Whether you think the best s’mores are the most basic or you’re all about creative s’mores ideas, these tweaks are all well worth a try at least once this summer.
Chocolate, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows—s’mores are basically perfect. But that doesn’t mean they’re not also begging to be updated with your own personal spin. In pre-pandemic years, we were big proponents of setting up a mix-and-match s’mores bar at any BBQ. In this summer of social distancing, we can’t condone large groups crowding together, but we definitely still heartily endorse switching up your s’mores!
Hacking your s’mores is nothing new, we know, but there may be combinations you haven’t considered yet, so we’ve put together a mix-and-match guide to interesting s’mores variations.
Related Reading: Who Invented S’mores?
Whether you’re going camping, lighting up the grill, or enjoying a backyard fire pit, there’s never a bad time for s’mores—and there’s almost no wrong way to build them.
SUMPRI Marshmallow Roasting Sticks, 6 for $17.95 from Amazon
Not into whittling sticks? Try these 34-inch extendable steel forks instead.
If you don’t have an open flame or glowing embers for roasting your marshmallows, though, no worries—you can set up a DIY flowerpot roaster, use a simple can of Sterno, or invest in a store-bought tabletop s’mores cooker.
How to Upgrade Your S’mores
There are three basic ways to switch up your standard s’mores from the outside in: use flavored graham crackers or entirely different types of cookies; stuff them with non-vanilla marshmallows and/or a chocolate other than Hershey’s; or add extra ingredients to the usual trio. If you’re truly daring, do any combo of the above. You may just invent the next great iconic campfire treat.
Instead of Graham Crackers, Try:
- chocolate chip cookies
- gingersnaps
- Girl Scout cookies (if you’re fresh out, try our homemade versions of Thin Mints and Samoas)
- Petit Ecolier biscuits (a personal favorite for camping since the chocolate is built right in!)
Lu Petit Ecolier Milk Chocolate European Biscuits, $3.28 from Walmart
For fancy French s'mores.
- Oreos, Brussels cookies (an easier shape to contend with than Milanos), or any other sandwich cookie (twisted apart for dainty appetites—or use two intact cookies for a stacked club sandwich effect)
- brownies (made in mini cupcake tins for the perfect size right out of the gate—er, oven)
- Rice Krispie treats
- stroopwafels
- mini doughnuts
- Ritz crackers (the buttery crisp actually really works!)
- Saltines
- matzo (or matzo brittle/matzo crack for extra impact; flip it over so the chocolate is on the inside)
- apple slices (not as exciting, but naturally gluten-free)
Instead of Vanilla Marshmallows, Try:
Stuffed Puffs Chocolate Filled Marshmallows, $3.98 at Walmart
Depending on your views, these either obviate the need for extra chocolate, or they are the extra chocolate.
- literally any other marshmallow flavor (cookies and cream marshmallows, cold brew marshmallows, bourbon marshmallows, caramel marshmallows, lambic ale marshmallows…)
- Peeps, if you’re a fan
Instead of Milk Chocolate, Try:
- dark chocolate, white chocolate, oat milk chocolate (which is vegan, so a great partner to vegan marshmallows!), or any chocolate bar that strikes your fancy (with cocoa nibs, candied ginger, sea salt, almonds, etc.)
- peanut butter cups, Rolos, or pieces of any chocolate candy bar you like
- Nutella
To Gild the Lily, Add:
- cookie butter
- caramel sauce
- nut butter
- crispy bacon
- fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, bananas)
- jelly, jam, or preserves
- toasted coconut
Chowhound
Mix, match, and play mad scientist to come up with your own creations in the pursuit of the perfect s’mores specimen!
Unique S’mores Recipes
Check out a few more s’mores variations for even more inspiration when it comes to putting everything together.
Tie-Dye S’mores
Rainbow-swirled tie-dye marshmallows and white chocolate make for an eye-popping and even sweeter take on traditional s’mores, which you are all but obligated to dub unicorn s’mores. That said, StudioDIY also has a recipe for red, white, and blue marshmallows for a more patriotic option, perfect for 4th of July and Labor Day BBQs. Get the Unicorn S’mores recipe.
Savory S’mores
If you want to turn things completely upside down, savory s’mores are the obvious answer—and a super fun starter for your next camping trip or cookout. Herbed cheese cookies, toasted brie, and salty prosciutto are a powerhouse flavor/texture trio, and they’re drizzled with honey for a sweet contrast. Get the Savory S’mores recipe.
Chocolate-Covered Raspberry S’mores
Homemade chocolate graham crackers and fresh summer berries elevate the classic s’mores format without changing it too much. Get the Chocolate-Covered Raspberry S’mores recipe.
Peanut Butter Toasted Coconut S’mores
Add a slice of banana for an extra-tropical twist, or skip the coconut and add bacon and banana to the peanut butter-chocolate combo for an Elvis-inspired option. Get the Peanut Butter Toasted Coconut S’mores recipe.
S’mores Quesadillas
No time for toasting individual marshmallows? Make one big, ooey-gooey grilled s’mores quesadilla (and do not try to eat the entire thing yourself; you will regret it). The brown sugar and graham cracker crumbs sprinkled on the outside are a chef-kiss-worthy touch. Get the S’mores Quesadillas recipe.
Looking for something you can make ahead and doesn’t require live fire? Try our best S’mores Bar recipe (it’s like Christmas brittle but for summertime).
Related Video: How to Roast a Marshmallow Like a Pro
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