I brought cayenne pepper to a campfire and people looked at me like I had lost it. Then I grilled peach halves dusted with cayenne, sandwiched them between graham crackers with toasted marshmallows, and handed them around. Total victory for me! The heat from the cayenne hits about two seconds after the sweet peach and marshmallow. It is a slow burn, not a scorcher, and it makes you take a second bite to figure out what just happened.
Grill the peaches cut-side down until they have char marks and have softened slightly. The cayenne should be light, just a pinch per half. You want warmth, not pain. The marshmallows toast over the fire as usual. Stack everything between graham crackers while the peach is still hot. These don’t last long here.
Tips for Grilled Peach S’Mores
Choose firm peaches
Ripe but firm peaches hold their shape on the grill. Overripe ones collapse into mush when heated and slide out of the s’more.
Press the peach gently with your thumb. If it gives slightly but springs back, it is perfect. If your thumb sinks in, eat that one plain and grill a firmer one.
Go easy on the cayenne
Start with a small pinch per peach half. You can always add more next round. Too much cayenne overpowers the peach and marshmallow.
The heat builds as you eat. What tastes mild on the first bite will feel stronger by the third. Err on the side of caution.
Grilled Peach S’Mores
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Makes 4 s'mores
Description
Sweet and spicy grilled peaches are sandwiched between marshmallow and graham crackers for a delightful twist on classic s’mores.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 8 large marshmallows
- 8 graham cracker squares
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Grill the peaches with a touch of cayenne until they are sweet and spicy.
- Sandwich the grilled peaches between marshmallows and graham crackers.
- Kebob the fillings and try over a campfire for an authentic experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 s'more
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do this without a campfire?
Yes. Grill the peaches on a gas or charcoal grill. Toast the marshmallows under a broiler or with a kitchen torch. The assembly is the same.
Can I use a different spice?
Cinnamon works for a milder option. Smoked paprika gives a different kind of warmth without the heat. Cayenne is the most interesting choice because it contrasts with the sweetness.
Can I use canned peaches?
Fresh peaches are necessary here. Canned peaches are too soft to grill and too sweet to balance with cayenne. The firm flesh and natural acidity of fresh peaches is what makes this work.
I never thought to grill the peaches for smores but wow, they go all jammy and warm against the melty chocolate. So good around a fire, and I will be making them again next cookout.
Grilled peach smores beat the classic, hands DOWN!
Cayenne on a smore sounded crazy but that slow burn after the sweet peach is so good, what a clever twist. A great campfire upgrade!