Savory S’mores

Whether you’ll be firing up the grill or sitting around the campfire this Father’s Day, savory s’mores are a fun wine-friendly twist on the classic campfire treat – think charcuterie and cheese toasted to perfection!

These delectable combinations offer a balance of flavors that beautifully complement our rich, expressive wines. Follow our tips and suggestions to create your ooey-gooey creations – and hold a competition to see who makes a winning masterpiece.

Tips for Making Savory S’mores:

• Choose the Right Crackers: Opt for neutral or lightly flavored crackers like whole grain or water crackers to let the savory ingredients shine.
• Experiment with Cheese: Use a variety of cheeses, such as Brie, blue cheese, or goat cheese, for different flavor profiles.
• Add a Sweet Element: Incorporate fruits or jams to add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
• Texture is Key: Combine creamy, crunchy, and soft ingredients for a delightful texture experience.
• Pair with the Perfect Wine: Select wines that enhance the flavors of your s’mores, such as Chardonnay for creamy and nutty combinations and Cabernet Sauvignon for bold and savory flavors. 

  
  

How to Toast Your Savory S’mores

Here are a few easy ways to toast your savory s’mores:

• Foil Packets on a Stick: Assemble your s’mores in small foil packets. Wrap them securely and poke a stick through the top of the packet. Hold them over an open flame or place them near the coals for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are warmed through.
• Outdoor Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the foil packets directly on the grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the ingredients are warmed through.
• Oven: No campfire? No problem! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange your assembled s’mores on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

SAVORY S’MORES RECIPES

1. Brie, Fig Jam, and Almond S’mores – Perfect with Carneros Chardonnay

Ingredients:

• Whole grain crackers
• Brie cheese, sliced
• Fig jam
• Toasted almond slices
  

Instructions:

1. Spread a thin layer of fig jam on a cracker.
2. Top with a slice of Brie cheese.
3. Sprinkle toasted almond slices over the Brie.
4. Place another cracker on top and gently press.

2. Gouda, Bacon, and Caramelized Onion S’mores – Perfect with Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

Ingredients:

• Water crackers
• Aged Gouda cheese, sliced
• Cooked bacon, crispy and chopped
• Caramelized onions
  

Instructions:

1. Place a piece of Gouda on a cracker.
2. Add a generous amount of caramelized onions.
3. Top with crispy bacon pieces.
4. Place another cracker on top and gently press.
   
   

3. Goat Cheese, Prosciutto, and Pear S’mores – Perfect with Twin Rivers Zinfandel

Ingredients:

• Whole grain crackers
• Goat cheese, spreadable
• Thinly sliced prosciutto
• Fresh pear slices 

Instructions:

1. Spread goat cheese on a cracker.
2. Add a slice of prosciutto.
3. Top with a thin slice of pear.
4. Place another cracker on top and gently press. 

S’more Pairing Inspirations
Have fun experimenting with these flavor combinations and hold a friendly competition to see who creates the most delicious s’more!

Carneros Chardonnay:

• Cheese: Brie, triple cream, Monterey Jack, Camembert, Havarti
• Meats: Grilled chicken, smoked salmon
• Fruits: Fig jam, apple slices, pear slices, peach slices
• Nuts: Toasted almonds, walnuts
• Herbs: Fresh thyme, basil
• Spreads: Honey, apricot preserves, lemon curd 

Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon:

• Cheese: Aged Gouda, sharp cheddar, blue cheese, smoked Gouda, Gruyere
• Meats: Crispy bacon, prosciutto, roasted pork, roast beef, duck breast
• Vegetables: Caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, grilled mushrooms, black olives
• Sauces: Balsamic glaze, blackberry jam – even try squares of dark chocolate!
• Spices: Black pepper, rosemary 

Twin Rivers Zinfandel:

• Cheese: Goat cheese, aged Parmesan, blue cheese, Manchego, smoked mozzarella
• Meats: Spicy chorizo, salami, grilled chicken, pepperoni, andouille sausage
• Fruits: Fresh figs, blackberries, raspberries, pomegranate seeds
• Spices: Crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika
• Spreads: Red onion marmalade, spicy BBQ sauce 

Additional Tips

1. Preparation: To make fireside assembly quick and easy, pre-slice cheeses, cook and chop meats, and prepare other ingredients in advance. Store them in airtight containers and keep them refrigerated until ready to use.
2. Presentation: Arrange ingredients on a charcuterie board or platter for an attractive presentation and easy access.
3. Customization: Encourage guests to mix and match ingredients to create their unique s’more combinations. Provide small tasting plates for easy sampling.
4. Competition: Make it a fun event by holding a friendly competition to see who can create the most delicious or creative s’more. Consider having categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Pairing,” and “Crowd Favorite.”
5. Serving: Have a few extra crackers on hand for guests who might want to try multiple combinations without committing to a full s’more.