Vacationing in an RV is probably the only vacation option where you can take a kitchen with you. You’ll be able to cook on the road and save money by not eating out for every meal. Of course, an RV kitchen is not exactly like the one you have at home.
You won’t have all the bells and whistles. Not all RVs even have an oven, for instance, and if they do, it’s generally not a full size model. You’ll also be limited by the cookware and utensils you’re able to bring, but if you plan ahead and make the best use of the available space, you can bring along more than you might think.
So, while you might have to get creative, there are many great, easy-to-make recipes you can cook without skimping on taste and nutrition. Along with at least a 2-burner stovetop, we recommend you bring along a slow cooker, which is a convenient way to make many dishes. Most campgrounds also have grills so keep in mind your “kitchen” can go beyond your RV door.
We’ve put together this list of 10 recipes that you can make in your RV for breakfast, lunch and dinner
For Breakfast
1. Pancakes – Who doesn’t love pancakes? This is an especially popular choice for the kids. Pancakes are easy to make, requiring only a burner and a pan. Whether you buy a ready-made mix or make your batter from scratch, you can always add your own flavor with extras such as blueberries, bananas, pecans, apples and cinnamon, chocolate chips or whatever else you like.
2. Egg Scramble – Egg lovers, we didn’t forget you. This is another option that requires only a frying pan. There are so many ways to dress up scrambled eggs and make them even more delicious. Add potatoes, shredded cheese (whatever kind you love best), bacon, ham, breakfast sausage or go for a vegetarian option and use mushrooms, peppers, onions, or spinach. If you like your eggs with a little bit of heat, you can also add Tabasco sauce or a flavorful salsa on top. (Note: You can also whip up an omelet with the same ingredients.)
3. Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake – This one will be the delight of your sweet tooth. It can be made in only 30 minutes using pre-made, prepackaged biscuits. Did we mention it’s made on the stove? No oven required. The homemade icing is the crown jewel of this recipe, but even that is simple to make.
For Lunch or Dinner
4. Grilled Paninis – Take an ordinary sandwich to the next level by pressing it on the grill. It’s so easy, and because you’re making it on the grill there is very little clean up required. Bonus points on this one because while the link gives 3 recipes options, you can make a Panini however you like. Go for a gourmet peanut butter and jelly, add any deli meat and your favorite cheese, or get creative and see what you can come up with on your own.
5. Mac and Cheese – No, this isn’t the version made from a blue box. This recipe is kind of an adults-only version of your favorite childhood comfort food, adding bell peppers and sausage. No oven or microwave required and it can all be made using one skillet.
6. Bacon Wrapped Trout – Whether you catch your own fresh fish or you buy from a local market, this recipe is so simple and delicious. Plus, fish has plenty of good protein, which can help keep you healthy on the road and give you energy for hiking, biking, or whatever adventures you want to enjoy.
7. Slow Cooker Chicken Chili – It’s not camping until there’s chili. You can make it using canned and dried ingredients. Since it’s all done in a slow cooker, you can start it in the morning and then have the food ready when you get back to the RV that night. This recipe uses white chicken, but you can also find ones that use turkey, ground beef and even vegetarian chili options.
8. Grilled Corn – Honestly, there are very few things that taste better than corn when it’s been roasted on the grill. It makes a delicious side dish or you can make a meal out of just corn if you want. This recipe will show you how to make homemade mint butter, but you don’t have to stop there. You can sprinkle grilled corn with savory spices and even sweet flavors such as cinnamon and honey.
For Dessert
Did you think we’d leave dessert off the menu? No way. Here are two options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
9. Grilled Fruit Kabobs – Dessert doesn’t have to be fattening. It can even be healthy. Did you know you could grill fruit? If not, you are in for a treat. Skewer your favorite fruit and put it on the flame. This recipe calls for peaches, plums, bananas, and strawberries, but you can substitute almost any fruit you want.
10. Stove Top Skillet Cake – You heard right. You can make a cake without an oven, and boy is it easy and delicious. This cake is made with peaches and buttermilk and is cooked right on the stove. Add vanilla ice cream for an extra dose of amazing goodness.
Making delicious meals in your RV challenges you to get creative, but it can be done. These 10 recipes will get you started and then you add can your own twists.
