As we transition into the colder fall months, it’s time to swap the sweet flavors of summer for the hearty, rich flavors of autumn. And what better to help make that transition than a new food trend? A few months ago it was cookie croissants, then it was eating a whole cucumber, and now it might just be savory s’mores.
What’s in a savory s’more?
The makings of a good savory s’more are practically the same as the original, just minus the excessive sweetness. Use a firm base like a Ritz cracker or a large Wheat Thin in place of the traditional graham cracker. Avoid bases like saltines that may soften and fall apart from the warm, gooey fillings.
Instead of a marshmallow, use a cheese of your choice, but be sure to choose one that melts well. Firmer cheeses like an aged cheddar work well for over-the-fire roasting as they hold their shape on the skewer. Softer cheeses like brie are better suited for “roasting” in the oven. Finally, the chocolate substitute. Some savory s’mores pioneers use spreads like jelly, while others exercise their creativity by using meats, herbs, fig, and more on their fireside creations!
Can I make savory s’mores in my dorm?
Making s’more in your dorm is easier than you think, especially if your residence hall allows air fryers. Because air fryers are so small, they circulate air quickly, which means you will likely have to shorten the cooking time from the original suggested time in the oven. Amanda Mason — a recipe creator, food blogger and owner of Recipes Worth Repeating — told Taste of Home that a good rule of thumb is reducing the suggested temperature by 25° and the cook time by about 20%.
You can also wrap your s’more in aluminum foil before air frying to recreate the toasty, oozy goodness that a campfire is best for. Be sure to handle the aluminum carefully after air frying, as it will be extremely hot. If your dorm doesn’t have a communal kitchen or allow air fryers, your microwave may suffice as a last resort. Shredded and thinly sliced cheeses can melt in a microwave, although they won’t stay soft for long.
In short, there are no rules in savory s’more making, so don’t be afraid to get creative. But before you head out to your next campfire or break out your trusty air fryer, here are a few recipes that you can take some inspiration from or even try yourself.
Pear, Blue Cheese, & Honey S’mores
If you’re looking for a new appetizer to add to your dinner party rotation, this recipe by food influencer Alec Treffers should be your new go-to. The funky flavors of the blue cheese mixed with the freshness of the pear elevate this dish into a league of its own. The sheet pan method Treffers uses when assembling her s’more is also ideal for larger batches.
Red Pepper Jelly S’mores
This recipe –– created by outdoorsy influencer Kathleen, known as @_mowglii –– is great for any actual campfire and/or camping trip for two reasons: no utensils are needed and the ingredients can go unrefrigerated for several hours. Feel free to swap out the red pepper jelly for something sweeter like a fig jam to better suit your palate.
Margarita S’mores
These simple margarita s’mores by Chelsie Collins at Good Food are essentially just adult lunchables — what’s not to love? Collins suggests dipping these pizza-inspired creations in tomato sauce for an even better result.
Prosciutto & Melon S’mores
Although they’re originally known for their music, Adeev and Ezra Potash have some mean savory s’more recipes. The twins’ prosciutto and melon s’mores have all the flavors of a classic charcuterie board all wrapped up in a bite-sized finger food.