Why Cheez-Its make surprisingly great s'mores
There are several compelling reasons to try making s'mores with Cheez-Its. To start, Extra Big Cheez-Its, while not quite the same size as a graham cracker, are certainly large enough to serve as a base (though you might find yourself with a one or two-bite treat instead of something that requires multiple bites). They are also fairly sturdy, making them an ideal choice for holding the more delicate elements of the s'more, such as gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate. The crisp and flaky texture of the crackers complements these softer components beautifully. However, the primary reason this combination works so well is that it captures the delightful sweet and savory flavor pairing that has been successful in various dishes, from PB&J sandwiches to French toast topped with bacon, banana, and maple syrup.
In fact, Cheez-Its have already made appearances in numerous dessert recipes, including brownies, cookies, cupcakes, apple bars, lemon bars, ice cream sundaes, and even milkshakes. Beyond their signature savory cheese flavor, which surprisingly pairs well with sweet ingredients like marshmallow and chocolate, Cheez-Its also have a notable saltiness. Salt, as we know, is a well-established companion to desserts (just think of all the salted caramel recipes out there).
Stephanie Izard's take on Cheez-It s'mores
Cheez-It s'mores have garnered a notable fan in Stephanie Izard, the "Top Chef" champion and television personality. A self-proclaimed Cheez-It enthusiast (seriously, she even had a Cheez-It cake at her wedding!), Izard has put her own sophisticated spin on this classic treat in her cookbook, "Gather & Graze." The celebrity chef takes Extra Big Cheez-Its and coats them in a blend of melted butter, chocolate, and creamy peanut butter, then dusts them with icing sugar before enveloping them around a perfectly toasted marshmallow. The outcome is a revolutionary snack that combines elements of puppy chow and a Butterfinger candy bar (Izard herself described the flavor as "a Butterfinger with an amazing roasted marshmallow" during an episode of Food & Wine's "Mad Genius Live").
Our only tip for making these at home is to handle the crackers gently when coating them in the chocolate mixture to prevent breakage. Additionally, feel free to get creative by trying out different chocolate flavors for a unique twist. And don’t think you have to save Izard's Cheez-It s'mores just for campfires; the "Top Chef" winner has suggested them as a delightful addition to dinner parties. No matter how you choose to indulge in these treats (or the simpler version mentioned earlier), one thing is certain: you'll definitely be craving more!
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