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Home cooking has become wildly popular in the last few months and learning how to cook in tiny kitchens is in demand along with some great RV Camping Recipe Ideas. Many RVers assume they have to revert to their frozen meals or fast food favorites like french fries and pizza, but there are RV cookbooks on the market that prove that this simply isn’t the case.
We are going to weigh in on how to cook in your RV kitchen or outside camping that features breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert recipes. We caught up with Melisa Kennedy recently who just launched her new quick reference RV cookbook, The RV Table, where she has easily incorporated all kinds of recipes; 21 RV quick recipes in fact.
If you want a small but mighty RV cookbook that won’t take up space but will help you make breakfast foods, healthy smoothies, dinners, appetizers, and even desserts with little effort, then check out Melisa’s The RV Table.
Besides great recipes, The RV Table includes tips and tricks for getting the most out of your RV garden fresh herbs. Whether you are new to RV cooking and are totally clueless about how what to do or you are already a cooking pro looking for new recipes to try, there’s help here for you in this guide.
RV Camping Weekend Food Check List
Camping is about rest and relaxation, not hunting for missing meal ingredients at the closest convenience store – which, depending on where your campsite is, may not be all that convenient. The key to a hassle-free RV experience? Meal planning.
According to Melisa Kennedy, there are a few food staples you need for a weekend long RV trip. Adjust the amounts for the number of people. Melisa based this on a couple going RVing together over a three day weekend.
Here is what she suggests:
Produce
•1 carton of strawberries
•1 package baby spinach
•3 russet potatoes
•1 heirloom tomato
•3 medium red onions
•1 small head of garlic
•3 bell peppers (red or green)
•1 pound bag baby carrots
•1 head celery
Dairy
•1 half-gallon 2% organic milk
•1 dozen eggs
•1 package of good organic Irish butter
•1 package mozzarella cheese slices
•1 package cheddar cheese slices
Meat
•1 pound sliced oven-roasted turkey breast
•1 package bacon, preferably uncured
•1 pound ground beef
•2 pounds chicken breast
Dry Packaged Goods
•1 1-pound box pasta, preferably ziti
•1 9-count package whole wheat English muffins
•1 loaf of bread of your choice
Use this grocery list to make the gourmet RV camping recipes below. Also, these and more recipes can be found in Melisa’s cookbook, The RV Table.
Because eggs are the only ingredient for these breakfast recipes that need to stay chilled, you can put them in a cooler if you wish and stow everything else with the rest of your camping gear. Even at home, I still prefer to eat something with eggs for breakfast. My favorite breakfast of all time is scrambled eggs that I love to eat. If you are looking to add more protein to your breakfast, try dried meats like chorizo. This is the perfect meat to mix into your egg dish because it has plenty of spicy flavors and does not need to be refrigerated.
RV Camping Menu and Recipe Ideas
When you are planning your meals, think of recipes that can be served anytime – breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We like egg dishes because of their versatility.
Whether you are planning to cook breakfast on the campfire or inside your RV, eggs are one of the quickest and easiest ingredients to use.
Roughing it or don’t have a lot of refrigerator space? Eggs are your answer!
Because eggs are the only ingredient for these breakfast recipes that need to stay chilled, you can put them in a cooler if you wish and stow everything else with the rest of your camping gear. If you are looking to add more protein to your breakfast, try dried meats like chorizo. This is the perfect meat to mix into your egg dish because it has plenty of spicy flavors and does not need to be refrigerated.
Fresh herbs, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers are easy to add to your camping breakfast menu as well.
Melisa’s Fresh Herb Omelet
Ingredients:
- 4 large or extra-large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon milk
- 3 tablespoons minced chopped herbs: such as parsley, dill, chives, rosemary, basil, or mint (use no more than 3)
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon good Irish butter
Directions:
Break eggs into a bowl and beat with a fork or a whisk until frothy. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, and 2 teaspoons of milk. Whisk half the herbs into the eggs and mix well.
Heat an 8-inch nonstick omelet pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons of Kerry Gold Pure Irish Butter. When the butter is hot when you hold your hand above it, pour in the eggs, scraping every last bit into the pan. Swirl the pan to distribute the eggs evenly over the surface. Fold cooked omelet over onto itself and serve.
Turkey Panini
Put this sandwich on the grill (or eat them cold). This simple and easy sandwich will make you feel as if you stepped into an uptown Italian deli.
Ingredients:
- ¼ pound good deli turkey
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- 2 slices of mozzarella cheese
Simply smear mayo on both slices of bread, top one side with two slices of mozzarella, then the other half with ¼ pound of good turkey. Add more ingredients to your liking, such as tomatoes and lettuce.
Gourmet RV Camping Recipe Ideas
While these recipes are great for your weekend getaway or long RV vacation, they might not be all that campfire friendly. They are actually designed for home preparation with a full kitchen.
