# Smoky Grilled S'mores Skewers > A simple, crowd-friendly grilled dessert of skewered marshmallows charred over indirect heat for a smoky s'mores experience. Quick-melt chocolate in foil cups and graham cracker halves make assembly fast, with two easy topping twists: salted-caramel and orange-spiced. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/smoky-grilled-smores-skewers ## Author Topshelf Recipes Published: October 28, 2026 Last Updated: October 28, 2026 ## About This Recipe This smoky grilled s'mores skewer is built for speed and spectacle: two marshmallows threaded on a soaked skewer char, puff and soften over indirect heat while individual foil cups of chopped chocolate melt into glossy puddles. The result is a warm, slightly smoky marshmallow pressed into instant molten chocolate for a quick, hand-held dessert that keeps a backyard crowd moving. The optional salted-caramel and orange-spiced finishes let you pivot between a sweet-salty contrast and a bright, citrus-spiced lift without changing the grill choreography. Note about the graham crackers: the ingredient list supplies 6 whole sheets broken into 12 halves, which is enough for 12 open-faced s'mores (one graham half per skewer). If you prefer the classic sandwich (two halves per s'more), plan to double the graham crackers to 12 full sheets. This version prioritizes ease and speed—assemble warm and eat immediately for the best texture, and use tongs and heatproof gloves when you transfer the melted chocolate and hot marshmallows off the grill. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 40 minutes - Cook Time: 13 minutes - Total Time: 53 minutes - Servings: 6 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Grilling ## Ingredients ### Thread marshmallows onto skewers - 24 count Large marshmallows ### Soak skewers; chop chocolate and prep graham - 8 oz Semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped - 6 count Graham cracker sheets (whole), broken into 12 halves - 12 count Wooden skewers, 10–12 inch (soaked 30 minutes) ### Preheat and prepare the grill for indirect heat - 1 tbsp Neutral oil (vegetable or grapeseed), for brushing grill ### Assemble s'mores and finish with optional twists - 1/2 cup Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) — optional salted-caramel twist - 1/4 tsp Flaky sea salt — for salted-caramel twist (optional) - 1 tsp Fresh orange zest — for orange-spiced twist (optional) - 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon — for orange-spiced twist (optional) ## Instructions ### 1. Soak skewers; chop chocolate and prep graham Place the 12 wooden skewers in water to soak for at least 30 minutes (prevents burning). While they soak, finely chop the 8 oz (225 g) chocolate and divide it into 12 small foil cups or one shallow foil packet positioned so it can sit on the grill (about 2/3 oz / 18–20 g chocolate per cup). Break 6 whole graham-cracker sheets into 12 halves and set aside. Active prep: 10 minutes; passive soak: 30 minutes. ### 2. Thread marshmallows onto skewers After skewers have soaked, thread 2 large marshmallows onto each skewer, leaving at least 2 inches of handle uncovered for tongs and a safe grip. Arrange skewers on a tray so marshmallows sit upright and are easy to move to the grill. Active prep: 8 minutes. ### 3. Preheat and prepare the grill for indirect heat Set up a two-zone fire on a gas or charcoal grill (one hot side, one cooler side). Preheat to medium (350–400°F / 175–200°C). Brush the cooler-side cooking grate lightly with 1 tbsp neutral oil on a folded paper towel held with tongs to prevent sticking. If you want extra smoke, place a small foil packet of soaked wood chips or a smoker box on the hot side. Preheating and setup: 5 minutes active, 5 minutes passive while grill comes to temperature. ### 4. Grill marshmallows and melt chocolate Place marshmallow skewers on the cooler (indirect) side of the grill and arrange the 12 foil chocolate cups on the cooler side as well so they warm slowly. Close the lid and let marshmallows puff and develop deep golden color—about 1½–3 minutes; turn the skewers as needed to expose all sides to smoke and ambient heat. The chocolate will soften and melt in about 2–4 minutes; check and remove the foil cups with tongs when smooth. Use tongs or heatproof gloves and watch for flare-ups; do not hold skewers directly in open flame. Active grilling: 8 minutes; short rest/monitor passive: 3 minutes. ### 5. Assemble s'mores and finish with optional twists Work quickly while chocolate and marshmallows are warm: place a melted chocolate cup onto a graham half, slide a hot marshmallow off its skewer onto the chocolate, then top with the matching graham half and press briefly to spread chocolate. For the salted-caramel twist, drizzle about 1–2 tsp caramel per 2 skewers (use the optional 1/2 cup as needed) and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For the orange-spiced twist, sprinkle about 1/4 tsp orange zest + a pinch (about 1/16 tsp) cinnamon over each pair of skewers for a citrus-warm spice lift. Let assembled s'mores rest 30–60 seconds so chocolate firms slightly, then serve hot. Handle hot skewers and foil with tongs. Makes 12 finished skewers; serve 2 skewers per serving (serves 6). ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 serving): - Calories: 544 kcal - Protein: 4.8 g - Carbohydrates: 92.6 g - Fat: 17.5 g - Saturated Fat: 8.9 g - Fiber: 3.5 g - Sugar: 64.2 g - Added Sugars: 63.2 g - Cholesterol: 7.5 mg - Sodium: 319.7 mg - Potassium: 205 mg - Calcium: 50.6 mg - Iron: 3.7 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### Skewer soaking time Soak 10–30 minutes depending on wood thickness—longer than 30 minutes offers diminishing returns but prevents flare-ups when a skewer edge peeks into flame. ### Indirect heat distance Place skewers 4–6 inches from the hottest coals or burner; you want ambient heat and smoke, not direct flame that will blacken and harden the marshmallow quickly. ### Foil cup sizing Use 12 small foil or disposable silicone cups (~2/3 oz / 18–20 g chocolate each); too large a cup will take longer to melt and can burn on the bottom if placed over direct heat. ### Visual doneness cues Marshmallows are ready when they puff, become glossy and develop an even deep-golden color—about 1½–3 minutes on the indirect side—then rotate to brown all sides evenly. ### Prevent seizing chocolate Keep the foil cups on the cooler side of the grill and out of open flame; chocolate exposed to sudden high heat or moisture can seize and become grainy. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Classic sandwich s'more If you want closed sandwiches, double the graham crackers to 12 full sheets (24 halves) so each skewer pairs with two halves; assemble as written to press chocolate between two crackers. ### Vegan/dairy-free option Use vegan marshmallows and a dairy-free dark chocolate one-for-one; melted coconut-based chocolate or bars marked vegan work the same way in the foil cups. ### Peanut-butter cup Spoon about 1 tsp peanut butter into each foil cup before topping with chocolate so it melts into a gooey PB layer—skip if serving nut-free guests. ### Fruit and spice twist After sliding the marshmallow onto the chocolate, add a thin banana or sliced strawberry on top before the final cracker half for a fresher counterpoint to the smoke. ## Notes Soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from scorching on the grill; you can chop chocolate and prep graham pieces while the skewers soak. Watch marshmallows closely—the ideal cue is when they puff and turn a deep golden-brown and feel very soft to the touch before you remove them. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Assembled s'mores are best eaten immediately; marshmallows and melted chocolate firm as they cool and become chewy. Store any leftover components separately—toasted marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, reserved melted chocolate and caramel refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 5 days; reheat gently in a 200°F oven for 2–4 minutes or microwave in 5–10 second bursts to re-soften. ### Serving Suggestions Serve the skewers on a long wooden board with extra graham halves, small bowls of caramel and flaky sea salt, and a microplane of orange zest for guests to finish their own. Pair with robust coffee, a smoky mezcal cocktail, or a malty stout to echo the charred notes; for kids, offer cold milk or hot cocoa. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why does the recipe list only 12 graham halves? The published ingredient quantities yield 12 graham halves (6 sheets), which fits 12 open-faced s'mores—one half per skewer—so you get 12 finished skewers as written; if you prefer traditional sandwich s'mores (two halves per), double the cracker amount to 12 whole sheets. ### Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones? Yes—use metal skewers with a handle and keep them on the cooler side or lift often, as metal conducts heat and can quickly become too hot to handle without a glove. ### My chocolate got grainy—what went wrong? Grainy or seized chocolate usually means it was exposed to steam, water, or overly high direct heat; keep foil cups on the indirect side and avoid adding cold liquid or wet ingredients to the chocolate while melting. ### How can I prevent the marshmallows from catching fire? Use indirect heat and keep marshmallows 4–6 inches from direct flame; rotate them frequently and pull them away from the grill immediately if flames lick them—char is fine but large flames will blacken and harden the exterior. ### Can I make the chocolate cups ahead of time? Yes—prepare chocolate in foil cups and chill until firm; place them on the grill only to re-melt when marshmallows are ready, which shortens assembly time for serving a crowd. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Grilled Maple-Sage Oysters](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-maple-sage-oysters) - [Grilled Baked Feta Dip with Charred Tomatoes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-baked-feta-dip) - [Adobo Lime Shrimp Marinade](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/adobo-lime-shrimp-marinade) - [Grilled Pears with Blue Cheese](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-pears-with-blue-cheese) - [Chile Orange Simple Syrup](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/chile-orange-simple-syrup) - [Grilled Oysters with Brown-Butter Sage Crumb](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-oysters-brown-butter-sage) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan) - [Shakerless Cocktails for Backyard Grilling](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/shakerless-cocktails-backyard-grilling) - [Lean Labor Day Grilling Menu](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/lean-labor-day-grilling-menu)