S’mores are a beloved campfire treat that captures the essence of summer and outdoor fun. The combination of gooey toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy. Whether you’re sitting around a campfire, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or just craving a nostalgic treat, classic s’mores never fail to deliver.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the process of making classic s’mores from scratch, explain how to toast the marshmallows just right, and offer a few tips to elevate this classic treat. Let’s get started and turn your s’mores dreams into reality!
Ingredients:
For the S’mores:
- 12 graham cracker sheets (6 whole graham crackers)
- 6 large marshmallows (or more, depending on your preference)
- 6 squares of milk chocolate (about 1 ounce each)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate gooeyness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Break the Graham Crackers
- Prepare the Graham Crackers: Start by breaking the graham crackers in half. For a classic s’more, you need two halves per treat. This gives you 12 pieces of graham crackers if you’re making 6 s’mores. Lay the graham cracker halves on a flat surface, ready to assemble the s’mores later.
- Set Aside: Once you’ve broken the graham crackers, set them aside while you work on the marshmallows and chocolate.
Step 2: Toast the Marshmallows
- Prepare to Toast the Marshmallows: If you’re making s’mores over an open flame, get a skewer or roasting stick ready to hold the marshmallows. Ideally, use a long stick or skewer to keep a safe distance from the flame. For the best toasting, choose large marshmallows, which offer a nice balance of gooey center and crispy exterior.
- Toast Over the Flame: Place the marshmallow over the flame, holding it just above the heat. Keep rotating the marshmallow slowly to ensure an even golden-brown toast. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes, depending on how close you are to the flame. The goal is a crispy outer layer with a melty, gooey center. If you prefer a lightly toasted marshmallow, aim for a golden color. For a deeper flavor, allow the marshmallow to get more caramelized and even slightly charred on the outside. Some people like the marshmallow to catch fire briefly and then blow it out for a richer flavor.
- Remove from the Fire: Once the marshmallow has reached your desired level of toastiness, carefully remove it from the flame. If you’re using a campfire, take extra care not to burn yourself.
Step 3: Assemble the S’mores
- Place the Chocolate on the Graham Cracker: Take one of the graham cracker halves and place a square of milk chocolate on top. The warmth of the freshly toasted marshmallow will melt the chocolate, so be sure to use a generous amount. If you like extra chocolate, feel free to add some chocolate chips or use a larger bar of chocolate.
- Add the Toasted Marshmallow: Quickly place the toasted marshmallow on top of the piece of chocolate. You can gently press it down a bit to help the chocolate start melting, but don’t press too hard as the marshmallow might squish out the sides. The warmth from the marshmallow will begin to melt the chocolate, creating that perfect gooey texture.
- Top with the Second Graham Cracker: Take the second graham cracker half and place it on top of the marshmallow, pressing gently to sandwich everything together. The cracker will provide a satisfying crunch against the gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the s’mores immediately while they’re still warm and gooey. The contrast between the soft marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crispy graham cracker is what makes s’mores so delightful.
Tips for the Perfect S’mores
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, choose high-quality chocolate bars. Milk chocolate is the classic choice for s’mores, but you can also experiment with dark chocolate or flavored chocolates for a twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a thin layer of peanut butter between the chocolate and the marshmallow for an extra treat.
- Toast the Marshmallow to Your Liking: Everyone has their own preference for how toasted their marshmallow should be. If you like it lightly toasted, rotate it quickly over the flame. If you prefer it charred and crispy, hold it closer to the flame for a longer time. Keep in mind that the marshmallow will continue to cook a little after you remove it from the fire, so you don’t need to over-toast it.
- Don’t Rush the Toasting Process: The secret to a perfect marshmallow is patience. Allow the marshmallow to toast slowly over the flame, rotating it frequently, so it becomes golden-brown on all sides. Rushing it can result in uneven toasting or burning.
- Customize Your S’mores: S’mores are highly customizable, and you can add a variety of ingredients to make them unique. Some variations include adding a layer of Nutella, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a fruity twist. You can also use different types of cookies, such as chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter cookies, instead of graham crackers.
- Use S’mores Kits for Convenience: If you’re making s’mores with kids or at a party, consider assembling s’mores kits beforehand. Pre-packaged graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows can be arranged in individual bags, making it easy for everyone to assemble their own s’mores. This also minimizes mess and maximizes fun!
Making S’mores Without a Fire
If you don’t have access to an open flame or campfire, don’t worry! You can make delicious s’mores indoors using your oven or stovetop. Here’s how:
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place graham cracker halves on the sheet, and top with chocolate squares and marshmallows.
- Bake for 3-5 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate starts to melt.
- Remove from the oven and top with another graham cracker half to form the s’more.
Stovetop Method:
- Using a cast-iron skillet, toast your marshmallows over medium heat on the stovetop. Turn the marshmallow with tongs or a skewer to achieve an even, golden-brown toast.
- Assemble your s’mores on a plate by layering the toasted marshmallow and melted chocolate between graham cracker halves.
Both of these indoor methods create a great alternative if you can’t make s’mores over an open fire.
Creative S’mores Variations
While the classic s’mores recipe is always a winner, you can have fun with variations to fit different tastes. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Peanut Butter S’mores: Spread peanut butter on one of the graham cracker halves before adding the chocolate and marshmallow for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Caramel S’mores: Drizzle a little caramel sauce onto the chocolate before adding the marshmallow for a deliciously sweet twist.
- S’mores with Fruit: Add a few fresh slices of fruit, like strawberries or bananas, between the graham cracker and marshmallow for a fruity variation.
- Spicy S’mores: Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cinnamon to the graham cracker before assembling the s’more. The heat from the spice pairs nicely with the sweet marshmallow and chocolate.
- Gluten-Free S’mores: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers or even cookies like almond or coconut macaroons.
Storing Leftover S’mores
While s’mores are best enjoyed fresh, you can still store any leftovers for later:
- Assembled S’mores: If you have leftover assembled s’mores, store them in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the marshmallow may lose its softness after a while, so they may not be as gooey the next day.
- Unassembled Ingredients: If you have leftover graham crackers, chocolate, or marshmallows, store each component separately in airtight containers. They should keep for several weeks if stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Classic s’mores are a simple yet indulgent treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re toasting marshmallows over a campfire or making them indoors, s’mores are perfect for creating sweet memories with family and friends. The beauty of s’mores lies in their simplicity—the warm marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crispy graham cracker come together to create the perfect bite.
With endless customization options, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make your own signature s’mores. However you choose to enjoy them, one thing is certain: s’mores are a timeless dessert that always bring joy.