Your Ultimate Guide To The Best S'mores

We love gathering around a bonfire during the summer to toast marshmallows for s'mores. The classic recipe will always be full of nostalgia for us, but a s’more doesn’t have to be just graham cracker, milk chocolate, and a marshmallow. Read on for our ultimate list of ideas and try building a s’mores bar for your next cookout! 

First, pick your base: 

Of course, the traditional choice here is a graham cracker sheet, broken in half. But don’t stop there–try one of these other options, from savory to sweet: 

• If you’re the type to sprinkle a little extra salt on your cookies, try swapping the graham cracker for Ritz crackers. The mild, buttery flavor of the crackers delivers just the right sprinkling of salt to balance the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallow. 
• Are you the efficient type who prefers good chocolate? Try using European-style milk chocolate biscuit cookies (such as LU Petit Ecolier Biscuits). Or for a nostalgic touch, try Fudge Stripe Cookies. These will give you two thin layers of chocolate, ready to be filled with a perfectly-toasted marshmallow. 
• Gingersnaps also make a great s’mores base with a little spice from the ground ginger and cinnamon. 
• Finally, chocolate graham crackers are perfect for those folks who just want a little extra chocolate flavor.

Next, choose your marshmallow:

The basic, white fluffy marshmallows are great, but you can mix it up:

• If going the traditional route, one standard marshmallow, or two? 
• To take your s’mores to the next level, try making your own homemade marshmallows. 
• You don’t have to DIY to upgrade your marshmallow–if you’ve always felt like the “regular” marshmallows aren’t enough, try buying the extra large marshmallows. 
• If using the oven method below, try mini flavored marshmallows. They’re a little tricky to toast over an open flame, but work great when sprinkled over the candy and warmed in the oven. 

Choose your candy:

Half of a Hershey’s bar is pretty much perfectly sized for half of a graham cracker sheet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment a little. Add any of these candies to your next spread: 

• Reese’s peanut butter cups
• White chocolate candy bars
• Nutella: Simply spread a layer on your graham cracker before adding the marshmallow.
• Other fun-size candy bars: About two of these will fit nicely on a graham cracker, so buy an assorted bag for mixing and matching.

For extra credit, try additional toppings: 

Add a little excitement to s'mores with these fun ideas:

• Sprinkle some crushed potato chips on top of your marshmallow before sandwiching the s’more together.
• Add a couple slices of banana on top of the chocolate before adding the marshmallow.
• Layer in a slice or two of Millionaire Bacon (bacon makes everything better, even s’mores).  
• Sprinkle a little toasted coconut over your marshmallow before sandwiching everything together. 
• Drizzle a little Roasted Strawberry Compote or strawberry jam over the chocolate before adding the marshmallow.

Finally, choose your cooking method: 

We may be traditionalists and prefer toasting marshmallows over an open fire (see below), but that’s not always an option.

How to make s'mores in the microwave:

If you just want a single s’more right now, try the microwave method: Place a graham cracker on a plate, top with half of a candy bar, and place a marshmallow or two on top.

Microwaves can vary, so watch closely, but you’ll only need to cook about 10 to 15 seconds on high. The marshmallow will puff up quickly. Once it does, remove and immediately top with another graham cracker. 

How to make s'mores in the oven

If you’re preparing s’mores for a crowd, line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Build as many s’mores as you like, starting with the graham cracker, adding the candy, and placing the marshmallow on top. Toast at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until the marshmallows are puffy and lightly browned. Remove from the oven, top with the other halves of the graham cracker sheets, and serve immediately. 

More Chocolate-Marshmallow Goodness

Looking for even more s’mores-inspired recipes? Try these:

• Cast-Iron S’mores Dip
• S’mores Chocolate Sheet Cake
• Mississippi Mud S’mores-Fudge Pie