S’more Charcuterie Board with Tabletop Grill for an Unforgettable Party

Sneak Preview: This S’More Charcuterie Board boasts a homemade tabletop grill or marshmallow roaster. A recipe for homemade graham crackers is included if you’re up to it. Go as simple or complicated as you want–you’ll find many ideas to choose from here.

grilling a marshmallow over a homemade sterno grill on the s'more charcuterie trayPin

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Invite your friends, kids, or grandkids to celebrate a special occasion with this s’more charcuterie board. This post will give you ideas for many different fillings. Add toasty marshmallows and homemade graham crackers to make the whole event memorable.

Let your kids or guests help you make graham crackers from scratch in your kitchen if you’re brave. (I’ll share my “Ziplock-bag-trick” to make it easier.)

Follow the directions to make a simple DIY marshmallow toaster. Make more than one to make the process go faster and more fun.

Happy Cooks Speak Up

“This dessert was soooooooooo much fun. I don’t know when I have had such a good time. The assortment of homemade goodies topped it all off. Thanks for giving us all such a fun idea.”–SANDY

components of a s'more charcuterie board or trayPin

Making S’mores is a fun dessert and activity for a relaxed, sit-down meal or a party where people linger around the food.


How To Make a Table-Top Grill

You can buy a miniature tabletop grill at the store–if you can find one, for 30$ and up. But it’s easy to make them yourself. It’s nice to have more than one if you are serving more than four people.

roasting marshmallows at the tablePin

I first tried using a soup mug and an old metal apple corer.

If you don’t have the same, you can make a tabletop grill with a clay pot,  hardware cloth (available at a hardware store by the inch or foot), and a can of Sterno. 

  • Invert a 4-inch clay pot and trace the shape of the opening onto a sturdy piece of hardware cloth.
  • Cut hardware cloth with wire snippers and trim if necessary to barely fit inside. You need to be able to remove and replace the wire easily to change the Sterno.
  • Use a can of Sterno to provide the heat. (In case you’re wondering, Sterno is a formulation of denatured alcohol, water, and gel. Commercially sold table-side marshmallow roasters use the same.)
  • Sterno comes in more than one size. Buy one that will sit on the bottom of the pot with at least 1-2 inches of clearance from the top. 
wire cutter, wire mesh and a flower pot for making a table-top marshmallow roasterPin

Ideas for a S’more Charcuterie Board or Dessert Platter

Smore on a plate with party tray in the backgroundPin
  • Graham crackers:  I like to make honey graham crackers (see recipe below), but the store-bought crackers are also good. I recommend including a variety.  Homemade chocolate graham crackers (see the notes in the recipe below) are the most popular and fabulous with various spreads.
    • You don’t have to make graham crackers from scratch, but they will make your graham cracker bar a more memorable event. Making them yourself means you can experiment with the spices. It also means you can roll them out thinner–more like a wafer.
  • Chocolate: Use your favorite chocolate bar. Milk chocolate is traditional. Gently melt it in a microwave oven, Spread it thin (see the picture of the s’more above) on wax paper, and chill. Cut the chocolate into squares about the same size as the crackers. A variety of different chocolates makes the tray interesting.
  • Marshmallows: If you are a candy maker, try making marshmallows in different flavors like maple, coffee, or orange.  Regular marshmallows you buy at the store work fine, too.
  • Roasting Sticks:  Wooden or metal k-bob sticks.
  • Spreads: Sweetened cream cheese, peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, and hazelnut spread (Nutella) are easy. My favorite is cookies and cream frosting made with Oreos.  If your party includes kids, they might enjoy a plain buttercream frosting with colored sprinkles or chocolate chips.
  • Small Candy Bars: Put out peanut butter cups and various types of Hershey chocolate bars like white chocolate bars and caramel-filled chocolate.

A Trick for Rolling Out Graham Crackers for S’mores

Using zippered plastic bags is much easier than the traditional method of rolling out the dough on a floured cutting board and transferring each cracker to a cookie sheet.

graham cracker dough in a zippered bagPin
Place 1/3 of the dough into a zippered plastic bag. Chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough and distribute it evenly throughout the entire bag. Use your hands to smooth out wrinkles. Freeze.
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 When completely hard, remove from freezer and barely trim bag on 3 sides.
peeling back the plastic from chilled doughPin
Carefully peel the plastic back from the ugliest side of the frozen sheet of dough. Flip over onto parchment paper or a silicone baking mat so the smoothest side is now showing. Pull plastic from the top side.
cutting squares with a pizza wheelPin
Cut into 16 squares with a pizza cutter or large knife.
poking holes in crackers with a wooden kbob stickPin
Poke 4 holes in each square with the blunt end of a wooden k-bob stick.
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Sprinkle with sparkling or sanding sugar. Transfer dough to parchment or baking mat, then to a cookie sheet.
recutting chocolate graham crackers with a pizza wheel.Pin
Bake. Re-cut squares immediately after removing them from the oven.

