Because no night under the stars is complete without a little molten magic.
There’s something joyously primal about building s’mores over an open fire—crispy edges, gooey centers, and chocolate just soft enough to melt into the moment. But while the classic formula is simple, there’s an art to doing it right. Here’s how to craft campfire perfection, one toasted marshmallow at a time.
Start with the Fire
A great s’more begins with the right kind of flame.
Look for glowing embers, not towering fire.
Roasting over hot coals gives you even heat and better control. Big flames = scorched outsides and raw insides (unless you’re going for “charred meteor” vibes).
If you’ve just lit the fire, give it 20–30 minutes to settle into a glowing coal bed before dessert begins.
Gather Your Essentials (and a Few Extras)
Classic Setup
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Graham crackers
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Marshmallows
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Chocolate squares (milk is traditional, dark is divine)
Level-Up Add-Ins
Try a little twist:
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Peanut butter cups
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Salted caramel squares
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Biscoff or chocolate graham crackers
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Thin mint cookies instead of chocolate
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A swipe of Nutella or almond butter
Optional but adorable:
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Skewers (metal or long wooden sticks)
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Napkins (melted marshmallow respects no one)
Roast with Intention
Everyone has a roasting philosophy. Here are the approaches:
✦ The Slow Rotator (Gold Standard)
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Hold your marshmallow a few inches above the embers.
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Rotate slowly—like you're spit-roasting a tiny, sugary pig.
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Aim for a golden brown shell and gooey center.
✦ The Blaze Runner (The Drama Queen)
Shove it right into the flame, let it ignite, then blow it out dramatically.
Does it melt the center? Not always.
Do you impress the children? Absolutely.
✦ The Patient Artist (The Purist)
Same as the slow rotator, but takes it even further—uniform tan, zero scorch.
This person probably camps with linen napkins.
Build the Stack
Here’s the secret: prep your sandwich before your marshmallow is ready.
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Lay a graham cracker half down as your base.
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Place your chocolate (or alternative treat) on top.
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The second cracker waits nearby like a lid.
Once your marshmallow is roasted:
4. Slide it off between the crackers.
5. Press gently—just enough to smush, not explode.
Let it sit for 10–15 seconds so the marshmallow warms the chocolate into melty submission.
Upgrade the Experience (Optional but Encouraged)
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Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on the chocolate.
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Add sliced strawberries or banana.
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Use cinnamon grahams for extra warmth.
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Sandwich two different chocolate types.
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Swap marshmallows for flavored ones (vanilla bean, caramel, or coffee!).
Tips for Group S’moring
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Set out a s’mores station on a board or tray.
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Use long skewers so hands stay away from heat.
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Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby (safety + vibe).
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Have wipes or a wet cloth for sticky fingers.
The Real Secret? Don’t Rush It.
S’mores are a ritual. They slow down the evening, invite storytelling, and give everyone something warm to gather around. Whether you burn them black or toast them to caramel perfection, the best s’mores are made with laughter, firelight, and a little bit of goo on your sleeve.
Now grab a stick, gather your grahams, and let the stars watch you build something beautiful.
