The Original S’mores Nachos Recipe

If there’s one dessert that screams campfire nostalgia, it’s s’mores. Now imagine that gooey, chocolatey goodness taken to the next level: meet S’mores Nachos. This shareable twist on the classic treat combines the same comforting flavors but adds an extra layer of fun and ease. Whether you’re cozying up around the grill, heading to the backyard firepit, or even staying indoors, this recipe promises to be a sweet crowd-pleaser.

this RECIPE

I remember the first time I made s’mores nachos was during a family camping trip. We had all the classic fixings for s’mores, but someone had forgotten the skewers. What could have been a dessert disaster turned into a stroke of genius when we improvised with a foil pan and layered the ingredients like nachos. The result? A melty, chocolate-and-marshmallow dream that everyone could dig into. Watching the marshmallows puff up and the chocolate melt together while we laughed and swapped stories remains one of my favorite camping memories to this day.

A quick dive into s’mores history

S’mores as we know them originated in the United States and are thought to have been popularized by Girl Scouts in the early 20th century. The first known recipe appeared in a 1927 Girl Scouts handbook under the name “Some More,” which eventually became “s’mores.” Over time, this treat has evolved beyond the campfire to include everything from cookies to cakes to—you guessed it—nachos! What makes s’mores so beloved is their perfect balance of crunchy, gooey, and sweet. S’mores nachos bring all that goodness together but in a format that’s even easier to share.

Let’s talk ingredients: making every bite count

The magic of s’mores nachos lies in their simplicity, but each ingredient plays a key role.

• Graham crackers: The foundation of this dish, graham crackers provide the perfect crunchy texture. Cinnamon graham crackers add a warm spice that elevates the flavor. If you’re out of graham crackers, buttery digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work well too.
• Mini marshmallows: These melt quickly and create that gooey layer that ties everything together. If you’re feeling adventurous, try flavored marshmallows (like caramel or strawberry).
• Regular marshmallows: The larger ones create pops of golden, toasty goodness on top. For an extra-special touch, slice them in half for more even browning.
• Chocolate chips: Semisweet chocolate chips offer the right balance of sweetness and richness. You can also use milk chocolate for a creamier taste or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. Bonus tip: chopped chocolate bars or peanut butter chips can make for a fun twist.

Pro tip: Choose high-quality marshmallows and chocolate for the best results. The fewer ingredients in these items, the better they’ll taste when melted.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and don’t need)

This recipe is as low-maintenance as it gets. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Foil pan: An 8×8-inch disposable foil pan is perfect, but any oven-safe dish will do.
• Heavy-duty foil: Helps trap heat and ensure everything melts evenly.
• Tongs or oven mitts: Trust me, you’ll need these for safely handling the hot pan.
• Grill, oven, or campfire: S’mores nachos are versatile, so you can make them wherever you please. Don’t have a grill or campfire? A broiler works beautifully.

No fancy gadgets required—this is a recipe you can whip up almost anywhere.

Step-by-step: how to make s’mores nachos

1. Start with the base: Break up graham crackers into smaller pieces and spread them across the bottom of your foil pan. Aim for a single layer, but don’t stress about perfection—this is a rustic dessert!
2. Add marshmallows and chocolate: Sprinkle a generous layer of mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the graham crackers. This is where the magic starts to build.
3. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of broken graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Don’t forget to scatter a few regular marshmallows on top for that toasty, golden finish.
4. Seal it up: Cover the pan tightly with heavy-duty foil, folding the edges down to lock in the heat.
5. Cook it up: Place the pan on a grill over medium heat, or set it on a grate over campfire coals. Cooking over coals works best for even heat—open flames can burn the marshmallows too quickly. Check after about 5 minutes to see if everything has melted. Use your nose—when you smell chocolatey goodness, it’s probably ready!
6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the pan from the heat carefully (those tongs or mitts will come in handy). Peel back the foil and dive in. You can serve it straight from the pan or scoop portions onto plates.

Variations to try

S’mores nachos are endlessly customizable. Here are a few fun twists:

• Vegan option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows. Cinnamon-flavored graham crackers are typically vegan, but double-check the label to be sure.
• Peanut butter twist: Add dollops of peanut butter or scatter peanut butter chips between the layers. The nutty, salty flavor pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
• Seasonal flair: In the fall, add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or a drizzle of caramel. For a summer vibe, toss in some fresh sliced strawberries or bananas.
• International take: Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers and sprinkle in some white chocolate chips for a British-inspired version.
• Nutty crunch: Add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for a bit of texture.

These variations make it easy to adapt the recipe to different tastes and occasions.

How to serve and enjoy

To make your s’mores nachos the centerpiece of dessert hour, serve them right from the pan for a casual, rustic vibe. Want to elevate the presentation? Scoop portions into small dessert bowls and top each with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun party touch, stick a skewer or pretzel rod into the melted marshmallows for easy dipping.

Pair your s’mores nachos with a few sides, like fresh fruit slices or salty snacks (like pretzels or popcorn) to balance the sweetness.

Drinks that pair perfectly

For drinks, you can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk—classic and comforting. Want something a bit more grown-up? A robust red wine, like Zinfandel, pairs surprisingly well with chocolate and marshmallow. For a non-alcoholic option, try hot cocoa or iced coffee to complement the dessert’s richness.

Storage and reheating tips

Leftovers? (If you’re lucky enough to have any!) Store your s’mores nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, pop them into the oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to remelt the chocolate and marshmallows. Just be sure to keep an eye on them so nothing burns.

Scaling the recipe

This recipe scales beautifully. For a larger crowd, use a bigger foil pan and double or triple the ingredients. Just keep in mind that thicker layers might take a little longer to melt. For smaller servings, use individual ramekins or muffin tins to create single-serve portions.

Common issues (and how to avoid them)

• Burned marshmallows: Always use indirect heat or coals rather than open flames to avoid scorching.
• Uneven melting: Be sure to layer the ingredients evenly, and seal the foil tightly to trap heat.
• Soggy graham crackers: If your crackers are too soft, try toasting them slightly before layering.

Ready to dig in?

S’mores nachos are an easy, fun, and delicious way to bring people together, whether you’re around the campfire or gathered in your kitchen. The best part is how customizable they are, so don’t be afraid to get creative. I’d love to hear how your version turns out—let me know your favorite twist in the comments below!

FAQs

1. Can I make s’mores nachos in the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the pan with foil, and bake for 5-7 minutes, checking for melted marshmallows and chocolate.

2. What if I don’t have a foil pan?
Any oven-safe baking dish will work. Just line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

3. Can I use white chocolate instead?
Yes! White chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that’s just as delicious.

4. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers—they’re widely available at most grocery stores.

5. What’s the best way to clean up sticky marshmallow messes?
Soak your pan in warm, soapy water to loosen any hardened marshmallow. It should wipe right off!

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