Pot Pie Pockets
These handheld pies can be made at home and brought into the RV. They go directly from the freezer to the oven to bake. From frozen, place on a baking sheet, then heat and serve at your campsite.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken
- 1 cup chopped onion, red peppers, and carrots
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Pastry dough
- ½ cup flour
Directions:
- Place the chicken in a pot and add water to barely cover. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 50 minutes. Remove the chicken to cool continue to boil the broth to reduce and concentrate to about 1 quart. Remove the meat from the chicken and shred.
- To make the filling, melt the butter in a medium-sized hot skillet and add the onion, celery, and carrot. Saute over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the salt and flour and cook for 1 minute more.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter or line a baking sheet.
- To form the pocket pies, work with half of a disk of dough at a time, rolling it out on a floured surface. Using an overturned bowl (about 5 inches across), cut out circles about 3 at a time from each piece of dough. After cutting out all your circles, gather all dough scraps, reroll, and cut out a final time. Place 1/4 cup filling on one side of a dough circle. Wet the edges of the dough with water. Fold the dough over to form a half circle. Pinch the edge of the dough together. Crimp the edge with a fork. Repeat the process until all the filling is used. The pocket pies can be frozen at this point.
- Place the pocket pies on the prepared baking sheet and chill for a few minutes. Prick each pie on top twice with a fork.
- When ready to bake in your RV, you’ll want to beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over each pocket pie.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.
RV Kitchen Essentials
This time of year, it is not unusual for folks to be planning their next RV trip to somewhere warm and sunny. So, you may be thinking of how you will be rustling up meals in the great outdoors. Here, you are going to find our cooking-over-fire essentials.
Here is what to pack for when cooking in the great outdoors:
- Cooler – A cooler is fundamental to any camping or RV kitchen. Actually, two coolers would be even better than one. It’s a good idea to designate one cooler for your family’s drinks, snacks, and other frequently used items. Then, reserve the other cooler for special meal ingredients and do not allow it to be open much as it will lose its effectiveness quick. A well-insulated cooler that stays closed most of the time will keep the ice and food cold for multiple days.
- Grill – What will be your heat source for cooking? A lot of campsites do include a grill, but check the campground’s amenities or ask when making your RV site reservation. If yours does not include one, then you may want to consider bringing one. Not only does it keep heat out of your RV in the summer months, but it is an excellent way to cook!
- Cast Iron Skillet – a heavy duty skillet will be your most faithful companion in your outdoor camping kitchen or even inside your RV kitchen.
- Tin Foil – A camp or RV kitchen can never have too much heavy duty aluminum foil. It can be used for so many recipes as well as keeping your clean up time to a minimum. It is a win-win.
RV Camping Menu Planner
Some quick meals that do not require refrigeration are good for planning your RV menu. Because RV refrigerators are so small typically, resorting to other meal ideas is a good idea.
Here are some menu planning for “no refrigerator needed” meals:
- Oatmeal
- Canned tuna, chicken, or ham for an easy protein source
- Beef or other jerkies and dehydrated meats
- Energy, protein, or granola bars
- Pasta, lentils, beans, and other dry, boilable grains and legumes
When planning out your camping menu, including the above grocery goods will do well to provide you a solid basis for your camping diet. You can get even more creative with your menu if you want to. For instance, you can bring along some shelf stable breakfast go-to’s like oatmeal or granola bars. These are great standbys when you don’t have time to cook an entire meal.
If you are not opposed to processed foods, you can also look into dry, packaged meals that require no refrigeration, such as toaster pastries, donuts, and other goodies that come together in a pinch.
Of course, we want to have as many healthy meals as possible when we are RVing, but we also want to be realistic. You can find tons of relatively healthy, well-constructed packaged meals that require you only to add water or pop them in the microwave. Not only are they convenient, but they can also be surprisingly delicious!
How to Eat Healthy While Camping
PRO TIP: “Do most of your RV meal planning before you even hit the road,” says Melisa Kennedy. “Get familiar with your campground and destination location, then search for a local health food store or supermarket, and call them ahead of time to make sure they will be open when you arrive at your campsite.”
Some Must Haves for Eating Healthy While RVing:
- Pack some peanut butter for a quick sandwich or filler. Of course, if you are allergic to nuts, then don’t do this recipe!
- Pre-make some trail mix and prepare them in to-go bags that can tag along with you and your family on hikes and while touring your destination location.
- Last but not least, think PROTEIN when planning your RV menu! The more protein and fewer carbs you eat, the healthier the meals should be when you are RVing. Stick to leaner meats and power them up with some veggie side dishes.
Which recipe did you like best? Do you have any adjustments that you might make? If so, add your suggestions to the comment box below. And if you have any awesome dessert recipes please list them in the comments below! We love hearing your thoughts and ideas.
If you liked these camping recipes, please share this article with all your social friends. Spread the word! Camp food does not have to be boring. These recipes and Melisa’s new cookbook are sure to be a hit!
Related Reading for RV Camping Recipe Ideas:
1️⃣ 10 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for RV Camping
2️⃣ 10 Best Easy and Delicious Camping Recipes
