Motorhome and campervan cooking made easy

One of the best things about travelling in a motorhome or campervan is having your own kitchen wherever you go. It’s ready and waiting for you, any time, any place.

There's no need to rely on motorway services or expensive takeaways when you can cook fresh meals with a view of the beach or countryside.

The key to utilising it is keeping things simple. With a little planning, cooking on the road can be quick, affordable and surprisingly enjoyable.

Plan your meals before you leave

A rough meal plan will save you time, money and hassle above all else. More so if you know what you do and don’t like ahead of time.

Think about what you'll be eating each day and try to choose ingredients that can be used across multiple meals. Whatever you have for dinner could well make a perfect lunch, too.

Packing with flexibility in mind means less food goes to waste and you won't need to carry more than necessary.

Make the most of limited space

Motorhome and campervan kitchens are compact so every cupboard counts. There are more than you might expect too.

Good advice is to choose ingredients that store well and don't require lots of refrigeration. Pasta, rice, wraps, tinned tomatoes and dried herbs all take up very little room and can be used in dozens of different meals.

Rather than packing every kitchen gadget you own, stick to the essentials. A good frying pan, saucepan, chopping board and sharp knife will cover almost everything you'll want to cook.

Keep meals simple

You don't need complicated recipes to eat well on the road.

Some easy campervan favourites include:

• Pasta with homemade tomato sauce
• Chicken or vegetable stir fry
• Chilli served with rice
• Sausage and mash
• Jacket potatoes with different toppings
• Bacon or sausage sandwiches for breakfast

Most meals can be cooked using just one or two pans, making washing up a breeze afterwards.

Shop little and often

Instead of filling every cupboard before you leave, consider buying fresh food as you travel. That’s something a lot of people don't consider.

Chances are, you’ll pass some really unique places. Local farm shops, village stores, and even unusual supermarkets are easy to find across most of the UK, and shopping little and often means you'll have fresher ingredients without overcrowding your fridge.

It's also a great excuse to try local produce along the way.

Don't forget the basics

With all that said, it's easy to remember the food but forget everything else. Before setting off, make sure you've packed:

• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper
• Tea, coffee and sugar
• Washing up liquid and a sponge
• Kitchen roll
• Food storage containers

Having these everyday essentials means you won't need to buy them every time you stop.

Save money by cooking

Eating out every night soon adds up, especially on longer trips. It’s a very easy way to overextend your budget.

Preparing breakfast and most evening meals in your campervan can make a noticeable difference to your holiday budget, leaving more money for attractions, campsites or even an extra night away.

That doesn't mean avoiding restaurants altogether. Many people enjoy mixing home-cooked meals with the occasional pub lunch or local café.

Clean as you go

This one is a game changer. A small kitchen can quickly become cluttered.

Washing up while dinner is cooking or putting ingredients away as you finish using them makes the whole space feel much more organised. It also means you're not faced with a pile of washing up before bed or first thing in the morning.

Enjoy the experience

Cooking in a motorhome or campervan isn't about creating restaurant-quality meals. If anything, maybe the opposite. It's about making good food, wherever your journey takes you.

Whether you're making a quick breakfast before heading out for a walk or cooking dinner as the sun sets over the coast, sharing a meal is all part of the adventure. With a little preparation and a few simple recipes, cooking on the road soon becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of travelling.