
S'More Experimentation
There’s nothing quite like the crackle of a campfire, the glow of the stars overhead, and the irresistible combination of gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crispy graham crackers. S’mores are a camping classic, but who says you have to stick to the traditional recipe?
Last fall, we gathered around the fire with the goal of breathing fresh life into this timeless treat, taking inspiration from charcuterie boards and an autumnal must: pumpkin pie. The result was a decidedly unscientific experiment with delicious results.
Savory Charcuterie-Inspired S'Mores
When you think of charcuterie boards, you picture rich flavors, thoughtful pairings, and plenty of variety — and that indulgence doesn’t have to stay at home. Meet the charcuterie-inspired s’more, the grown-up version of this classic treat.
Ingredients:
- A variety of crackers: The perfect foundation — try classic water or wheat crackers, or experiment with herby crisps.
- Cheese of choice: We loved Babybel individually wrapped mini cheeses for their ease and variety of flavors, but blocks of cheese cut into chunks work, too! Brie, gouda, fontina, and halloumi are all great choices.
- Complementary jam or fruit butter: Fig butter works well with most options, but if you have a different favorite, give it a try!
- Prosciutto, salami, and/or sopressata: This thinly sliced meat rounds out the other ingredients perfectly. (Omit for vegetarian option.)
Directions:
- Spread your jam of choice on a cracker so it's ready for the incoming cheese!
- Spear your hunk of cheese and hold over the campfire until warmed or, depending on the variety, golden brown and bubbling.
- Carefully remove the cheese and place onto the cracker.
- If using, add a slice of prosciutto or other meat, and top off with one more cracker to form a sandwich.
Pumpkin Pie–Inspired S'Mores
Crisp evenings, the scent of pine in the air, and your warmest fleece jacket — it’s autumn in the wilderness, and what better way to celebrate than with pumpkin-pie s’mores? These seasonal treats combine the cozy essence of fall with the toasty joy of campfire desserts.
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers: (For a traditional rendition.)
- Gingersnap cookies: A spiced alternative to graham crackers
- Marshmallows
- Canned pumpkin
- Whipped cream cheese
- Pumpkin pie spice: Or, create your own blend with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc.
-
Maple syrup (Optional, to taste)
Directions:
- Prepare the pumpkin spread by mixing together one can of pumpkin with one container of cream cheese. For a smoother blend, use an electric mixer to combine.
- Add spices and sweetener to taste. Mix until well blended.
- Roast your marshmallow over the fire, ensuring they’re soft and gooey in the center.
- Spread a generous dollop of pumpkin mixture on your cookie of choice.
- Add the toasted marshmallow and top off with another cookie to complete the sandwich.