FAQ for S’mores

What kind of crackers do you need for S’mores?

Honey graham crackers are traditional. But for a charcuterie board, it’s more interesting to provide a variety. Homemade graham crackers will please almost everybody. Adding cinnamon or chocolate makes them special. If you’re not into graham crackers, put out some vanilla wafers, Ritz crackers, shortbread cookies, or chocolate chip cookies. They make great “dippers.”

What kind of chocolate is best for S’mores?

Milk chocolate is traditional. And most people use a flat Hershey bar when they make s’mores over a campfire. Elevate your game with candy bars like a peanut butter cup. Or melt your favorite chocolate (50% power in a microwave) and spread it on a sheet of wax paper. When it cools, cut it into squares or break off random pieces and stack them in a small dish on the charcuterie tray.

How do I assemble a s’more?

The traditional way: Grab two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate. Spear a marshmallow and toast it over the fire until it’s as toasty as you want. Make a sandwich with one graham on the bottom, then a piece of chocolate, the gooey marshmallow, and top with the second graham cracker. Squish together and take a big bite!
The charcuterie board way: No rules. Put it all together the way you want.


kids making Smores with adult supervisionPin
Kids love it, too.  Adult supervision is required, of course.

Parting Thoughts: This s’mores charcuterie board is a fun way to serve an interactive dessert. Make it simple, or go crazy with creative ideas. Add fruit such as apples, bananas, and fresh berries like strawberries for people who want to dip them in chocolate instead of making s’mores.

p.s. Serve with lots of napkins. We all know how messy s’mores can be!

Help at Your Fingertips: For questions or suggestions, email Paula at saladinajar.com. If you need help, I’m happy to troubleshoot via email (faster than leaving a comment). Attach pictures and as many details as possible for the best advice.


chocolate and plain graham crackers made from scratch.Pin
Yield: 48 wafers

Homemade Graham Cracker Recipe

Store-bought graham crackers will never be the same after you try these homemade Honey Grahams.

Rate this recipe

(5 stars if you loved it)

5 from 2 votes
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Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • cup (156 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, chilled
  • cup (73 g) lightly packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 (50 g) large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Sift 1¼ cup (156 g) unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, if using, ½ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon salt together.
  • Mix ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, chilled, ⅓ cup (73 g) lightly packed light brown sugarand 3 tablespoons granulated sugar together. Add 2 tablespoons honey, 1 (50 g) large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and continue to mix.
  • Add dry ingredients in three batches, mixing just until ingredients are combined and come together in a ball.
  • Divide dough into 3 equal portions. Place each dough ball inside of lightly floured gallon-sized zippered plastic bag. If dough is very soft, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
  • Remove from refrigerator and use a rolling pin to roll dough out inside plastic bag until evenly distributed and the same thickness everywhere. If wrinkles develop, use your hand to smooth out bag.
  • Place plastic bag in the freezer and leave until hard. Dough will keep in the freezer for several weeks.
  • When ready to bake, use scissors to barely trim edges from 3 sides of the bag. Carefully pull plastic from one side (the ugliest side). Place ugly side down on parchment paper or a silicone mat. Peel other side of plastic from dough.
  • Use large knife or pizza cutter to make 16 equally sized squares. Make 4 holes in each wafer with a wooden k-bob skewer. Sprinkle with sparkling or sanding sugar. If making cinnamon grahams, add a bit of cinnamon to granulated sugar and sprinkle crackers.
  • Bake at 350˚F (170˚C) for 13 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and re-cut the squares in the same place as previously cut.

Notes

To make chocolate grahams, substitute 1/2 cup of Dutch-processed cocoa for 1/2 cup of flour.

Nutrition

Serving: 2wafers | Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 94IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

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30 Comments

  1. Megan's Cookin' says:

    5 stars
    What a great idea to make your own marshmallow grilling pot. It’s a perfect solution when you don’t have a campfire available. I have never made graham crackers but of course have always wanted too. The tip to roll it in the plastic baggy is terrific and I’ll do it that way when the time comes. Great pictures too!
    Happy new Year Paula!!!

  2. What a great idea to make your own marshmallow grilling pot. It’s a perfect solution when you don’t have a campfire available. I have never made graham crackers but of course have always wanted too. thanks!

  3. caring carington says:

    please don’t use a pizza cutter on your baking mat.

