Easy RV Recipes

Essentials for RV Cooking

Before diving into the recipes, it’s important to ensure you have the essential tools and ingredients that make cooking in an RV efficient and enjoyable. Here's what you typically need:

Kitchen Tools and Appliances

1) Portable stove or induction cooktop: Most RVs come equipped with a small stove, but a portable option can be great for outdoor cooking.

2) Compact refrigerator: Essential for keeping perishables fresh.

3) Microwave or convection oven: Many RVs feature a microwave, and some come with a convection oven as an alternative to traditional baking.

4) Multi-functional cookware: Opt for pots and pans that work well for multiple types of cooking — sautéing, simmering, and perhaps even oven-safe for baking.

5) Basic utensils: Including spatulas, knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls, and measuring cups.

6) Slow cooker or Instant Pot: These can be incredibly handy for making a variety of dishes with minimal effort and supervision.

Pantry Staples

Keeping a well-stocked pantry will help you throw together meals quickly. Here are some staples to keep on hand:

Canned goods: Beans, tomatoes, vegetables, and fruits can form the base of many meals.

Dry goods: Pasta, rice, lentils, and quick-cooking grains offer great versatility.

Spices and herbs: These are crucial for flavoring your dishes without taking up much space.

Condiments and oils: Olive oil, vinegar, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise expand your flavoring options.

Snack foods: Nuts, dried fruits, and seeds are great for snacking or adding crunch to dishes.

Beverages: Coffee, tea, and long-life milk or alternatives for your morning routine.

Breakfast Recipes

Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast is essential, especially when you have a full day of adventures ahead. Here are a couple of easy recipes that can be made with minimal fuss in your RV kitchen.

1) Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats
• Milk or a milk alternative
• Yogurt (optional)
• Sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup)
• Toppings: fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, or spices like cinnamon

Preparation Method:

1) In a jar, combine equal parts of rolled oats and your choice of milk. Add a spoonful of yogurt for creaminess if desired.

2) Stir in a sweetener according to taste.

3) Add your favorite toppings such as sliced bananas, berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

4) Seal the jar and leave it in the fridge overnight. By morning, the oats will have absorbed the liquid and softened, ready to eat.

2) Scrambled Eggs and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Pre-chopped mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: shredded cheese, cooked sausage or bacon

Simple Recipe:

1) Beat the eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.

2) Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and sauté the vegetables until they are just tender.

3) Pour the beaten eggs over the vegetables, stirring gently to combine.

4) Cook until the eggs are set. For extra flavor and heartiness, sprinkle with cheese and add pre-cooked sausage or bacon.

5) Serve hot.

Lunch Recipes

Lunch on the road should be simple yet satisfying. Here are two recipes that are easy to prepare and pack for any excursion.

1) Wraps and Sandwiches

Ideas for Fillings:

Chicken salad: Mix canned chicken with mayonnaise, a pinch of salt, pepper, and some chopped celery.

Hummus and veggies: Spread hummus on a tortilla and top with sliced cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots.

Tuna wrap: Combine canned tuna with a little mustard, sliced onions, and a touch of lemon juice.

Tips to Keep Ingredients Fresh:

• Store ingredients in air-tight containers.
• Keep the refrigerator at a consistent, cool temperature.
• Assemble sandwiches or wraps close to mealtime to prevent sogginess.

2) Quick and Easy Pasta Salad

Basic Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta (preferably a small shape like penne or spirals)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Sliced black olives
• Diced cucumber
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Italian dressing

Preparation:

1) Combine the cooked pasta with the tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and feta in a large bowl.

2) Pour over Italian dressing to taste and mix well.

3) This salad can be customized by adding cooked chicken, tuna, or any leftover vegetables.

4) Chill in the fridge before serving for flavors to meld.

Dinner Recipes

After a long day of adventures, a hearty dinner is just what you need to refuel and unwind. Here are two dinner recipes that are simple to prepare in your RV kitchen and guaranteed to satisfy.

