S’mores and summer go together like George and Gracie, Lennon and McCarthy, and – well, you get the idea! As a kid, I remember enjoying these sweet treats around the fire with my family, and I am beyond thrilled to share this tradition with my grandkids! While a marshmallow, brick of Hershey’s chocolate, and graham crackers are delicious, I have discovered that you can customize your creations via a s’mores bar!
What’s a s’mores bar? As the name implies, it is an assortment of s’mores ingredients, which I like to display on a nice board or large platter. With a s’mores bar, the combinations are endless and so fun to mix and match, so I encourage you to throw one together the next time your grandkids visit.
Here’s all you need to know about creating the perfect s’mores bar:
What to add to your s’mores bar
One of my favorite things about a s’mores bar is its versatility and how easy it is to throw together! As I said in the intro, there is nothing wrong with graham crackers and Hershey’s chocolate – but if you want to add a little oomph to your spread, consider also adding (in addition to graham crackers, marshmallows, and Hershey’s chocolate):
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (chopped or halved)
- Caramel sauce (drizzle or layer)
- Nutella (spreadable hazelnut chocolate)
- Peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- Pretzels (crushed or whole for added crunch)
- Toasted coconut flakes (adds a tropical twist)
- Fruit slices (strawberries, bananas, or raspberries)
- M&M’s (colorful and sweet)
- Miniature marshmallows (extra marshmallow goodness)
- Chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- Sprinkles (for a fun, colorful touch)
- Cinnamon sugar (sprinkled on top for a hint of warmth)
- Butterscotch chips (for a sweet, caramel flavor)
- White chocolate chips (a creamy alternative to milk chocolate)
- Cookie dough (baked or unbaked)
- Brownie chunks (for a rich, fudgy element)
- Salted caramel bits (adds a savory-sweet twist)
- Graham cracker cereal (crushed or whole)
- Chocolate-covered pretzels (a combination of sweet and salty)
- Miniature chocolate chips (small and easily melted)
- Raspberry jam (spread between layers for fruity sweetness)
- Crushed peppermint candies (for a refreshing twist during the holidays)
- Chopped toffee or Heath bars (adds a buttery, caramel flavor)
How to display and arrange your s’mores bar
Now that you have all of your ingredients, it is time to arrange them in a fun way. Here are some ideas that are both pretty and practical:
- Find a rustic wooden board or a large platter as the canvas for your s’mores masterpiece.
- Arrange stacks of graham crackers, Oreos, Chips Ahoy cookies, and any other sweet outer layers you desire in a neat row.
- Place an assortment of chocolate bars in different flavors and sizes. (Believe me when I say your grandkids will go crazy over this spread.)
- Set out bowls of marshmallows, both regular and miniature.
- Intersperse bowls filled with various toppings and mix-ins throughout the board, such as crushed Oreo cookies, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, toasted coconut flakes, or colorful M&M’s.
- Add small jars of spreads like Nutella and peanut butter, and encourage your grandkids to experiment with different flavor combinations.
- Don’t forget the toasting element! Provide skewers or long forks, so everyone can roast their marshmallows to their desired level of golden perfection.
Supplies
Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit with Stand
I have this and cannot recommend it enough! It is small and easy to store and is also perfect for both planned and impromptu s’mores nights outside.
Zulay Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
I am also the proud owner of these retractable skewer sticks! (We got tired of having to disassemble wire clothes hangers, hehe.)
Conclusion
S’mores are a great way to enjoy a summer night with those grandkids, and I hope these tips take your experience to the next level! Enjoy, and remember to have fun with this!