Campfire Dutch Oven Ranch Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a campfire with friends and family, and this past weekend, I discovered the perfect campfire comfort food: Ranch Mac and Cheese cooked right in the Dutch oven.

Creamy, cheesy, and with a hint of ranch flavor, this recipe was a huge hit! I snapped a few photos along the way—scroll down to see how it turned out and grab the recipe for your next outdoor adventure.

We definitely don’t need a fancy kitchen to whip up an amazing dinner.

With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty Dutch oven, we can make a dish that impresses everyone at camp.

The ranch seasoning brings an extra kick that keeps folks coming back for more!

Why I Loved This Recipe:
Mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, but making it over a campfire in a Dutch oven takes it to a whole new level. The ranch seasoning gives it a unique twist, and the buttery Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect crunch. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead and comes together quickly once your fire is going.

I found this recipe on Cassie Crave’s blog and tweaked it for the Dutch Oven! It came out so good.

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound macaroni
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Campfire Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. If you’re at the campsite, you can do this over the fire or on a camp stove. We used our Fire Maple stove (I’ll add below, it works GREAT and is cheaper than a Jet Boil!)
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   While the pasta cooks, place your Dutch oven over the campfire (or on a grate above the coals). Add the milk, cubed butter, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper. Heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm.
3. Add the Cheese:
   Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and Colby cheeses until they’re melted and the sauce is smooth. Then, fold in the sour cream for extra creaminess.
4. Combine Everything:
   Drain the cooked macaroni and stir it into the cheese sauce. Add the crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery crunch.
5. Finish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the Dutch oven and let it sit over the fire for a few minutes to allow everything to meld together and the top to get a little toasty.

Fire-Maple Backpacking and Camping Stove

$49.95

Compact and lightweight, compatible with most fuel canisters, sturdy and easy to use! We've had our Fire Maple for about 2 years now and it's still going strong!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

06/13/2025 06:08 am GMT

Campfire Tips:

• Use a Dutch oven with a lid for even cooking.
• Keep the fire at a medium heat—too hot and the cheese can burn.
• Prep your ingredients ahead of time for easy assembly at the campsite.

Final Thoughts:
This Dutch oven mac and cheese was the star of our camping weekend. The ranch flavor was a fun surprise, and the creamy, cheesy sauce paired perfectly with the crunchy topping. I can’t wait to make it again!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments—or tag me in your campfire cooking photos!

Customizing Your Dutch Oven Ranch Mac & Cheese

Need more ingredient ideas? We all have different tastes and needs when it comes to campfire meals. The great thing about Dutch oven ranch mac & cheese is how easy it is to make it your own, whether you want more protein, crave a little heat, or need to feed a big, hungry group.

Vegetarian and Protein-Rich Twists

Sometimes, we want to keep our meals meat-free but still filling. One of our favorite ways to add extra protein is with ingredients like white beans, egg whites, or chickpeas.

These mix in easily with the cheesy noodles and ranch flavor. Sautéed mushrooms or spinach are great for a boost of vitamins without much fuss.

If you’re after something more hearty, cubed tofu or tempeh holds up well in the Dutch oven and soaks in all that creamy, ranchy goodness. We also like swapping in whole wheat or chickpea-based noodles for a nutrition boost without changing the flavor much.

For a little crunch, topping off each serving with roasted seeds or nuts right before you dig in adds nice texture and a bit of extra protein.

Adding Southwest Flair with Chili Seasoning

If you want to bring some kick to your campfire meal, chili seasoning is an easy fix. Stir in a packet or mix up your own blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic.

Fresh or canned jalapeños, green chilies, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will take the flavor up a notch. Sometimes, we’ll chop in a bit of fresh cilantro or squeeze in a lime for an extra burst that helps the dish pop.

Here’s a simple Southwest add-in list for your next camping trip:

This twist is especially fun when you’re cooking for friends who like a little heat in their food.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Tasty side dishes and bright flavors help turn a cozy meal into something we’re all excited to dig into.

Let’s talk about some delicious pairings that make our meal even more memorable.

Perfect Sides: Mashed Potato and More

Nothing says comfort like a warm serving of mashed potatoes next to our creamy mac and cheese. The fluffy, buttery potatoes soak up the rich cheese and ranch flavors, making each bite a little celebration.

If you’ve got leftover grilled potatoes or even a baked potato from yesterday, those work great too. Besides potatoes, we love tossing in some roasted veggies—carrots, broccoli, or even bright bell peppers cooked right on the fire.

A simple green salad is a fresh way to lighten things up a bit. For best results, let’s keep it simple.

