“S’mores” is a popular campfire treat and a summer staple for many North Americans. It brings the anticipation of roasting something delicious over the fire, with chocolate and gooey marshmallows that are bound to make an appearance. If you’re not planning a backyard bash or a cozy night in, you might be wondering how many ingredients you’ll need per person.
Most people typically have 1 or 2 s’mores because they are a sweet, indulgent treat. S’mores are a unique campfire invention of North America, made by sandwiching a roasted marshmallow between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate. For serving s’mores at an event, use the following ratios:
Whether or not you choose to cook your own s’mores, the ideas and suggestions in this article can take delicious treats to a whole new level. From different marshmallow-roasting techniques to endless variations of chocolate and graham crackers, along with simple techniques for assembly and cleanup, you’ll be the ultimate host for a marshmallow roast!
Ingredients in a S’mores
The components are typically supplied in varying proportions, so it’s vital to be aware of this if you decide to make your own s’mores rather than buying them already made. A bag of Jet-Puffed marshmallows typically contains 60-65 marshmallows in a 16-ounce bag, while a pack of Hershey’s milk chocolate bars usually comes with 6 bars in a multi-pack, and a box of graham crackers usually contains around 26 crackers.
The necessary number of marshmallows usually aligns with the expected number of guests because each s’more requires just one regular-sized marshmallow. Similarly, one rectangle Graham Cracker will be cut into two squares to make each S’more’s two sides, therefore one Graham Cracker is required for each S’more.
On the chocolate front, however, the ratio changes. Most people use Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, which are divided into 12 small rectangles. The amount of chocolate you use depends on personal preference, as you can break them in half or into quarters. Typically, each s’more uses about 3 segments or ¼ of a chocolate bar.
Ratio of Ingredients to Guests:
Since the three main s’mores ingredients are usually sold in different quantities, listing the specific amounts in a table won’t provide the correct number of s’mores. But don’t worry, Having leftover ingredients is better than having an exact amount because in many cases, not everyone will want more.
Some people may prefer to have just a roasted marshmallow, while others might snack on the chocolate pieces or enjoy a plain graham cracker. With extra ingredients on hand, guests who prefer marshmallows, crackers, or chocolate separately won’t be significantly affected by the planned overall quantity and can still enjoy eating with others at the event.
History behind S’mores
The recipe for S’mores was originally termed “Graham Cracker Sandwich” and first appeared in publications from the 1920s. It became well-known and adored after gaining favor with both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. It is simple, delicious, and satisfying. People just can’t get enough! They kept asking for more and more. Hence the modern contraction of two words (you guessed it).
Traditionally, S’mores are made over a campfire. First, break a graham cracker into two square pieces to make the sandwich. One half of the graham cracker should be covered with the desired amount of chocolate from a chocolate bar. After that, toast a marshmallow over a direct flame until it gets a rich shade of golden brown. Place the cooked marshmallow on top of the chocolate, then carefully move it from one side to the other with the aid of the second graham cracker half. Finish by placing a third graham cracker on top. To get the chocolate to melt from the heat of the marshmallow, press everything together.
The Golden Rule
We’ve all been there. Anyone who has tried to roast a marshmallow knows the sequence of events: quickly spreading fire, waving the flaming stick, and the race to find a rescue graham cracker. However, once the fire has been put out, a burned marshmallow is not the worst possible outcome. crunch Yet there is no better way to ensure superior quality than roasting a marshmallow to a perfect, golden brown. It all comes down to two simple words: low and slow.
A common marshmallow-roasting mistake is holding it directly over the flame, as often depicted in movies, cartoons, and illustrations. The marshmallow is far more likely to catch fire and burn when it is hovering above an open flame, especially when the fire is still raging, which is a problem.. Instead, wait for the fire to die down a bit – until you see the coals beneath the ash turn a glowing, golden-red color. Ideal marshmallow-toasting temperature is achieved by gently placing it above the coals: steadily warm, without the threat of a fierce fireball.
Keep your marshmallow as close to the coals as possible and slowly rotate it with your skewer or stick. If the marshmallow doesn’t rotate consistently, it will only toast on one side. It should be evenly toasted on all sides. After a few seconds roasting over the coals, the marshmallow will start to turn a golden, toasty brown. This is when it reaches its prime, a rich caramel color, not yet charred. Then, swiftly bring it out and sandwich it between two graham crackers. (If you leave it too long over the coals, the marshmallow may catch fire.)
And there you have it! A perfectly toasted marshmallow. Keep it low, keep it slow, and you’ll know. Everyone else will be envious.
(Or you’ll rise as the designated s’mores maker for the rest of the evening.)
