Autumn is officially here. The UK’s woodlands are turning a stunning shade of gold, the air is fresh and crisp, and what better way to enjoy it all than on the road in your VW campervan.
As the days get shorter and the evenings get chillier, you’ll need some hearty, comforting meals to keep everyone happy, and of course, they need to be easy enough to cook in a tiny camper kitchen.
Here’s a collection of simple, delicious, and quintessentially British recipes that will make your Autumn adventures even better. All tried, tested, and designed for busy families on the go—no fancy ingredients or long prep times needed.
Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy
Start with a classic British dish that’ll warm you right up.
What you’ll need:
6 of your favourite sausages (Cumberland, pork and leek, veggie—whatever your family loves)
4 medium potatoes peeled and quartered.
1 large onion thinly sliced.
1 cup of beef or veggie stock
2 tbsp butter (or margarine)
Splash of milk
A spoonful of flour
How to make it:
Boil the potatoes until soft, then drain, mash with butter and milk, and set aside.
While the potatoes cook, fry the sausages in your campervan frying pan until browned and cooked through.
For the gravy, soften the onions in a little oil, stir in the flour, and then gradually add the stock, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
Serve those golden sausages on a bed of fluffy mash with a drizzle of onion gravy on top.
Why it’s perfect: It’s a proper British classic that’ll keep the whole family full and satisfied. Plus, kids love sausages, and the mashed potatoes are super easy to make in a campervan.
Cheese and Ham Toasties with Branston Pickle
The ultimate grab-and-go snack or light lunch.
What you’ll need:
4 slices of bread (white, brown, or granary)
Butter or margarine
4 slices of ham
4 slices of cheddar cheese
2 tbsp Branston Pickle (for that perfect English twist)
How to make it:
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Layer ham and cheese between the unbuttered sides, adding a spoonful of Branston Pickle for extra tang.
Toast in a pan over medium heat until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Why it’s perfect: It’s quick, fun, and a hit with kids who love gooey, cheesy toasties. Plus, the Branston Pickle gives it that classic British zing
English Breakfast “One-Pan Wonder”
No campervan trip is complete without a full English, but here’s how to make it super easy
What you’ll need:
4 sausages
4 rashers of bacon
4 eggs
1 tin of baked beans
4 slices of black pudding (optional, but classic!)
A few tomatoes, halved.
Slices of bread for toasting
How to make it:
Cook the sausages and bacon in a large frying pan until crispy.
Push them to the side and add the black pudding and halved tomatoes to the same pan.
Once cooked, move them aside and crack in the eggs to fry them.
While everything is cooking, heat the baked beans in a small saucepan or over a low flame.
Toast the bread in a dry pan or over the campervan grill or in the frying pan.
Why it’s perfect: It’s an all-in-one breakfast that’s super easy to cook in one pan. Everyone can build their own plate, and it’s hearty enough to fuel the family for a full day of adventures.
Cottage Pie with a Campervan Twist
All the comfort of a cottage pie made easy for campervan living.
What you’ll need:
500g minced beef or lamb (or veggie mince)
1 onion finely chopped.
2 carrots, diced.
1 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef stock
4 medium potatoes peeled and quartered.
2 tbsp butter or margarine
Splash of milk
How to make it:
Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash with butter and milk.
Fry the minced meat in a pan until browned. Add the onions and carrots, cooking until softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and beef stock, simmering until the mixture thickens and reduces. Add the peas at the end.
Spoon the mince mixture into bowls and top with the mashed potatoes. For an extra crispy top, place the bowls under a grill for a few minutes.
Why it’s perfect: This cottage pie is easy to make in stages and perfect for warming up on a cool autumn evening. The kids will love scooping through the fluffy mash to find the tasty mince underneath.
Jam Roly-Poly Wraps
An easy spin on a British classic pudding that’s perfect for campervan cooking
What you’ll need:
4 soft tortilla wraps
4 tbsp raspberry or strawberry jam
A sprinkle of caster sugar
Optional: custard for serving
How to make it:
Spread a generous layer of jam over each tortilla wrap.
Roll up the tortillas tightly, like a Swiss roll.
Warm them slightly in a dry frying pan or under a grill, then sprinkle with a bit of sugar for extra sweetness.
If you’ve got custard with you, serve with a spoonful on the side for a real treat.
Why it’s perfect: It’s a super-simple dessert with all the nostalgia of a traditional jam roly-poly, but no need for an oven or hours of prep. Perfect for an autumn sweet treat on the go
Pro Tips for VW Campervan Cooking:
Keep it simple: Stick to one-pot or one-pan meals as much as possible. They’re quick, easy to clean up, and leave you more time for exploring.
Pre-cook or pre-chop: If you know you’ll be in a rush, chop veggies before you set off or pre-cook parts of meals like mashed potatoes. It makes life easier when you’re in a small space.
Get the kids involved: Let them help with the fun stuff—spreading jam, mixing mash, or building toasties! Cooking together is part of the fun.
Invest in a portable grill or camp stove: Sometimes campervan cooking can feel cramped, so having a small grill or camping stove to cook outside can make a big difference.
So, pack up the van, fill the fridge, and head out for a road trip filled with golden leaves, fresh air, and plenty of easy, delicious meals.
These recipes will keep both kids and parents happy, warm, and well-fed as you explore everything autumn in the UK has to offer.
Happy travels and happy cooking! 🌳🚐
The CamperKing Team