Making delicious meals easy while on the road
Cooking in your caravan can feel like a challenge with a smaller kitchen and fewer appliances than you’re used to. But with a bit of planning and creativity, whipping up meals for the family doesn’t have to be hard.
With decades of experience and plenty of tips picked up along the way, we’ve put together a guide to caravan-friendly meals that are easy, versatile, and perfect for life on the road. The best part? These ideas can be tailored to suit your caravan setup and supplies.
1. Bacon, eggs, or pancakes
For a taste of ‘home’, cook up some classic eggs and bacon on toast. This is something that could be whipped up over a fire pit too. For winter warmer breakfast that will impress the whole family, we recommend packing supplies for hotcakes for a store-bought powder mix and some water. Top off this meal with fresh fruit from the local market. You can’t go wrong with your breakfast favourites, cooked to your liking.
2. Quiche
Quiche is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that’s surprisingly easy to prepare in a caravan. Use pre-made pastry or create a crustless version for an even simpler process. All you’ll need are eggs, a splash of milk, and your favourite fillings – think spinach, cheese, ham, or even leftovers from last night’s dinner. Quiches can be cooked in a caravan oven or BBQ with a lid, making them a perfect, adaptable choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
3. Burritos
Who doesn’t love burritos? Cook up some rice and mince in a pan, warm the wraps in your oven or microwave, and you’re good to go. Burritos are also a sneaky way to get more veggies into your kids’ meals—add corn, capsicum, mushrooms, or anything else you like. For a vegetarian twist, swap out the mince for tinned beans. They’re hearty, nutritious, and budget-friendly!
4.Spaghetti Bolognese
This classic dish is a go-to favourite for good reason—it’s hearty, filling, and easy to prepare with minimal equipment. Start with some dry spaghetti and a jar of bolognese sauce, both of which are pantry staples with a long shelf life. If you have access to a fridge, brown some mince to add a rich, homemade touch. Vegetarians can swap the mince for lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Cook it all in one pot, and you’ll have a comforting, family-friendly meal in no time.
5. Nachos
Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. All you need are corn chips, refried beans, salsa, and cheese. The rest is up to your imagination—add olives, corn, shredded chicken, or anything else that strikes your fancy. They’re quick to prepare in the oven or over a campfire, and they’re even more fun when the kids get involved in choosing the toppings.
6. Whole Baked Fish Recipe
Take inspiration from MasterChef winner and Jayco Vanbassador, Brent Draper, with his simple yet flavour-packed whole-baked fish recipe. Perfect for your caravan kitchen or BBQ, this dish combines fresh fennel, lemon, tarragon, and local seafood to create a quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Click here for Brent Draper’s full recipe and cooking tips.
7. Pizza, quesadillas and open pocket pitas
There are several flavour and meal combinations you can create on the road with pita bread. What’s great about flatbread is the option to cook your favourite pizza, quesadillas, wraps, and open pizza pockets.
Your all-time favourites can be cooked on a pie iron or cast-iron skillet, on a grill, or over the fire. If you’re planning to have a winter feast, be sure to pack pita bread and your go-to toppings.
8. Armpit Fudge (For Dessert!)
Looking for a fun and easy dessert to end your day? Armpit fudge is a no-cook, no-bake treat that kids will love to make themselves. All you need is a resealable bag, some butter, icing sugar, cocoa powder, and a splash of vanilla essence.
- Add all the ingredients into the bag, seal it tightly, and then squish and mash the bag with your hands—or even tuck it under your arm and let your body heat help melt the butter and mix it up.
- After a few minutes, you’ll have a creamy, fudge-like mixture that you can eat straight from the bag or spread onto biscuits for a sweet treat.
- It’s messy, interactive, and perfect for a caravan adventure dessert!
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Having even just a few simple caravan supplies before you leave Perth will make eating on your road trip as easy as can be. Swing by Caravanland for expert advice and all the gear you need to enjoy delicious, fuss-free meals on the go.