The Buttery Substitute That'll Add A Rich Touch To S'mores
Nothing says summer like a family-style cookout, watching the sun go down from the convenience of your backyard, and taking that first long-awaited bite of a homemade ooey gooey s'more. Even though s'mores have long been synonymous with camping, foodies far and wide enjoy these luscious treats during the warmer months with or without a tent, thanks to conventional ovens and outdoor fire pits. While many would argue the classic s'more components traditionally known as graham crackers, milk chocolate, and roasted marshmallows are not to be messed with, more and more sweet treat lovers are craving diversity when making this iconic confection.
One 2021 survey conducted by Ghirardelli found that 76% of participants are continually craving newer ways to make this classic treat, including the use of different or unexpected ingredients. If you're looking for an easy way to upgrade conventional s'mores, swap out those standard graham crackers with savory Ritz crackers.
Ritz crackers aren't just a great accompaniment to traditional cheese platters. Over the years, these crisp, savory crackers have made their way into all kinds of sweet treats — even pie. The Ritz company has even released a special s'mores sandwich cracker variety in the past, making chocolate, marshmallow, and buttery crackers an epic combination.
You can't go wrong with a little salt
What is it about Ritz crackers that makes them the perfect antidote to roasted marshmallows and melted chocolate? If you're hoping to upgrade your classic s'mores recipe, try adding a convenient substitute for graham crackers. Of course, you can take your pick and use relatively any cookie or cracker of choice, but the sprinkling of salt layered atop Ritz crackers may elevate the rich sweetness of melted chocolate in this classic treat.
How does salt specifically enhance chocolate, you wonder? We can look to science for that answer, considering salt increases our taste buds' identification of sugar. Salt inherently serves as the perfect counterbalancing agent to a mouthful of sweet ingredients. And when we look at the makeup of a classic s'more, there's no component that neutralizes the intense sweetness of subtle graham crackers, melted chocolate, and sticky marshmallows. (Not to mention the fact that graham crackers are partial to losing their structure quickly in the s'more-making process.)
Swapping out traditional grahams for Ritz crackers or any other kind of salty cracker will serve as a delightful upgrade. This combination is sure to deliver the perfect amount of sweet and salty flavors to your taste buds.
Elevate traditional s'mores with new and exciting ingredients
Ritz crackers aren't the only salty kick you can use to upgrade this classic treat. You can use any kind of salty cracker or salted pretzels. Or try the author of "S'mores!: Gooey, Melty, Crunchy Riffs on the Campfire Classic" Dan Whalen's favorite vessel for melty chocolate and warm marshmallows: Ruffles potato chips. The crunchy texture of fried potato chips paired with sweet warm chocolate makes this upgraded version of traditional s'mores a true taste explosion for sweet and salty lovers.
Besides going out of your way to buy a savory substitute for graham crackers, you can also add a sprinkling of salt to those sweet melted confections. To try an ingredient other than salt, save yourself a special trip to the grocery store and try shopping in your kitchen pantry instead. Keep the standard graham crackers and mix up the insides by adding peanut butter, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkling of your favorite candy. You can also try adding slices of your favorite fruit, such as ripe summer strawberries or fresh bananas.
There is truly no limit when it comes to upgrading this iconic treat. Among the many tasty additions you can choose from, if you're looking for a change that will offset all of those sweet ingredients, you may want to try swapping out graham crackers for buttery Ritz crackers.