Easy & Delicious Campervan Meals: The Ultimate Guide to Van Life Cooking

A campervan adventure is the best way to explore the island and experience everything Iceland has to offer. But since dining out can be extremely taxing on a holiday budget, and a campervan doesn’t really scream Gordon Ramsay, people become concerned over what campervan meals would look like (spaghetti in tomato sauce straight out of a tin, perhaps?) But cooking in a campervan can actually be very easy, fun, and super delicious!

This article will guide you through all the ins and outs of campervan cooking, give a few helpful tips, and even give you a few mouthwatering recipes you can give a go while on your adventure with a camper rental in Iceland. So, without further ado, let’s get started on our campervan culinary journey! 

Setting Up Your Campervan Kitchen

Before setting out on your delectable campervan adventure, you must ensure you have the proper equipment. Most rental companies will have these already included in your rental, but it’s always best to double-check. These are a few essentials when it comes to cooking incredible campervan meals:

• A stovetop (depending on the size of the campervan, some will have a built-in stovetop or some type of portable camping version).
• Cookware (this includes pots, pans, and other utensils).
• Cutting Board.
• Proper Cutting Knives (they don’t have to be chef’s knives, but you also don’t want to take an hour to cut through a potato)
• Food storage containers (not just handy when it comes to leftovers, but very useful when it comes to meal prep).
• Fridge (usually a mini-bar or type of camping fridge).
• Reusable water container.
• Cast Iron Skillet.
• Dutch Oven (not an oven as the name may suggest; this is a type of large casserole dish).
• Foil (rarely included in a rental, so you will have to purchase this yourself. It’s handy for a wide variety of things, but especially when it comes to cooking with fire). 

The key to all of the above-mentioned items is that they are versatile and can be used for a myriad of dishes. 

Sourcing Fresh Ingredients on the Road

Icelanders are proud supporters of local businesses and suppliers who value sustainability. That’s why you’ll be able to get very high-quality, fresh, and organic ingredients while visiting the island. These are just a few of the places you can get your groceries from:

• Our Local Grocery Stores: We have plenty of grocery stores around Iceland. However, they become more sparse when traveling to our more remote regions. So be sure to stock up beforehand. As mentioned, there are plenty of options, such as Hagkaup (usually where you get the rarer items), Costco (only one store available in Reykjavik, but offering incredible discounts), Netto, Kronan, and Bonus. But if you’re on a bit of a budget, Kronan and Bonus should be your go-to.
• Farmer’s Markets: Farmer’s markets are also quite popular on the island, even though many occur more on a pop-up basis compared to being open all year round. However, few, such as Ljomalind and Hlemmur, do remain open all year. We’d suggest keeping an eye out and asking locals who might also be able to give you the inside scoop on family markets at upcoming festivals or celebrations. And, as with the grocery stores, you’ll find fewer the more remote you go.
• Stalls Along the Road: Although you won’t find many stalls along the road like you would in other countries, some farmers have set up little stalls where they sell their own produce. So, just keep an eye out and ensure that you only park in a designated parking spot since it’s illegal to park on the side of the road here in Iceland.

Breakfast Inspirations

We compiled a few easy-to-make breakfast recipes that are healthy options, getting you energized for all the adventures of the day:

Blueberry Banana Pancakes

What You’ll Need:

• 1 Banana
• 1 Egg
• ½ Cup of Milk (what type, whether diary or non-diary, is entirely up to you)
• 1 Cup Flour
• 2 Tsp Baking Powder
• ½ Tsp Salt
• ½ Cup Fresh Blueberries
• Cooking Oil 

What To Do:

1. Grab a mixing bowl and mash the banana in it.
2. Add the milk and egg and whisk together.
3. Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) into another mixing bowl.
4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together.
5. Add the Blueberries
6. Heat a little bit of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the skillet for each pancake.
8. Wait till you see bubbles forming at the top of the batter, then flip.
9. Continue like this till they’re all golden brown.
10. Remove from the heat & plate up. 

