S’mores Charcuterie Board with DIY Tabletop Grill
Sneak Preview: This S’Mores Charcuterie Board boasts a DIY 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.
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Invite your friends, kids, or grandkids to celebrate a special occasion with this s’mores 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
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 Tabletop Grill
You could buy a miniature tabletop grill for $30 or more—if you can find one. But why not make your own? It’s simple, cost-effective, and allows you to create multiple grills if you’re hosting more than four people.
How to Make a Tabletop Grill
Option 1: Soup Mug & Apple Corer
- Use a soup mug and an old metal apple corer to create a compact, simple setup.
Option 2: Clay Pot Grill
- Materials Needed:
- 4-inch clay pot
- Hardware cloth (available by the inch or foot at hardware stores)
- Can of Sterno
- Instructions:
- Invert the clay pot and trace the opening onto a sturdy piece of hardware cloth.
- Cut the hardware cloth with wire snippers to fit snugly inside the pot. Trim if needed for easy removal to replace the Sterno.
- Place a can of Sterno at the bottom of the pot as your heat source.
- Tips:
- Sterno is a gel fuel made from denatured alcohol and water, commonly used for table-side marshmallow roasters.
- Choose a Sterno can that sits securely at the bottom of the pot with 1-2 inches of clearance from the top.
Now you have a portable and creative way to roast marshmallows for s’mores!
Ingredients for the Ultimate S’mores Bar
Graham Crackers
- Homemade: Honey graham crackers (recipe below) or chocolate graham crackers (see recipe notes) are crowd favorites.
- Store-Bought: A mix of homemade and store-bought crackers adds variety.
- Tip: Homemade crackers allow spice customization and can be rolled thinner for a wafer-like texture.
Chocolate
- Choose Your Favorite: Milk chocolate is traditional but dark, white, or caramel-filled bars add variety.
- Prep: Melt chocolate gently in the microwave, spread thinly on wax paper, chill, and cut into cracker-sized squares.
Marshmallows
- Homemade: Try flavored marshmallows like maple, coffee, or orange for a unique touch.
- Store-Bought: Regular marshmallows work perfectly and are more convenient.
Roasting Sticks
- Use wooden or metal kabob sticks for marshmallow roasting.
Spreads
- Classic Options: Sweetened cream cheese, peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or hazelnut spread (Nutella).
- Fun Additions: Cookies and cream frosting with crushed Oreos or buttercream with sprinkles or chocolate chips for kids.
Small Candy Bars
- Include peanut butter cups, caramel-filled chocolates, or flavored Hershey bars for an exciting mix.
Make your s’mores bar a hit with these creative ideas!
?S’mores Tips
What Kind of Crackers Do You Need for S’mores?
- Traditional Option: Honey graham crackers. See recipe below.
- Variety for a Charcuterie Board: Include homemade graham crackers, cinnamon grahams, or chocolate grahams for a special touch.
- Non-Traditional Choices: Vanilla wafers, Ritz crackers, shortbread cookies, or chocolate chip cookies make excellent “dippers.”
What Kind of Chocolate is Best for S’mores?
- Traditional Option: Milk chocolate, such as flat Hershey bars.
- Elevated Choices: Try candy bars like peanut butter cups or melt your favorite chocolate.
- Pro Tip: Melt chocolate (50% power in a microwave), spread it on wax paper, cool, and cut into squares or break into pieces.
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 a fire to your liking.
- Sandwich with graham cracker, chocolate, marshmallow, and another graham cracker.
- Squish and enjoy!
The Charcuterie Board Way:
- No rules! Combine your favorite ingredients any way you like. Get creative!
Parting Thoughts: A s’mores charcuterie board is a fun and interactive way to serve dessert. Keep it simple or go all out with creative additions. Consider adding fruit like apple slices, bananas, or fresh berries (e.g., strawberries) for those who prefer dipping in chocolate over making s’mores.
P.S. Don’t forget plenty of napkins—s’mores are delightfully messy!
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Homemade Graham Cracker Recipe
Ingredients
- 1¼ 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
- ⅓ 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
Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Sift together 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.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Beat until combined: 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.
Combine:
- Add dry ingredients in three batches, mixing just until ingredients are combined and come together in a ball.
Divide and Chill:
- 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.
Roll and Freeze:
- 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.
- Roll the dough evenly within the plastic bags using a rolling pin. Smooth any wrinkles with your hand. Freeze the bags until the dough hardens. (Dough can be frozen for several weeks.)
Cut and Shape:
- 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 a 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:
- 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
- For Chocolate Grahams: Replace ½ cup of flour with ½ cup of Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Storage: Freeze the dough for up to several weeks or store baked crackers in an airtight container.
Equipment
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
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!!!
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!
please don’t use a pizza cutter on your baking mat.
I hear you. I do it all the time, but I am careful.
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!
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
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!!
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.
I love this! Perfect for a kids (or adults:) indoor winter party!
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
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!!!
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!
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?
Thanks for the s’mores last night! We had a great time and enjoyed your homemade graham crackers!
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!
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.
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.
This is just the most wonderful idea ever!
This looks like fabulous fun! I love the idea to make your own table-top grill. Great post!
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 🙂
Wish I had some of those chocolate graham crackers right now!
What a great idea to roll out the dough in a plastic bag — less messy & very even. I can’t wait to try this!
I love this idea, thanks for sharing!
Great post, as always!
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. 🙂
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.
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.
So much fun!!!!!!!
I can’t wait to make the chocolate graham crackers!…Do you put cinnamon in them?
Der, Good question. I did not add cinnamon with the chocolate.
Thanks for the pic of the kids!
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!