (fast + organized)

  1. Cook the pasta — boil until just al dente (2–3 minutes shy of package time). Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, drain well. Toss with a teaspoon of oil or a small pat of butter to keep it from sticking. Cool and pack in an airtight container.

  2. Cook the bacon — fry or bake until crisp. Drain on paper towel, chop or crumble, cool, and pack separately in a leak-proof container.

  3. Make the jar sauce — in a wide-mouth jar put: heavy cream, garlic powder, 2½ cups shredded cheese (reserve ~½ cup for topping if desired), a pinch of salt & pepper. Screw lid on and shake gently so cheese mixes with cream (it’ll still be chunky — that’s fine). Close jar and refrigerate.

  4. Pack everything — pasta container, bacon container, jar of cream/cheese/garlic, extra cheese (if reserved), spatula, small pot or skillet, spoon, stove/fuel, plate/bowl. Keep chilled in a cooler until you leave for camp.

At camp — quick assembly (10–12 minutes)

  1. Heat the pan — put a skillet or small pot over low heat. If you like, melt 1 tbsp butter first.

  2. Pour jar into pan — open the jar and pour the cream + cheese mixture into the pan. Stir gently to combine; keep heat low so it melts without separating.

  3. Simmer & thicken — stir frequently while the cream warms. After 4–8 minutes it will begin to melt and thicken into a sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water (a tablespoon at a time) or a little more cream/milk; if too thin, let it reduce a bit longer.

  4. Season & finish — taste and add salt, pepper, or a pinch BBQ chicken seasoning. Fold in the pre-cooked noodles and chopped bacon. Stir gently until everything is heated through (2–4 minutes).

  5. Serve — top with any reserved shredded cheese or extra bacon, and dig in!

Tips & safety

  • Keep perishable items chilled in your cooler and reheat until steaming hot. Discard leftovers left at room temp for >2 hours.

  • If you’re worried about the jar mixing well, pack an extra small bag of shredded cheese — stir it in at camp for a silkier sauce.

  • Use low heat and patience: melting slowly prevents grainy or separated sauce.

  • Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chopped chives for brightness, or fold in some cooked veggies for variety.

Roamify Recipes: Bacon Mac & Cheese
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