One of the best things about camping is the food! There’s nothing like a golden brown marshmallow that’s been roasted over the campfire for s’mores. The best thing about creating your RV meal plan is tailoring it to your own preferences! Love to cook but always short on time at home? Camping may be your excuse to plan special meals since you’re away from the 9-5 world and you’ll have more down time to cook. Maybe your camping vacation is packed with adventure so cooking needs to be as simplistic as possible. Or you could be somewhere in between. Whatever your cooking style, RV meal planning starts with the menu.
Start Simple
Not all RV kitchens are alike. Some RV kitchens are tiny, others much larger, and some even have an island providing a great deal of counter space. But even with a larger RV kitchen, you still don’t want to go overboard on the food.
You may have all the space and tools you need to prepare extravagant meals, but it’s possible you’d rather spend your day relaxing or exploring rather than cooking. Your RV meal plan can reflect your activity level and food-prep time available. You can plan simple meals that are filling and let everyone get back to having fun!
Use Ingredients for Multiple Meals
No matter the type or size of your RV’s kitchen, one thing is certain: storage space is always at a premium! One way to maximize storage in the kitchen is to use ingredients across several meals. This can be anything from a base food like a meat or vegetable to your favorite spices.
A loaf of bread can be used for toast in the morning, sandwiches for lunch, and garlic toast for a spaghetti supper. Ground beef or ground turkey can be a versatile base food. Use some in the spaghetti sauce to go with that garlic toast and the rest for burgers the next night. There are plenty of websites that are great resources for camping recipes. Or, you can do a search for simple meal plans and find some ideas that fit your cooking style and your taste buds.
The Right Tools for the Right RV Meal Plan
When you’re building a birdhouse, it’s easier if you have a hammer and some nails. Likewise, when you have the right cooking equipment, it’s easier to build your RV meal plan. Two of the most popular must-haves for any RV kitchen are cast iron pans and a slow cooker. These two staple items can give you the convenience and flexibility to cook almost anything when you’re on the road – or even when you’re way, way off the road camping remotely.
Another favorite and extremely versatile kitchen cooking tool is the Dutch oven. Everything from soups and stews to popcorn and desserts can be prepared in this gem. If you want to cook something fun with the kids (or simply feel like a kid again) try cooking with pie irons. From sandwiches to pizza to fruit pies, this campfire kitchen tool takes the fun of roasting hot dogs or marshmallows and combines it with the versatility of a Dutch oven.
Convenient Food vs Feeling at Home
Your RV meal plan works best when you create it with your activity level and overall expectations of your time on the road. If you are the type who wants their RV to feel just like an extension of home, planning large, sit-down meals that everyone can enjoy together will be at the top of your list.
Others may be on the opposite end of the spectrum and plan simple meals and some grab-and-go foods for busy days full of activities. Whether you’re the type who’s on the go looking for the next adventure or the type who’s relaxing with your feet up reading the latest novel, you can make your RV meal plan work for you. You can even mix it up and plan one or two big meals with easy, quick meals sprinkled in for “flavor” and variety.
Don’t Forget Snacks
Exploring, hiking, fishing or even just getting some time to relax makes snacks a must-have. Fruit is a great fast-food snack, but don’t forget to add plenty of non-perishable foods when working up your RV meal plan. Things like protein bars store easily and travel well; they may even serve as a meal-replacement if you’re on a long hike or away from your RV for an extended period. No matter what your plans are, it’s always a good idea to have a healthy supply of snacks on hand.
Restocking on the Road
Sometimes you may be just a weekend camper. Other times you may take longer trips. It’s fairly easy to figure out your RV meal plan for just a weekend, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed when you do take extended trips. Planning your meals in advance is still a good idea, but unless you’ll be far away from conveniences, you don’t need to pack it all at once.
It is very common to take a mid-week shopping trip when you’re vacationing for a week or longer. When you plan a shopping trip right into your week, you’ll have less to pack initially. This will save you refrigerator and cupboard space as well as avoiding the frustration of food spoiling before you have a chance to prepare it.
Contact RV Wholesale Superstore
The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126
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