    1. I hear you. I do it all the time, but I am careful.

  4. Vicki Walton says:

    Hi Paula! Love this idea for indoors. I recently saw an idea on You Tube that shows an inexpensive “stove” that you can not only roast marshmallows and hotdogs over, but actually cook in a pot as well. Very handy if you’re grilling meat outside and want to cook something else and not be running back and forth to the kitchen. Very economical and entertaining for the kids, too. It’s called a “Redneck Rocket Stove.” I actually have the Stovetec Rocket Stove which is portable. But I think everyone should have this low cost alternative in their back yard. Just a little kindling scraps and sticks is required. Places like Lowe’s sell the cement blocks already cut in half. Just buy 3 pieces (see the video) and gather some sticks and you have a stove!

    1. Hi Vicki,
      Sounds like I should check that out, although kindling scraps and sticks are pretty hard to come by around here. Thanks for sharing. pr

  5. Miriam @ Overtime Cook says:

    What an amazing party idea! I bet this would be a real hit if I do it at my next party. Delicious and fun- perfect!!

  6. This dessert was soooooooooo much fun. I don’t know when I have had such a good time. The assortment of homemade goodies topped it all off. Thanks for giving us all such a fun idea. I adore the picture of the kids. They had a great time and I know memories were made.

  7. Nicole@The Galley Gourmet says:

    I love this! Perfect for a kids (or adults:) indoor winter party!

  8. What a fun idea and I love your grilling pots! Next time you have this party…I’m available and I’ll bring the chocolate 🙂 Happy New Year Paula, all the best in 2012

  9. Megan's Cookin' says:

    5 stars
    What a great idea to make your own marshmallow grilling pot. It’s a perfect solution when you don’t have a campfire available. I have never made graham crackers but of course have always wanted too. The tip to roll it in the plastic baggy is terrific and I’ll do it that way when the time comes. Great pictures too!
    Happy new Year Paula!!!

    1. If not for the Ziplock bags, Megan, I would not do these cookies. Also great to put these in the freezer and bake one sheet at a time. Happy New Year to you too!

  10. I love this idea and am happy to have your recipe for homemade graham crackers. I really want to try making a homemade Moon Pie someday, and I’ll use your graham cracker recipe!

    BTW, I had some advice for you re: the floors. Not sure, but I think you are a noreply blogger, so my reply email probably never got to you, right?

  11. Thanks for the s’mores last night! We had a great time and enjoyed your homemade graham crackers!

  12. The Café Sucré Farine says:

    Paula,
    I LOVE this idea! It would be fun in the summer but what a great treat at this time of year. I’m definitely going to try this with my little girles! They will go crazy!
    Oh – I just recently discovered that Biscoff spread – oh my, I really can’t keep it around as I can’t stay away from it! Thanks for this wonderful idea!

  13. Paula, I am completely candy-challenged. Whenever I make caramel, I always burn the first batch. Marshmallows are truly easy-peasy. You need two things — a stand mixer (Kitchen Aid) and a good candy thermometer. I was gifted a digital candy/oil thermometer (less than $20 on Amazon) and it rocks! They are a bit messy and sticky, but worth it.

    1. Tamara, My niece just brought me some homemade marshmallows and they made the most fabulous s’mores. I am definitely going to try them for our New Year’s Day party.

  14. This is just the most wonderful idea ever!

  15. *Just Fran* says:

    This looks like fabulous fun! I love the idea to make your own table-top grill. Great post!

  16. What a fabulous post! I pinned it before I even read it because I saw what a great idea it was, just genius and lots of fun for a small gathering. My family would absolutely love to do this, thanks Paula and great photos your family looked like they enjoyed it 🙂

  17. Wish I had some of those chocolate graham crackers right now!

  18. What a great idea to roll out the dough in a plastic bag — less messy & very even. I can’t wait to try this!

  19. I love this idea, thanks for sharing!

  20. Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says:

    This looks like so much fun! Your marshmallow roasters are so clever- I’m going to have to rummage around the kitchen to see what I can find to make one with. 🙂

  21. What a great idea, Paula! I’m seriously thinking about doing this for our annual Super Bowl party. Btw, I made Alton Brown’s Ambrosia Salad for Christmas dinner and the homemade marshmallows were delicious and very easy to make.

    1. Do you think even a candy challenged person like me could do it? Part of the problem is that marshmallows are my favorite. Of course they are good in s’mores.

  22. So much fun!!!!!!!
    I can’t wait to make the chocolate graham crackers!…Do you put cinnamon in them?

    1. Der, Good question. I did not add cinnamon with the chocolate.
      Thanks for the pic of the kids!

  23. This is such a fun idea, and thanks for the instructions to make a tabletop grill. Besides being cheaper, I think it’s more fun to give everyone their own mini grill!