S’mores. It’s a camp treat we all love, as fun to make as it is to eat. S’mores made their first official appearance in the 1927 Girl Scout guidebook, Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. The book is a complete guide to being a good Girl Scout with advice on everything from the best way to build a campfire, outdoor housekeeping, or even songs to sing.

Great camping food starts with the right tools. When preparing gourmet meals over an open fire, along with the usual array of spoons, knifes, spatulas, etc., here’s a list of essential cooking tools:The first "Some More" recipe, credited to troop leader Loretta Scott Crew, was originally intended to feed eight hungry scouts and called for 16 graham crackers, eight bars of plain chocolate, and 16 marshmallows. The contracted term "s'mores" first appeared along with the recipe in a 1938 publication aimed at summer camps.

Today, the gooey treat has evolved and is no longer limited to the traditional recipe. From gourmet versions, healthier recipes, or vegan options, here are some ways to spice up your evening around the campfire.

Gourmet S'mores Variations

The simplicity of the traditional recipe is hard to beat but there are a few gourmet twists that will take your treat to the next level.

Nutty s’mores: add a layer of chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or even salted peanuts between the chocolate and marshmallow for an extra crunch.
Salted caramel s’mores: spread a thin layer of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce on your graham cracker before assembling the s’mores for a sweet-and-salty kick.
Spiced s’mores: add some cinnamon, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper on the graham crackers.
Gourmet chocolate: experiment with flavored or high-quality chocolate varieties, such as dark chocolate with sea salt or chocolate with chili and orange to enhance the taste.
The Elvis s'more: inspired by the King, this version is made with peanut butter, caramelized bananas, and crispy fried bacon.

Healthy S'mores Options

There are also ways to make your s’mores healthier and lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Change the graham crackers: whole wheat graham crackers add fiber and a richer, more robust flavor.
Dark chocolate: choose dark chocolate with a higher cacao percentage to reduce sugar content and lower the calorie count.
Marshmallows without artificial ingredients: look for natural marshmallows that don’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup. Some brands even make marshmallows with less sugar and more wholesome ingredients.
Fruit-based s’mores: replace the marshmallow with grilled fruit slices such as pineapple, peaches, or strawberries. These naturally sweet options still give you that caramelized flavor while cutting down on the calories.

Vegan S'mores

For those following a plant-based diet, you can still enjoy the joy of s'mores without any animal products. To make vegan s’mores, use vegan marshmallows made from agar-agar instead of gelatin. Swap milk chocolate for dairy-free chocolate or dark chocolate. Finally, some graham crackers may contain honey or other animal-derived ingredients, so look for vegan-friendly options at your local grocery store or make your own.

Indoor S'mores

When a fire is not an option, you can still make s'mores indoors! Options include:

Oven-baked s'mores: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, arrange your s’mores on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden and the chocolate starts to melt.
Microwave s'mores: assemble your s’mores on a plate and microwave for 10-15 seconds. The marshmallow will puff up and melt the chocolate just enough.
S'mores in a skillet: heat a cast-iron skillet on the stove that’s layered with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Heat until the marshmallows are soft and the chocolate has melted.
S’more maker: yes, you can now buy an electric s’mores maker for tabletop cooking! The kits come complete with the heat source, compartments for all your materials, and roasting skewers.

Beyond those options, the flavor itself is popping up in all sorts of unexpected places. From ice cream, and cookies to pop tarts and cereal, and even more unconventional things like English muffins, popcorn, and even flavored ramen noodles! Troop leader Crew had no idea where her simple campfire recipe would lead.