Christmas is coming and there is one major hurdle to overcome – cooking a classic Christmas dinner in a small RV kitchen. From small ovens to tables that barely seat a small family, there is a whole new set of challenges to deal with when preparing a BIG feast in a SMALL space. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these tips! Read below to learn how to make a successful and scrumptious RV-style Christmas dinner.
1. Create a plan
If you have made a Christmas dinner before, you know that a good plan is the key to success. Add in limited cooking supplies, a small space and a possibly finicky oven, and this well thought out plan becomes even more essential. You should ask yourself these questions a few weeks ahead.
Will your camping spot be close to a grocery store or will you need to bring everything with you?
Do you have the necessary equipment for cooking?
Will this cooking equipment fit in your RV oven?
How many family and friends are you cooking for and where will you all eat?
Is this going to be a potluck style meal or will one person or family be responsible for all the dishes?
2. Less is definitely more
While you are planning the menu, you’ll need keep this mantra in mind: less is more and simple is best. Instead of trying to make a dozen dishes, choose a few favorite meals that you know will be delicious. Remember that RVs do not have an abundance of counter space or large ovens with multiple racks where you could cook several dishes at once.
3. Prepare some meals ahead
Common Christmas dishes might actually be more flavorful a day or two after cooking. There is a reason we love leftovers so much. After they are cooked and cooled, wrap them well and store the dishes in the refrigerator or freezer. If you do not have space in the RV’s fridge, you can use a cooler stocked with blocks of ice.
4. Think beyond cooking in the oven
The RV oven is oftentimes an underused, misunderstood appliance. Most people either use their oven strictly for storage or are afraid to turn it on. Some RVs don’t even have ovens, which will present a whole new challenge. If you plan on using your RV oven for Christmas dinner, begin by learning how to use it.
If you still do not want to use your RV oven, here are some great alternatives:
Grill outdoors
Judging by the number of grills you see perched on picnic tables around a campground, most RVers already love grilling their food. Why not take your Christmas dinner to the next level by heating some of it on the grill?
The grill is a fantastic way to maximize the space in your tiny kitchen and adds a new dimension of flavor to most traditional Christmas dishes. You can go simple with roasted veggies on a grill pan or impress the family with fancy golden potatoes. You can also cook your stuffing on the grill!
Dutch oven
Another great outdoor cooking option is a dutch oven because it’s the perfect piece of equipment whether you are camping off the grid or cooking over an open fire. Dutch ovens are versatile and practically foolproof. Many Christmas dishes can be cooked in a Dutch oven.
Slow cooker
Crockpots are ideal for RV cooking because they take up relatively little space and require practically no clean up. Whether you are making cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes, crockpots are one of the easiest ways to simplify your tasty Christmas dinner.
Do you have a question about RV appliances for your holiday dinner? Contact us here!
