Tiny Kitchen, Big Flavour: 5 Smart Cooking Hacks for Campervans

Cooking in a campervan might sound like a challenge, but with a little creativity and the right gear, it becomes a fun and rewarding part of van life. Whether you're parked up by the beach, deep in the forest, or just taking a break on the road, these five clever cooking hacks will help you whip up delicious meals in even the tiniest of kitchens.

Outdoor cooking on a BBQ

1. One-Pot Wonders

When space is limited, every dish counts. Enter the mighty one-pot meal. From hearty lentil stews to spicy curries or simple pasta dishes, cooking everything in a single pan saves time, reduces washing up, and makes the most of limited stove space. Bonus tip: bring a thermal flask to keep leftovers warm for later.

2. Freeze Ahead & Stay Cool

Double up on convenience by prepping and freezing meals before your trip. Not only do these pre-cooked meals save you time, but they also act as ice packs in your cool box. As they defrost, you’re keeping your ingredients chilled—and you’ve got a ready-to-go dinner waiting.

Frozen milk containers also works well.

3. Crack the Egg Problem

No more dealing with broken shells rolling around in your fridge or cool box. Crack eggs ahead of time into a clean bottle (a reused water bottle works well), and you’ve got scrambled eggs or omelette mix ready to pour. It’s space-saving, mess-free, and surprisingly satisfying.

4. Think Collapsible

Storage is premium real estate in a campervan. That’s where collapsible gear comes in. Invest in collapsible bowls, kettles, and colanders—they flatten down when not in use and spring into action when needed. Lightweight and easy to store, they’re perfect for compact kitchens.

5. Spice It Up

Just because you’re cooking on the road doesn’t mean meals have to be bland. A mini spice kit can turn simple ingredients into something special. Use empty Tic Tac containers or a travel pillbox to store your favourite spices—think chili flakes, oregano, cumin, and garlic powder. Small containers, big flavour!

Final Thoughts

Cooking in a campervan is all about embracing simplicity, being resourceful, and having a bit of fun. With these hacks, you’ll be serving up tasty meals with minimal fuss—leaving more time to enjoy the views, the adventure, and of course, the food.

Ready to hit the road and cook up a storm?

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