Here’s a quick list of winning sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Grilled or roasted potatoes
• Roasted veggies
• Fresh green salad
• Corn on the cob

Pick any of these and you’ll have happy campers, guaranteed.

Refreshing Additions: Granny Smith Apples & Beyond

Nothing cuts through creamy, cheesy dishes like a bit of crisp, tart fruit. Granny Smith apples are our go-to. Slice them thin and offer them cold, or grill a few slices for smoky-sweet flavor.

Their tang balances all that rich mac and cheese perfectly. We’ve also tried pear slices, grape bunches, or a bowl of cherries for something sweet and refreshing.

These fruits add texture, color, and a little zing that keeps our taste buds interested. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, toss apple slices into a salad for a hint of crunch.

Don’t forget, these fruits pack well for camping, so you won’t have to worry about them getting squished on the trip.

Bringing It All Together by the Campfire

Eating together outside is special enough, but little touches make it even sweeter. Our favorite setup is everyone grabbing a plate, piling on mac and cheese, potatoes, and bright fruit—all while the fire crackles nearby.

Passing around a bowl of fresh, crunchy apple slices or warm potatoes creates a sense of togetherness. We love laying out our sides family-style right on the camp table.

Kids can build their own plates, and everyone gets just what they want. It’s laid-back, a little messy, and honestly, that’s when food tastes best.

Pajamas, laughter, and maybe a second helping—now that’s our idea of the perfect campfire meal.

We love our AroundFire portable fire pit for meals with friends and family!

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Ideas

We can set ourselves up for success before we even hit the road. There are easy steps for prepping this ranch mac and cheese so our meal stays creamy, safe, and easy at the campsite.

Meal Prep for a Camping Trip

We can save so much time at camp by prepping ahead at home. First, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and drain it.

Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then let it cool completely. For the cheese sauce, mix shredded cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, a splash of buttermilk, and ranch seasoning in a bowl.

It blends together easily and actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Once the macaroni is cool, combine it with the cheese sauce.

Portion everything into reusable zip-top bags or airtight containers. This makes packing up easier and keeps our ice chest organized.

If you want to make things extra simple, portion out single servings for quick grab-and-heat meals by the fire. You can find more ideas for prepping this kind of camping mac and cheese in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

We all want creamy, flavorful mac and cheese around the campfire, but it can be tricky to get it just right. Let’s cover cheese blends, cooking tips, easy recipes, add-ins, bacon upgrades, and prepping ahead so our camping meal is simple and extra tasty.

What’s the best cheese blend for that melty, campfire mac and cheese goodness?

We’ve had the best luck mixing sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Cheddar melts well and gives us a classic flavor, while Monterey Jack or mozzarella add that creamy, stretchy texture.

Sometimes we add just a touch of cream cheese for extra smoothness. It helps our sauce stay luscious even over the campfire.

How do you keep the mac & cheese from sticking to the Dutch oven when cooking over a campfire?

Let’s be real—a sticky pot is no one’s friend out at the campsite. We always line ours with aluminum foil, so all we have to do is peel it off and toss it in the trash. You can also grease your Dutch oven with a thick layer of butter or spray before adding anything else.

Stirring every so often, especially at the start, helps too.

Can you share a no-boil Dutch oven mac & cheese recipe that’s perfect for camping?

Absolutely! We pour uncooked macaroni, water, and a bit of butter into our Dutch oven, cover, and cook until the pasta is just tender.

Then stir in cheeses, milk, and any mix-ins—done!
This Dutch oven mac and cheese method is super easy and means less mess to clean up.

What are your secret ingredients to jazz up a classic mac and cheese while camping?

Throw in a handful of green onions or even a spoonful of ranch seasoning for big flavor. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a dash of smoked paprika, or some roasted garlic cloves can really take things up a notch. We added in some garlic flavored cheese…SO GOOD!

When we’re craving something creamy and tangy, a little dollop of sour cream does wonders.

Any tips on how to incorporate bacon into my Dutch oven mac & cheese for added flavor?

Bacon is a campfire favorite for good reason. We pre-cook the bacon in our Dutch oven before adding the pasta—those crispy bits and leftover bacon fat add so much smoky, savory flavor.

Crumble the cooked bacon over the mac and cheese before serving. If we want extra bacon punch, we stir some directly into the cheese sauce too.

What kind of prep can I do at home before heading out to make campfire mac & cheese easier to cook?

We always pre-shred our cheeses and toss them into zip bags. Pasta gets its own bag, and we do the same for dry spices.

If we’re adding veggies or bacon, we cook and chop those ahead of time too. Then we pack them in little containers—makes life so much easier out there.

Honestly, mixing up the cheese sauce ingredients at home in a jar is a game-changer. When we get to camp, it’s just combine, heat, and dig in.