How to Dehydrate Macaroni

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This is our step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate macaroni pasta. Dehydrating elbow macaroni is real easy to do. Just like in our everyday cooking, many of our dehydrated camping meal recipes use it. So it just makes good sense to dehydrate what you use day-to-day and have it on hand in your pantry for when it’s needed.

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Prep Time 30

Dehydrating Time 12

Total Time 12 30

Course Dehydrated Food Ingredient

Cuisine Backpacking, Camping, Dehydrated Food, Hiking

Servings from 1 (6-ounce) box

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

Food dehydrator
Removable mesh screen insert (one for each dehydrator tray)
Common kitchen tools (including cutting boards, chef's knife, colander, etc.)
Canning jars with tight-fitting lids
Wide-mouth canning jar funnel
Desiccant packets for moisture control (optional)

Ingredients

several boxes macaroni pasta (save cheese packets for other uses)

Instructions

Process the Macaroni

Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Omit any added fats or oils.
several boxes macaroni pasta
Drain the cooked macaroni.

Prepare the Dehydrator

Layer the cooked elbow macaroni onto the removable mesh screen inserts; one 6-ounce box of mac and cheese will fill 2 to 3 of the Nesco 13.5-inch round dehydrator trays.

Dehydrate the Macaroni

Set the dehydrator thermostat temperature to 135 °F (57 °C). Dry for 8 to 12 hours until done.

When is the Macaroni Done

The dehydrated macaroni pieces should appear translucent and easily break apart into individual pieces when done. There should be no wet or mushy pieces.

Equalizing and Conditioning Dehydrated Macaroni

After a short cooling period, loosely pack the dehydrated macaroni elbows into a clean, dry canning jar with a tight-fitting lid, leaving some headspace.
Every day, for 7 to 10 days, check the jar for moisture. Roll the jar contents around and note any clumping or sticking. If seen, put it all back on the dehydrator for several more hours.
If you notice any mold at all, even the slightest bit, throw it all out.

Storing the Dehydrated Macaroni

Use appropriate-sized canning jars for storage. Depending on how well you dehydrate them and your pantry storage conditions, the dehydrated macaroni pieces should keep for at least 12 months.
An optional food-safe desiccant packet will aid with moisture control.
Attach or include a label describing the jar contents and the date the product was dehydrated. The label identifies the canning jar contents, and the date helps with the rotation schedule. A first-in, first-out rotation helps us to use items that have been on the shelf the longest, so we're using the oldest food first.

Notes

Drying times will vary depending on your dehydrator and environmental conditions. Refer to your dehydrator owner’s manual for recommended temperatures and times for dehydrating specific foods. Remember to use drying times as a guide.

Nutrition

Serving: 50gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Nutrition information is only an estimate and may differ depending on the ingredients you use.

Keywords dehydrating food for long term storage, how to dehydrate elbow macaroni, how to dehydrate macaroni

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