How to Roast Marshmallows on a Campfire and at Home – 5 Methods with Photos and Videos

Anyone who's tried roasting marshmallows over a campfire knows how delicious the dessert turns out. When heated, the sugar forms a delicious caramelized crust, while the tiny marshmallows inside melt, becoming chewy and spongy. If you can't get out into the woods anytime soon, I recommend making marshmallows at home in the oven, microwave, stovetop, or over a candle. More on that below.

How did the idea of ​​roasting marshmallows over a campfire come about?

The name "marshmallow" is borrowed from the marsh mallow plant. The mallow root was once used to make a sticky paste, mixed with honey, and used as a remedy for sore throats. Then the French began adding egg whites to the mixture, eventually eliminating the marshmallow altogether. Now, this sticky confection is called marshmallow.

The tradition of roasting marshmallows over a campfire came to us from America. In the 1920s, Girl Scouts first tried roasting marshmallows on a camping trip and succeeded in creating a delicious treat. This camping tradition has recently taken hold in our country.

Can you roast marshmallows over a campfire?

Marshmallows can be roasted over a campfire, but not over an open flame. Holding the marshmallows over the flame can cause them to blacken or catch fire. I recommend roasting the dessert over smoldering coals, which will help ensure even browning on all sides.

What kind of marshmallow would work?

I recommend choosing your marshmallows carefully, as not every type is suitable for cooking. It's important that the dessert sits securely on the skewer and doesn't fall into the fire when heated.

The ingredients of marshmallows roasted over a fire include:

• corn syrup;
• gelatin dissolved in water;
• sugar;
• glucose.

It may also contain colorings that give the treat a pleasant appearance.

How to Roast Marshmallows Over a Campfire – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making marshmallows over a campfire is quite simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind, especially for first-timers. Follow the instructions below, and you'll be sure to enjoy this delicious dessert.

What will you need?

Before roasting marshmallows over a fire, prepare everything you need in advance:

• fire-starting equipment (wood or prepared coals, lighter or matchbox, paper or wood shavings, lighter fluid);
• special skewers, which can be replaced with thick long skewers or dry pointed twigs;
• a package of marshmallows:
• chocolate syrup or liquid chocolate, banana, cookies if desired.

If you use branches for roasting soufflés, make sure they are free of resin.

Step 1: Build a fire and prepare coals

To start a fire, arrange the prepared firewood into a cone shape. Add small branches, paper, or wood shavings on top and in the spaces between them, and sprinkle the surface with lighter fluid. Light one or two matches and toss them into the cone. Wait until the flames burn out completely, leaving only embers.

Step 2. Thread marshmallows onto skewers.

To prepare this dessert, I recommend using metal rods with wooden handles and a forked tip. You can also use thin, pointed sticks, thick skewers, or regular shashlik skewers with wooden handles. If using skewers, I recommend soaking them in clean water beforehand to prevent them from catching fire.

Thread each marshmallow lengthwise onto the prepared skewer, making sure it goes straight down the middle. This will ensure the marshmallow stays stable and won't slip into the fire. You can roast one marshmallow at a time or several at once.

Adviсe:

1. Don't throw away burnt marshmallows. Simply cut off or pinch off the burnt parts and eat the insides. Don't worry, continue making desserts with other marshmallows.
2. If you're outdoors without skewers or spits, it's best to use a freshly cut branch to roast marshmallows; this will allow you to keep the marshmallows over the fire longer. Avoid breaking off green branches from bushes and trees; they're easy to find on the ground.
3. If you come across a less-than-clean branch, I recommend holding its end over a flame for a few seconds. This will help remove dirt and germs. Afterwards, wipe it clean and place the marshmallow on the charred area.

If you're using dry branches, I recommend soaking them in cold water for a few minutes to prevent them from catching fire while cooking.

Step 3: Grill over hot coals

Marshmallows should be toasted over hot coals after all the wood has burned down. The heat from the coals caramelizes the sugars in the marshmallows, turning the surface brown. While toasting, I recommend flipping the marshmallows so they toast evenly on all sides, preventing them from burning but allowing the inside to melt. You can continuously rotate the marshmallows until they're perfectly golden brown. Or, toast one side first, then the other. For a visual demonstration, I recommend watching the video.

What should not be done?

If you're planning to roast marshmallows over a campfire using skewers or sticks, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the safety rules:

1. Don't cook marshmallows over an open flame. They may ignite or char. If the former occurs, avoid shaking the skewer, as you could get burned by the melted marshmallow and others nearby.
2. Don't leave the product unattended. Always be nearby so you can monitor the dessert's readiness and remove it from the heat promptly (if grilling marshmallows).
3. Allow the marshmallows to cool slightly for 1-2 minutes before eating.

