Few desserts strike a chord of nostalgia quite like s’mores. But when the campfire is out of reach, this skillet-style version swoops in to bring all the magic indoors. Toasty, rich, and decadently gooey, it captures the essence of a fireside treat without the need for sticks or smoke. Perfect for cozy evenings or spontaneous cravings, skillet s’mores deliver that signature blend of melted chocolate and golden marshmallow nestled between crisp, buttery graham crackers—fast and fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Ultimate Skillet S’mores
Start with high-quality graham crackers—brands like Honey Maid or Annie’s offer great flavor and structure. For chocolate, opt for Hershey’s if you love tradition, or try Ghirardelli for a more luxurious twist.
Chocolate bars melt into luscious puddles, perfect for dramatic pulls of flavor in every bite. Chocolate chips offer more control and even distribution. If you’re after pockets of richness, go for the chunks; for uniform coating, chips are the way to go.
Jumbo marshmallows make for a dramatic, fluffy topping that browns beautifully under the broiler. Avoid stale or too-small varieties, as they don’t hold up as well. Choose sturdy crackers that won’t fall apart under the heat—look for ones with minimal crumbling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Skillet Marshmallow S’mores
Preparing your oven and skillet for broiling
Turn your broiler to high and position the oven rack about six inches below the flame. Use a medium cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish that distributes heat evenly for perfect results.
Assembling the layers for even melting and toasting
Arrange six graham cracker squares in a single layer across the bottom of the skillet. Evenly scatter the chocolate pieces over the crackers, then layer the jumbo marshmallows on top. Leave a little breathing room between marshmallows—they’ll puff up as they toast.
Broiling tips: timing and how to achieve golden perfection
Slide the skillet under the broiler and monitor it closely. Within 1–2 minutes, the tops of the marshmallows should start to brown and blister. Rotate the pan if needed for even coloring. Do not walk away—marshmallows can go from golden to scorched in seconds.
Finishing touches for serving warm and gooey
Carefully remove the hot skillet using oven mitts. Let it rest for just a minute—enough to settle without losing the gooey charm. Cap with the remaining graham crackers and serve immediately for the full molten experience.
Recipe Tips
How to keep marshmallows from burning
Keep your eyes on them—broilers are quick. Use the second-lowest rack setting to give yourself more control.
Making it kid-friendly and safe to handle
Let the pan cool slightly before serving and cut into manageable portions. Avoid serving directly to little hands straight from the hot skillet.
Substitution ideas for chocolate, marshmallows, or crackers
Swap chocolate with caramel squares, dark chocolate, or Nutella. Try flavored marshmallows or gluten-free graham crackers for dietary needs.
Storing leftovers and reheating recommendations
Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes until warm and melty again.
Creative Variations to Try
Peanut butter or Nutella layers
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter or Nutella over the graham crackers before adding chocolate. The heat will melt it into the chocolate layer for an extra-rich bite.
Using flavored marshmallows or artisan chocolates
Try vanilla bean, strawberry, or even coconut marshmallows. Experiment with chocolates—sea salt dark bars, caramel-filled squares, or even chili chocolate for a spicy-sweet twist.
Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations
Use gluten-free graham crackers and dairy-free chocolate alternatives like Enjoy Life chips. Marshmallows are typically dairy-free, but always double-check ingredients for peace of mind.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Cold milk or hot chocolate pairings
Cool, creamy milk complements the gooey warmth of s’mores perfectly. For colder days, pair with rich hot chocolate or spiced chai for added indulgence.
Dessert boards or snack platters for parties
Serve alongside bowls of fresh berries, pretzels, and assorted cookies. S’mores can become the centerpiece of a playful dessert charcuterie board.
Fun toppings to sprinkle before serving
Add crushed candy canes, rainbow sprinkles, or even a drizzle of salted caramel sauce to give it your own creative signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this be made ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can pre-assemble the skillet (without broiling) and store it in the fridge until ready to heat.
What if I don’t have a broiler or ovenproof skillet?
Use a baking dish and toast marshmallows with a kitchen torch or place in the oven at 400°F for 6–8 minutes.
How do I scale the recipe for a crowd?
Double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or baking dish. You can also create individual ramekins for personalized servings.
Can I use mini marshmallows instead?
Yes, though the texture may be slightly different. Spread them evenly and keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Skillet marshmallow s’mores are more than just dessert—they’re an experience meant to be shared. Serve straight from the skillet, allowing guests to dive into the molten layers with spoons or crackers. To keep it warm during parties, place the skillet on a trivet with a tea towel underneath and serve with forks or skewers. Whether it’s a movie night, weekend sleepover, or impromptu craving, this cozy, crave-worthy treat will always steal the spotlight.
Ingredients
12 jumbo marshmallows
3 chocolate bars, broken into chunks (or 1⅓ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips)
12 graham cracker squares
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven’s broiler to high. While it heats up, grab a medium-sized cast-iron skillet or another broiler-safe pan.
Lay 6 graham cracker squares flat across the bottom of the skillet to form a solid base. Arrange the pieces of chocolate evenly over the crackers, ensuring the surface is mostly covered for even melting.
Nestle the marshmallows on top of the chocolate layer. They can be close together but should have just enough space to expand slightly under the heat.
Carefully place the skillet under the broiler. Toast the marshmallows for 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close watch—once they start turning golden brown, they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds.
Using an oven mitt, remove the skillet from the oven as soon as the marshmallows have achieved a golden, caramelized surface. Allow the mixture to cool for a minute or two.
Finish by placing the remaining graham cracker squares on top, pressing them gently into the warm marshmallows. Serve right away while everything is gooey and melty.
Marshmallow S’mores Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo marshmallows
- 3 chocolate bars broken into chunks (or 1⅓ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips)
- 12 graham cracker squares
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven’s broiler to high. While it heats up, grab a medium-sized cast-iron skillet or another broiler-safe pan.
- Lay 6 graham cracker squares flat across the bottom of the skillet to form a solid base. Arrange the pieces of chocolate evenly over the crackers, ensuring the surface is mostly covered for even melting.
- Nestle the marshmallows on top of the chocolate layer. They can be close together but should have just enough space to expand slightly under the heat.
- Carefully place the skillet under the broiler. Toast the marshmallows for 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close watch—once they start turning golden brown, they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds.
- Using an oven mitt, remove the skillet from the oven as soon as the marshmallows have achieved a golden, caramelized surface. Allow the mixture to cool for a minute or two.
- Finish by placing the remaining graham cracker squares on top, pressing them gently into the warm marshmallows. Serve right away while everything is gooey and melty.