Blueberry Cinnamon Campfire Bread

What You’ll Need:

• 1 Pack of Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls
• ½ Cup Fresh Blueberries
• ¼ Cup Sliced & Toasted Almonds 

What To Do:

1. Prep your campfire to have enough coals to grill something over low to medium heat.
2. Grease an 18x12-inch (46x30-cm) of foil (whether with a bit of oil, butter, or cooking spray).
3. Place the cinnamon rolls on the sheet of foil and top each roll with the blueberries and almonds.
4. Close the foil and make sure it’s sealed tightly.
5. Grill the neatly wrapped parcel for about 15 to 20 minutes till golden brown.
6. Once done, please be careful when opening the foil, as the steam can cause really bad burns. For some extra breakfast decadence, you can add some icing on top.
7. After they’ve sufficiently cooled down, you can dig in! 

Lunch on the Go

When you’re out adventuring in your campervan, you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. But you also don’t want to be left without any fuel in your tank, so the following are quick-to-make meals with a nutritional punch that you can actually eat while on the go:

Walking Tacos

What You’ll Need:

• 1 Pound (Roughly 500 Grams) Ground Beef
• 1 Packet of Taco Seasoning
• Bags of Corn Chips (1 Bag Per Person)
• Toppings (Based On You & Your Preferences, But We Suggest Chopped Tomatoes, Chopped Lettuce, Some Sour Cream, and Shredded Cheese). 

What To Do:

1. Cook the ground beef & mix in the taco seasoning.
2. Crush the chips inside the bags (just a little, not till there’s only crumbs left).
3. Hand a bag to each person, open it, and have each add some beef and toppings.
4. Grab a fork and dig in! 

Vegetable Foil Packets

What You’ll Need:

• 2 Chopped Bell Peppers
• 1 Sliced Zucchini
• 8 Cherry Tomatoes Cut in Half
• ½ Medium-Sized Red Onion (Chopped)
• 2 Minced Garlic Cloves
• 4 Tbsps Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper (To Season To Taste)
• 1 Tsp Basil (Dried) or an Italian Herb Mix 

What To Do:

1. Grab a large mixing bowl & mix all the ingredients together.
2. Cut foil into 4 large squares.
3. Divide the content of the mixing bowl between the 4 squares, close, and seal the foil.
4. Grill these foil packets for about 15 to 20 minutes over the campfire (medium heat). 

Dinner Delights

After a long day of adventuring, there’s no reason to slave away in the kitchen. But there’s also no reason why you should settle for anything less than super delicious. So, give one of these quick recipes a try: 

One-Pot Pasta

What You’ll Need:

• 12 Ounces (340 Grams) Linguini
• 12 Ounces (340 Grams) Cherry Tomatoes Cut in Half
• 1 Onion (Cut Into Thin Slices)
• 4 Sliced Garlic Cloves
• ½ Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 Sprigs of Basil
• 2 Tbsps Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper (To Season To Taste)
• 4.5 Cups of Water
• Parmesan Cheese (For Seasoning) 

What To Do:

1. Mix all ingredients (except the Parmesan) in a large skillet.
2. Bring to the boil.
3. Stir frequently till the pasta is al dente and most of the water has evaporated.
4. Season and serve with the Basil and Parmesan. 

Sausage, Potato, and Green Bean Foil Packets

What You’ll Need:

• 1.5 Pounds (680 Grams) of Sliced Smoked Sausage
• 1.5 Pounds (680 Grams) of Baby Potatoes Cut in Half
• 1 Pound (454 Grams) of Green Beans (Trimmed)
• 8 Minced Garlic Cloves
• Salt & Pepper (To Season To Taste)
• ½ Cup of Unsalted Butter 

What To Do:

1. Grab a large mixing bowl and mix all the ingredients together.
2. Cut foil into 4 large squares.
3. Divide the content of the mixing bowl between the 4 squares, close, and seal the foil.
4. Grill these foil packets for about 15 to 20 minutes over the campfire (medium heat) till the potatoes are tender. 