1)  One-Pot Chili

Ingredients:

• Ground meat (beef, turkey, or a vegetarian alternative)
• Canned beans (kidney, black, or a mix)
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
• Optional: chopped onions, bell peppers, garlic

Steps for Making Quick Chili:

1) If using, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a pot until they're soft.

2) Add the ground meat to the pot and cook until browned.

3) Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, and spices. Allow the mixture to simmer for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.

4) Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

2) Grilled Veggie and Sausage Skewers

Ingredients:

• Sausages (your choice of meat or vegetarian options)
• Vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs or spices

Preparation Tips:

1) Cut the sausages and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

2) Thread the sausage pieces alternately with the vegetables onto skewers.

3) Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your chosen seasonings.

4) Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally until the vegetables are tender and the sausages are cooked through.

Snacks and Sides

No meal is complete without a few go-to snacks and sides that are easy to prepare and perfect for munching throughout the day or accompanying a main dish.

Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• Oats
• Nut butter (peanut, almond, etc.)
• Honey or maple syrup
• Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, dried fruits, nuts, seeds

Recipe:

1) Combine 1 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of nut butter, and 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup in a mixing bowl.

2) Add any mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

3) Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate until firm.

Vegetable Chips

Ingredients:

• Thinly sliced vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets)
• Olive oil
• Salt and any desired spices
  
  

How to Make:

1) Toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and spices.

2) Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.

3) Bake in an RV oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until crispy, turning halfway through.

Desserts

Even while traveling in an RV, there's always room for a little sweet indulgence. Here are two dessert recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy evening or a night under the stars.

1)  S'mores Dip

Ingredients:

• Chocolate chips
• Marshmallows
• Graham crackers for dipping

Recipe:

1) In a small cast iron skillet, layer chocolate chips evenly.

2) Top with marshmallows until the chocolate is fully covered.

3) Place the skillet over low heat on the stove or over a campfire, and let it warm until the marshmallows are golden and the chocolate is melted.

4) Serve warm with graham crackers for dipping.

2) Fruit Cobbler

Ingredients:

• Canned fruit (like peaches, cherries, or mixed berries)
• Ready-made biscuit mix or a simple homemade mix (flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, milk)

Simple Recipe:

1) Pour the canned fruit, including the syrup, into a baking dish.

2) In a separate bowl, mix the biscuit dough according to package directions or the homemade recipe.

3) Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the fruit.

4) Bake in an RV oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.

Tips for Efficient RV Cooking

Cooking in an RV doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little organization and some handy tips, you can make the most out of your RV kitchen while enjoying delicious and effortless meals. Here are some strategies to help you along the way:

• Plan Ahead: Before your trip, plan your meals and make a grocery list. This reduces waste and ensures you have everything you need.
• Prep Meals in Advance: Prepare ingredients before you hit the road. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and mix spices. Store them in sealable containers to make cooking quicker and easier.
• Use One-Pot Recipes: Minimize cleanup and simplify cooking by using recipes that require just one pot or pan.
• Keep Meals Simple: Simple doesn't mean boring. Focus on meals with few ingredients but lots of flavors.
• Be Flexible: Sometimes you might not find the exact ingredients you're looking for. Be prepared to substitute and get creative with what’s available.
• Safety First: Always ensure your cooking space is well-ventilated, especially when cooking inside the RV.

Cook Up Your Next Adventure With Berryland Campers

Cooking in an RV allows you to bring the comforts of home on the road while adding an element of fun and adventure to mealtime. By following these simple recipes and tips, you can enjoy delicious, easy-to-make dishes that enhance your traveling experience. Experiment with these ideas, adjust them to suit your taste and available ingredients, and most importantly, enjoy the journey and the meals you create along the way. If you’re looking for the best RV for cooking on the road, regardless if you’re a professional chef or a budding cook, come down to Berryland Campers and take a zero-pressure walk through our spacious lot of motorhome options!