6 Ways to Make S'mores, No Campfire Required

Broiler

Outside of an open campfire, using the broiler is one of the most effective ways to toast marshmallows. Marshmallows are very similar to meringue. Marshmallows are always made with gelatin, but whipped egg whites are often incorporated with sugar, just like meringue. You’ll notice that many recipes that require toasting meringue, such as Lemon Meringue Pie or Baked Alaska, often call for a hand-held blow torch as the first line of defense. But they will almost always note that you can toast the meringue under the broiler, too. 

The same goes for marshmallows. Just a few seconds under the broiler and they will puff and char just like they would over an open fire. You can toast one marshmallow or a whole batch.

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the marshmallows in an even layer. Leave about an inch or so of space between each marshmallow since they will puff up under the heat.
2. Pop the tray under the broiler (about 6 inches below the heating element, if possible) and toast them to your desired level of doneness. (Every broiler is different, so this can take anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute or two.)
3. Optional but recommended: Warm the chocolate a little under the broiler by arranging the chocolate squares on top of the graham crackers and let them sit under the broiler for a few seconds, just until you see the surface start to glisten.

Gas Flame

While you don’t get the crackling campfire essence with this method, holding marshmallows over an open gas flame will have an identical effect on the marshmallows themselves. You can rotate them on their skewers just like you would at a bonfire. This results in a more even overall toast than you’ll get with most other methods, and you can get it done quickly.

To roast marshmallows over a gas flame:

1. Thread one or two marshmallows onto a skewer, turn the flame up to high heat, and hold the marshmallows over the flame.
2. Rotate the marshmallows until golden all over—this will take a few minutes.
3. Optional Extra: If you like extra crisp, burnt edges, let the marshmallows catch on fire before blowing it out.

Grill

The trick to making s’mores on the grill is to set up the grill for indirect heat cooking. Essentially, you arrange the coals on one side of the grill and place the food on the other side. With the lid closed, the heat from the coals will gently cook the food. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat the grill over high, then lower the heat to medium-low on one side. 

To build s’mores on the grill:

1. Stack the chocolate squares and marshmallows on top of the graham crackers and place them on the cooler side of the grill.
2. Cover the grill and let them cook just until the chocolate begins to melt and the marshmallows soften, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Sandwich with another graham cracker and enjoy.

Blow Torch

Julia Child once said, “I think every woman should have a blowtorch.” We agree wholeheartedly. A hand-held blow torch is a great tool to have in your kitchen, and one of our favorite ways to use it is to toast meringue and marshmallows. To use this method, carefully wave the blow torch’s flame over the surface of the marshmallows (it’s easiest to do this when they are on skewers). This technique is great because you can get an even toast on all sides and have total control over the browning level.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is such a versatile kitchen appliance, but who knew it would turn out delicious s’mores?

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Arrange two graham cracker squares on a work surface. Use a pair of kitchen shears to snip off a small piece from the circular end of a marshmallow to expose the sticky side.
3. Place the marshmallow sticky-side down on a graham cracker, pressing gently to help it adhere. Place a piece of chocolate on top of the other cracker.
4. Place the graham cracker with the marshmallow in the air fryer and cook until the marshmallows are puffed and golden, 5 to 7 minutes.
5. During the 2 or 3 minutes, add the chocolate-topped graham cracker to the air fryer—it only needs a couple of minutes for the chocolate to start to melt.
6. Sandwich and serve.

Microwave

The microwave method won’t get much color on your marshmallows, but they will become super soft and puffy. The heat from the microwave causes the marshmallows to expand and warm through very quickly, and it’ll start to melt the chocolate at the same time.

1. Place two graham cracker squares on a microwave-safe plate. Arrange a marshmallow on one, and a chocolate square on the other.
2. Microwave both for about 15 seconds, just until the marshmallow puffs and the surface of the chocolate is shiny.