Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and of course, great food. But if you’re spending it in your RV, the thought of preparing a Thanksgiving feast in a compact kitchen might feel daunting. Fear not! With some creativity, planning, and a touch of RV-savvy ingenuity, you can create a memorable holiday meal in your home-on-wheels. Here’s how:
Step 1: Plan Your Menu
The key to a successful RV Thanksgiving is to keep your menu simple and strategic. Focus on essential dishes that bring the spirit of Thanksgiving to life without overwhelming your limited space.
- Main Dish: Opt for a turkey breast or pre-cooked smoked turkey instead of a whole bird. These options are smaller, cook faster, and fit easily in an RV oven or slow cooker.
- Side Dishes: Choose a few classics that are easy to prepare:
- Mashed potatoes (stovetop or Instant Pot)
- Stove-top stuffing
- Green bean casserole (bake in a compact dish)
- Cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade in advance)
- Dessert: Miniature pies or a no-bake pumpkin pie can save both space and effort.
Step 2: Pre-Cook and Prep at Home
Before hitting the road, prep as much as possible in a larger kitchen. Chop vegetables, measure spices, and pre-cook any dishes that can be easily reheated. This saves time and reduces cleanup in your RV.
- Pro Tip: Use stackable, airtight containers to organize prepped ingredients and keep your RV fridge tidy.
Step 3: Maximize Your Appliances
RVs typically have small appliances, so it’s essential to use them wisely.
- RV Oven: Perfect for reheating rolls or baking small casseroles.
- Microwave: Great for quick tasks like steaming vegetables or reheating pre-cooked dishes.
- Stovetop: Use it for mashed potatoes, gravy, or sautéed dishes.
- Slow Cooker/Instant Pot: A slow cooker can handle turkey breast, stuffing, or even dessert. An Instant Pot is excellent for quick-cooking sides like mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Outdoor Grill: If your RV has one, it’s a fantastic way to roast turkey breast or grill veggies, freeing up indoor space.
Step 4: Get Creative with Counter Space
Counter space is precious in an RV kitchen, so make use of every surface:
- Add a cutting board over the sink for extra prep space.
- Use collapsible or stackable bowls and utensils.
- Utilize your dining table or even an outdoor picnic table for assembly tasks.
Step 5: Manage Timing and Storage
With limited burners and oven space, timing is everything. Cook dishes in batches and keep them warm in the oven or slow cooker until serving.
- Pro Tip: Serve dishes buffet-style to simplify mealtime and minimize the need for multiple serving dishes.
Step 6: Embrace Disposable Items
Cleanup can be challenging in an RV, so consider using disposable plates, utensils, and aluminum pans for cooking and serving. Compostable or biodegradable options are eco-friendly choices that reduce waste.
Step 7: Add Festive Touches
Even in an RV, you can create a cozy Thanksgiving atmosphere. Decorate your dining area with a small centerpiece, string lights, or seasonal napkins to set the holiday mood.
Enjoy the Moment
Remember, Thanksgiving is about spending time with loved ones and appreciating life’s blessings, not stressing over a perfect meal. Cooking in an RV might not look exactly like a traditional Thanksgiving, but the memories you create will be just as special.
With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving feast in your RV. So fire up the oven, set the table, and give thanks for the adventure you’re on! 🦃
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Byerly RV!
With sales, service, parts, rental and storage on site, Byerly RV is what you should expect from your home dealer. We’ve been serving Midwest RVers since 1948, and we are proud to be able to provide service to everyone. Byerly RV is the largest, most experienced RV Shop in the St. Louis region. Give us a call. It doesn’t matter where you bought your RV. We will work on it!
STAY CONNECTED FOR MORE RV TIPS, TRICKS, AND HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Byerly RV Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Byerly RV, in Eureka, Missouri is the Priority RV Network dealer for the St. Louis, MO market. Byerly is a family owned company which was founded in 1948. Byerly RV is Saint Louis’s only Top 50 rated RV dealer from 2017-2022! Byerly is truly the Center of the RV World.
CONTACT US:
833-210-7565
295 East 5th St
Eureka MO, 63025
