Whether your RV is home or just a holiday getaway, cooking a Thanksgiving feast in a small space can be challenging. But with the right strategies, you don’t have to miss out on the festivities! With a little creativity, your RV Thanksgiving dinner can be just as delicious and memorable as any traditional celebration. Here are some clever ways to make it work.
1. Use a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
An Instant Pot or slow cooker can save space and power while cooking several dishes, from mashed potatoes to stuffing or even a turkey breast. You can cook one dish in it, then keep it warm in your oven or microwave while preparing other sides.
2. Grill the Turkey Outside
If you have a grill, take the turkey outside! This frees up precious kitchen space and provides a smoky flavor. You can either spatchcock the turkey for quicker cooking or consider a smaller option like a turkey breast.
3. Sheet Pan Sides
Use your RV oven for sheet pan dishes that combine multiple ingredients, like roasted vegetables or stuffing with sausage and cranberries. Sheet pan meals save space, reduce cleanup, and keep everything cooking efficiently.
4. Utilize Foil Packets
Make individual side dishes (like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or stuffing) in foil packets. They can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or even over an open fire if your RV campsite allows it, saving stovetop space.
5. Prepare Some Sides Ahead
If you can prep some sides before hitting the road (like cranberry sauce, pie, or casseroles), you’ll have less to cook in the RV. You can store prepped dishes in your fridge or freezer, ready to reheat.
6. Dutch Oven Magic
For RVs with limited kitchen appliances, a Dutch oven is versatile for roasting small birds, baking bread, or cooking casseroles over the stovetop or a campfire.
7. Cook in Shifts
Since space is limited, start cooking the main dishes (like turkey and mashed potatoes) early. Once they’re ready, keep them warm in an insulated cooler or oven set to low while you finish other dishes.
8. Try a Thanksgiving Bowl
If space and time are tight, combine elements into a layered bowl with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. This keeps things simple without compromising on flavors.
With a little planning and creativity, preparing a Thanksgiving feast in your RV can be a truly rewarding experience. From grilling your turkey to using space-saving gadgets, there are plenty of ways to keep the holiday spirit alive on the road. So, whether you’re parked in a cozy campground or boondocking with a view, embrace the challenge and make new Thanksgiving memories on wheels. Here’s to a holiday filled with delicious food, great company, and the joy of celebrating wherever the road takes you. Happy Thanksgiving!