Campfire Chili

What You’ll Need:

• 1 Pound Ground Beef
• 1 Chopped Onion
• 1 Chopped Bell Pepper
• 2 Cans of Kidney Beans (Ensure You Drain & Properly Rinse Them)
• 1 Can of Chopped Tomatoes
• 2 Cups Tomato Sauce
• 2 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 Tsp Cumin
• 1 Tsp Oregano
• ½ Tsp Salt
• ½ Tsp Black Pepper 

What To Do:

1. Cook the beef, bell pepper, and onion in a large iron pot over the campfire till the beef is nice and brown.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to the boil.
3. Simmer for roughly another 20 minutes (but make sure it’s over low to medium heat).
4. Dish up with your favorite toppings. .

Grilled BBQ Chicken and Vegetables in Foil

What You’ll Need:

• 4 Chicken Breasts (Boneless & Skinless)
• 1 Cup Barbecue Sauce
• 1 Sliced Zucchini
• 1 Chopped Bell Pepper
• 1 Chopped Onion
• Salt & Pepper (To Season To Taste) 

What To Do:

1. Rub the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and then brush with barbecue sauce.
2. Cut foil into 4 large squares.
3. Place one chicken breast on each square.
4. Top the chicken with vegetables.
5. Drizzle with more barbecue sauce, close and seal the foil.
6. Grill these foil packets for about 20 to 25 minutes over the campfire (medium heat) till the chicken is thoroughly cooked. 

Campfire Pizza

What You’ll Need:

• Pizza Dough (Although You Can Make It From Scratch, You Can Use Pre-Made to Save Time)
• Pizza Sauce
• Your Favorite Toppings (Sliced, Diced, and Chopped)
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Olive Oil 

What To Do:

1. Roll out the dough so it can fit into an iron skillet.
2. Spread the bottom of the skillet with some olive oil.
3. Place the dough into the skillet and cook over the campfire till lightly brown on the bottom.
4. Flip the dough.
5. Add the sauce, your toppings, and cheese.
6. Cover the skillet and cook till the cheese is melted and the crust brown and crispy. 

Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Try these sweet treats at the end of another great day out here on the island: 

Campfire S’mores With a Twist

What You’ll Need:

• 1 Large Bag of Marshmallows
• 1 Bag of Chocolate Chips
• 1 Packet of Sweet Crackers or Biscuits 

What To Do:

1. Pour the chocolate chips into a cast-iron skillet.
2. Spread the marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips.
3. Cover the skillet and place over the campfire till all the chocolate chips have melted and the marshmallows are nice and soft.
4. Now, everyone should grab a biscuit or cracker and dip into the mouthwatering S’mores skillet content. 

Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

What You’ll Need:

• 4 Cups of Canned Peaches (Ensure the Sauce is Properly Drained)
• 1 Cup Flour
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• ½ Tsp Salt
• 1 Cup Milk
• ½ Cup Unsalted Butter
• Ground Cinnamon (To Season To Taste) 

What To Do:

1. Melt the butter in the dutch oven over the campfire.
2. While the butter is melting, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and milk in a mixing bowl till smooth.
3. Pour the batter on top of the melted butter, but don’t stir.
4. Spread the peaches out on top of the batter (still don’t stir).
5. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top.
6. Cover and bake over the campfire over medium heat for 30 to 40 minutes till golden brown. 

