Campervan Cooking Tips & Recipes

Campervan cooking can feel a bit daunting if you’re used to cooking in a full kitchen, but you may be surprised about the variety of culinary creations you can make while on the road.

Here, we share our top tips for campervan cooking, including the equipment and utensils you may need, plus where to buy the best ingredients. We’ve also included some campervan cooking recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat.

Cooking equipment for campervans

Depending on which campervan you have, you’re sure to have a selection of kitchen equipment on hand for cooking up some delicious recipes while travelling around. Many campervans have at least one hob, but there is some additional cooking equipment you can take with you to ensure you can make your favourites away from home while connected to campsite mains.

Microwaves

Some campervans come with an integrated microwave but if you don’t have one in yours, you can seamlessly plug one into your kitchen. As well as being useful for convenient microwave meals, heating soup, making hot chocolate, and reheating leftovers, a microwave is also useful for defrosting and cooking any meals you’ve whipped up and frozen before heading out on your adventure.

Slow cookers

A slow cooker will easily plug into a socket and can be used for a whole range of recipes that are perfect for creating from the comfort of your campervan. Especially ideal if you’re travelling during colder months, a slow cooker enables you to make warming stews, soups, and curries, alongside a range of different desserts. Many slow cookers have a variety of uses, so perhaps look out for an option that doubles up as a rice cooker, steamer, pressure cooker, and even yoghurt maker!

Barbeques

Barbeques are another popular option for campervan cooking as they provide the opportunity to both cook and eat al fresco. Some campsites boast their own barbeques for guests to use, but it can be more convenient to have your own so you can cook your food at a time that suits you. Portable barbeques are perfect as they won’t take up too much space in your campervan and are easy to use.

Must-have utensils for campervan cooking

There’s no reason why you can’t have the utensils you use at home in your campervan, but space can be an issue depending on how much kitchen storage you have. Space-saving options include pots and pans that can be stacked, lightweight melamine plates and bowls, and collapsible cups.

Plates, bowls, cups, knives, forks, spoons, and teaspoons are essential, but only take one per person to ensure that space isn’t being taken up by unnecessary items. If you end up hosting a meal or drinks while out and about, you can ask your guests to bring their own cups, crockery, and cutlery as they’re guaranteed to have what they need in their own campervan.

Other utensils that you might like to pack include:

• Chopping board
• Kitchen knives
• Tin/bottle opener
• Cheese grater
• Wooden spoon
• Spatula
• Serving bowl and spoons

Make the most of your location

Regardless of whether you’re staying in the UK or taking your campervan abroad, opt for local ingredients while exploring, as they’ll be fresh and tasty, and you might be able to try something new.

Visit farmer’s markets, grocers, butchers, and bakeries where you’re sure to find a great range of local goods and produce to use while cooking in your campervan. If you’re travelling abroad, ask for recommendations on what you should try to experience as much as possible during your trip.

Recipes to cook in your campervan

Now you know which equipment and utensils you need for successful campervan cooking, it’s time to discover some of the tasty meals you can make. One pot meals are ideal as you don’t need lots of equipment to make them so you can avoid cluttering your campervan kitchen. The same goes for barbeques which provide a seamless cooking experience.

Here are some of our favourite recipes for campervan holidays:

English breakfast

There’s nothing quite like an English breakfast to start the day, and despite its name, you’ll be able to find the main ingredients in most places. Sausages, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, and bread are all you need, and these can be adapted for vegetarians and vegans. Combining protein, vegetables, and fibre, this breakfast will provide the energy you need for a day of exploring.

Barbeque feast

As previously mentioned, a barbeque is a great campervan meal as it enables you to cook outside. Burgers, sausages, and vegetable kebabs packed with peppers, onions, and mushrooms, are great options, and you can also cook up some fresh seafood should it be available to you. Add bread rolls, salad, and anything else you fancy to create a filling barbeque feast.

Curries

Curries made with meat or vegetables are a great choice for campervan kitchens as they can be made in one pot and don’t require lots of ingredients. All you need is your chosen meat and/or vegetables, a can of coconut milk, and some spices (which you could pack to take with you for convenience). Then either boil rice or opt for microwaveable rice to accompany your meal.

Bolognese

Another one pot wonder ideal for campervan cooking is a Bolognese served with pasta or rice. Bolognese can be made with minced meat or lentils plus stock and an assortment of vegetables, including tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Serve with some grated cheese on top to complete this tasty recipe.

Campervan desserts

The best campervan desserts are the simplest ones. Fresh fruit and yoghurt, local pastries and cakes, or a delicious cheeseboard are also easy to prepare, hassle-free, and don’t create lots of washing up!

Specialist campervan insurance through Ripe

Ready to start cooking up a storm in your campervan? Through Ripe, you can protect your campervan from theft, accidental damage, fire, flood, and more.

You can also get cover for your campervan equipment and accessories, giving you complete peace of mind on the road.

Find out more about specialist campervan insurance through Ripe or get a quote online today.