How to make S’mores Indoor?
A campfire can undoubtedly be charming—as long as it’s not raining, there are no laws prohibiting open flames, or you don’t have enough guests to make it worthwhile to keep the fire going.
Fortunately, making s’mores indoors, particularly in the comfort of your own kitchen, is easier, especially with an oven or stovetop.
To make s’mores in the oven, preheat your oven to a warm temperature. Although a convection oven works best, any oven can be used to do this. Line a large rectangular pan or cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. (This will save you the headache of scrubbing off stuck-on chocolate later!) Coat it lightly with cooking spray or parchment paper.
Then, once the pan is completely covered, break the graham crackers into two square half and arrange them side by side. Separate an equivalent number of graham cracker squares.
Then, break the chocolate bars into desired square or rectangular pieces and place one piece of chocolate on each graham cracker in the pan. To prevent it from sliding off the cracker when the chocolate melts, make sure it is centered on the cracker.
Then, top each piece of chocolate with a marshmallow.Before inserting the pan, make sure the baking rack is in the middle of the oven. The marshmallows will expand and spill over if it is too high. They won’t toast if it is set too low. Keep an eye on the s’mores in the oven and check them when the marshmallows get golden brown and puff up nicely. In less than 2 minutes, the marshmallows often become golden, but keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn or puff up too much. When they have turned a golden-brown color, remove them.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining graham cracker halves on top of the marshmallows as soon as the s’mores are through baking. Gently press the crackers into the marshmallows, allowing the chocolate to melt and creating a tighter seal with each sticky bite. Easy!
To make s’mores on a gas stovetop, simply ignite the flame to a medium or high setting and use a skewer to roast the marshmallow above it.
Different variants of s’mores
Although s’mores have only three basic ingredients, there are dozens of ways to change and elevate their flavor. You’re not stuck with just milk chocolate and graham crackers! Here are a few popular twists on this classic treat:
- S’mOreo: The popular campfire treat meets the well-known American cookie. There is no better place to be than this! Place a freshly roasted marshmallow and some chocolate between the halves of an Oreo cookie. Put everything in a blender and enjoy! All you require is a cup of milk or hot cocoa to continue living the wonderful life.
- Peanut Butter Bliss: Listen, peanut butter enthusiasts! This one’s for you! Substitute a cup of peanut butter for the traditional chocolate. Ensure a warm, delightful combo that will make your mouth water for more.
- Coconut Dream: Instead of graham crackers, try using coconut cookies. Many brands offer coconut cookies with a drizzle of chocolate or a chocolate coating on one side. You can enjoy a wonderful, sweet delicacy by sandwiching it between two marshmallows and biting into it.
- Fudge It: To make s’mores even easier, use fudge stripe cookies! Place a square of chocolate on the bottom of each cookie, and stack the fudge stripes with chocolate drizzles in between. All you need is a marshmallow, and you’ve got yourself a deliciously convenient cookie s’more!
These creative variations will add a delightful twist to your s’mores experience. Feel free to explore and customize with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy the wonderful world of s’mores!
For more inspiration, explore various types of chocolates and different kinds of cookies. Some places even sell marshmallows with different flavors like strawberry. Arrange squares of chocolate on one tray and an assortment of cookie types on another, and let your guests create any combination they desire! White chocolate and wafers, dark chocolate and thin mint cookies, caramel and chocolate chip cookies—give it a name. You and your guests will enjoy a delightful dessert buffet all night long, creating sweet, flavorful s’mores combinations!
s’mores Drawback
For all their winning qualities, s’mores come with one drawback: sticky fingers. After touching marshmallows and chocolate and opening squares and packages, you’ll find yourself amazed by something that just won’t wash away!
The easiest solution to this inevitable problem is to keep a pack of wet wipes or moist towelettes handy. Some guests may prefer washing their hands with soap at the sink, but having wipes and a damp cloth available will prevent doorknobs and car handles from becoming sticky remnants. It’s a painless, practical solution that goes unnoticed.
You might be wondering what to do with those leftover skewers. Once you’ve discarded the handles, the simplest way to remove the remaining marshmallow residue from the skewer is to hold the stick directly over the fire for a minute or so. It’ll burn off the marshmallow, leaving no stubborn black remnants for the next time you use the skewer. Make sure the skewers cool completely outside the fire before packing them up or storing them.
As a final note, be mindful of fire safety regulations in your area, completely extinguish the fire, and ensure that all embers are covered before leaving.
(As a side note, if you’re interested in the last type of stickiness entering the business, look up the origin of the word “dabanol” in your region.)
What are you waiting for? Go create something more!