Also, prepare fire extinguishing materials in advance.

Warnings!

1. Do not leave children unattended near open flames.
2. Enclose the fire and ensure that no branches hang over it, as this could cause a fire.
3. Always keep an eye on the fire and be sure to put it out before leaving your campsite or going to bed.

Please note that in some places collecting branches is prohibited, so I recommend bringing your own skewers and firewood.

What does a roasted marshmallow look like?

Once heated, the dessert becomes chewy. The toasted marshmallow inside melts, and the surface turns brown and develops a light crust. This can be seen in the photo.

How to roast marshmallows at home

If you're really tempted to try toasted marshmallows but aren't planning a trip to the countryside anytime soon, I recommend making the dessert at home. You can use an oven, a gas stovetop, an unscented candle, or a microwave.

On a gas stove

To roast marshmallows at home on a gas stove, thread the marshmallow onto a skewer, fork, or thick skewer and turn the burner to medium heat. Hold the marshmallow over the flame at a height of 2-3 cm for 40-50 seconds on each side, until golden brown. If using cutlery, be careful, as it gets hot and could burn you.

You can also try making this dessert using an induction stove. The video shows how to do it in detail.

On the candle

To prepare roasted marshmallows this way, you will need:

• unscented candle (preferably large);
• candlestick;
• marshmallow;
• wooden skewers or toothpicks.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. To begin, place the soufflé correctly on skewers (one at a time).
2. Then carefully light the candle.
3. Place the marshmallow over the flame and hold it at a height of 3-4 cm for 5-7 seconds.
4. Once one side is browned, flip the marshmallow over to the other side.

Fry all the marshmallows in a similar manner on all sides.

In this video you can see in detail the process of preparing the dessert.

In the oven

This method is great for making large quantities of soufflés at once.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. First, preheat the oven to medium heat.
2. Meanwhile, line the baking sheet with foil. If you cook the dessert without foil, it may melt and stick to the bottom of the pan.
3. Then spread the marshmallows evenly in a single layer.
4. Place the baking sheet in a hot oven for 1 to 2 minutes.
5. As soon as you notice that the marshmallows have browned, take the dessert out and carefully transfer each soufflé to the other side.
6. After this, return the dessert to the oven and cook for a couple more minutes.

While cooking, constantly monitor the marshmallows to ensure they don't burn. I highly recommend avoiding making this dessert in a frying pan, especially without foil, as the marshmallows may stick to the bottom of the pan or burn.

I recommend watching a video that clearly shows the process of making marshmallows in the oven.

In the microwave

You can toast marshmallows in the microwave. This method is considered quite simple and quick, similar to the previous one.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. First, spread the marshmallows in a single layer on a flat, microwave-safe dish.
2. Place it in the microwave and set the timer for 10-15 seconds (depending on the power of the appliance).
3. Once the soufflé is golden brown, remove the dish, flip the marshmallows over and microwave for another 10 seconds.

I recommend eating the prepared dessert within 1–2 minutes, otherwise you risk burning yourself.

Recipes for original roasted marshmallow desserts

You can enjoy the marshmallows plain or top them with cookies, chocolate, banana, or ice cream. These additions will make the dish more interesting and delicious. Follow the instructions below, and you're sure to create the most delicious dessert.

With cookies

To make this dessert, I recommend using sweet, crunchy cookies. The recipe is simple: place toasted marshmallows on a graham cracker, top with a drizzle or sprinkle of your favorite grated chocolate, and press down with a second cookie. If you use a hot soufflé, it will melt slightly, trapping a delicious mixture of marshmallows and chocolate between the crackers.

With banana

Step-by-step instructions:

1. First, make a longitudinal cut in the banana peel.
2. Remove the fruit pulp through this hole.
3. Then place some marshmallows and chocolate chips into the empty shell.
4. After this, wrap the banana in foil, place it on a baking sheet and put it in a well-heated oven for 10–12 minutes.

After the time has elapsed, take out the dessert and carefully remove the foil.

With chocolate, hot cocoa or milkshake

Roasted marshmallows are delicious dipped in hot cocoa or liquid chocolate. They also pair well with ice cream or a milkshake. You can drizzle melted chocolate over the mini marshmallows or spoon them onto a hot drink.

As you've already discovered, marshmallows can be roasted not only over a campfire but also at home. When preparing this dessert on a camping trip, pay close attention to safety precautions. Be sure to try pairing your roasted marshmallows with bananas, cookies, chocolate, ice cream, or a hot drink.