Campfire Cones (Another S’mores Twist)

What You’ll Need:

• 1 Box of Waffle Cones
• 1 Bag of Mini Marshmallows
• 1 Bag Chocolate Chips
• Toppings of Your Choosing (We Recommend Fruit, Nuts, Peanut Butter, and Caramel Sauce) 

What To Do:

1. Each person grabs a cone and fills it with all your preferred toppings, including the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
2. Wrap the cones with their fillings tightly in foil so there will be no spillage.
3. Place over the campfire over low heat for about 5 to 10 minutes till you’re sure your fillings are melted.
4. Carefully unwrap (the steam is super hot and can give nasty burns!) and enjoy! 

Simple and Tasty Quick Snacks

Don’t let sudden bursts of hunger keep you from the fun. Curb those hunger pangs along the way and keep your energy levels up with these simple and tasty snacks:

• Trail Mix
• Fresh Fruit
• Energy Bars 

A Few Helpful Tips for Cooking in Your Campervan

If this is your first time exploring the island or just your first time road-tripping in a campervan, the tips and tricks below will come in very handy:

• Try to plan your meals in advance so you’ll always be sure you have all the ingredients. Just don’t plan too far ahead (especially if you plan on using fresh ingredients).
• Do your meal prep beforehand. There’s nothing better than to get home after a long day filled with adventures to find all your ingredients already sliced, diced, and chopped. Use the food storage containers we mentioned earlier to store these.
• If you’re looking for no-mess, no-fuss campervan meals, always go for the one-pot or pan option. Not only will it require less input from your side, but it will also help with the cleanup!
• As already mentioned, we highly recommend the fresh (and tasty!) local ingredients, but these cannot be stored indefinitely. That’s why meal planning and prepping with fresh ingredients can only go so far. Always have a few “apocalyptic” items that take a long time to spoil, such as tin food, etc., on hand for those emergency (or lazy!) times. 
• Cruising with a campervan is the ultimate when it comes to freedom and flexibility while exploring the island. But you’ll need the same approach when it comes to campervan cooking. Sometimes, you’ll find you’ve forgotten an essential ingredient, or you’ll unexpectedly come across delicious fresh produce somewhere, which may change your meal plans. So, when planning and prepping your campervan meals, always leave room for change – campervan cooking plans are never set in stone. 

Sustainable Campervan Cooking Practices

Icelanders are BIG on sustainability. Hence, so much of the country uses sustainable heating and power, we support local, and have incorporated many sustainable practices in the day-to-day of businesses. So, we’d really appreciate it if you could also do your part in the following ways:

Try to Keep Using Packaging to a Minimum

Although you’ll find that we’ve already adopted many recyclable packaging solutions here in Iceland, there are still (too!) many plastic and polystyrene options out there. So, if you have to use any of these types of products, rather buy them in bulk to keep packaging to a minimum. Alternatively, go for the alternatives without any packaging and simply store them in your food storage containers.

Don’t Just Throw Food Away

Do you have leftover scraps or food that might have become spoilt? Well, don’t just chuck these in the bin. Many of our campsites have compost facilities where you can go and make a “contribution.”

Try to Be As Energy-Efficient as Possible

Try to use energy-efficient cooking methods (gas, grilling, etc.) as much as possible, but the most interesting thing is to always ensure you cook with the lids on (as far as the recipe will allow, of course). Not many people know how much cooking time (and subsequently, energy) one can save with this simple gesture. 

Always Follow a Leave-No-Trace Principle

This extends to much more than just not littering. Also, ensure that the environment stays as untouched as possible. So, don’t trample the grass, the surrounding fauna, and so forth, and pleeeaaasse only use the bathrooms to do your “business.” 

Campervan Meals: A Simple Exercise in Flexibility and Creativity

As you can see, campervan cooking isn’t nearly as challenging as many might think. There are so many interesting and delicious meals to try that it’s tempting to include these in your own daily cooking repertoire back home. 

All that is required is a bit of creativity and some flexibility, and you can eat like a king on your campervan adventure here in Iceland! So, come rent a campervan in Iceland, hit the road, and officially begin your culinary journey. Happy cooking and bon appetit! Or, as we say here in Iceland, verði þér að góðu!