How To Roast Marshmallows Safely Indoors
There are few tastes more nostalgic and outdoorsy than the sweet and smokey flavors of freshly roasted marshmallows. The taste instantly brings back evenings camping with friends and family and the moment you tried your first s’more.
While an outdoor fire is the classic way to roast a marshmallow, there are many ways to get these sugary white treats toasted golden brown. There are even ways to roast marshmallows indoors.
Some popular methods to roast marshmallows inside include using a gas stove burner or an electric grill. If you have an indoor fireplace, you can use it to roast marshmallows. Try using a culinary blow torch or lighter to roast marshmallows. Purchase and light a sterno can or use a few hot coals placed safely in a clay pot or a candle with a large flame.
There are many ways to roast marshmallows inside your home. After all, there are times in the winter when it is extra cold and possibly snowing, where the idea of roasted marshmallows sound great, but being outside does not.
Below is a list of eight of the most popular and effective ways to toast these sugary treats indoors. Some methods may involve buying some essential equipment, while in other methods you may not need to purchase anything at all, other than the marshmallows of course.
8 Ways To Roast Marshmallow Indoors Safely
1. Utilize Your Gas Stove
If you have a gas stove, then you have one of the best tools for roasting marshmallows inside. You can easily roast marshmallows on a gas stove, since it already has a controlled open flame. There are, however, several precautions you should take before roasting a marshmallow using your gas stove.
For one, gas stoves use high direct heat, much hotter than the outer flames of a campfire. Make sure you keep the stove on a lower heat, and place the marshmallow at least one or two inches from the direct flame to get the perfect caramel-colored toasted exterior. Since the heat is intense on your stove, it's best to wear fireproof gloves. You should also use metal roasting sticks as opposed to wooden ones.
2. Buy A Can Of Sterno
If you don’t have a gas stove or prefer a lower-heat source and mobile option, then a can of sterno could be a great option. It is always a good idea to have a sterno can in your home in case of a power outage, but even if you don’t have it on hand ,they are cheap and easy to find.
What makes sterno a great option is they produce plenty of heat to roast a marshmallow and are in a controlled and mobile vessel. This makes it easy to stage a safe (and even festive) surface that is fire-resistant and easy to clean up. The lower heat makes it easy to slowly roast the marshmallow, and you can even use multiple cans, so several people can toast their sweet treats at the same time.
3. Use An Electric Grill
If you have a small hibachi grill, you might be able to use it to roast marshmallows inside. While the majority of grills are only meant for outdoor use, some electric grills can be used indoors, and will effectively roast marshmallows.
The key is using a grill that is specifically designated for indoor usage. Outdoor grilles create large flames, smoke, and harmful fumes. This can put you at risk of headaches, make your house smell, set off your smoke detector, and even cause carbon monoxide poisoning. But if you have the right indoor grill, then you can easily set it up in a safe location and roast marshmallows above it.
4. Light A Fire In Your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace that works, then consider getting some nice fresh firewood and creating the outdoor campfire vibe indoors. That’s right, you can roast marshmallows in an indoor fireplace.
This might not be the best idea if you have a gas fireplace, as the sticky mess can damage the aesthetic and even the fireplace itself. But if you have a wood-burning fireplace, then you can use the same methods of marshmallow roasting as you would outdoors.
When roasting marshmallows using an indoor fireplace, however, it is wise to have a long stick, as these fires get hot, and it is not easy to have the best positioning, since most sides are blocked. You should also have an aluminum pan and other materials ready in case there is any spillage or mess.
5. Use Clay Pots And Charcoal
If you have a well-ventilated indoor and outdoor space, like a screened-in porch or other partially indoor and partially outdoor space, then you can consider using minimal amounts of charcoal in a clay or terracotta pot.
Placing hot coals in terracotta or clay pots is a safe and aesthetically pleasing way to create a small heat source on a table.
This is a great way to incorporate making s’mores into an event like “scotch and s’mores” or “wine and s’mores.” It is both utilitarian and practical. Just be sure there is ample ventilation, as coals give off smoke and carbon monoxide.
6. Use A Culinary Torch
If you are not looking for ambience, and instead prefer a perfectly caramelized finished product, then consult your friend the blow torch. If you have a gas torch for heating things like creme brulé, then you can use similar burning methods to roast the perfect golden marshmallow.
You can use other lighters as well, but the heat and precision of a torch work best. Remember to roast from a few inches away, as this will help warm the entire marshmallow instead of just charring the outer layer.
7. Roast Them In Your Oven
Another utilitarian and practical method of roasting marshmallows is to cook them in your oven. The key is to use a hot temperature for a short time. Set your oven to broil, at about 525 degrees if possible.
Once at this sustained high heat, place a tray of marshmallows (on parchment paper) in the oven. You only need to leave them in for one to three minutes until they are golden brown. They can then be dished onto chocolate and graham crackers for 'smores.
8. Use A Candle With A Thick Wick
Lastly, one low-maintenance method that is great for those with a bit of patience, is using a candle with a large wick. A larger wick means a bigger flame. It also means a bit more heat.
This might take a bit longer than other methods, but it is a great choice if you have no other options, and need a safe way to toast a marshmallow. Remember to use natural and non-scented candles, otherwise, you can be left with a horrible chemical taste.
Things To Remember When Roasting Marshmallows Indoors
- Set Up Your Work Station In Advance: Roasting marshmallows is a tricky, messy, and sometimes unpredictable task. It also involves using both hands. Setting up a workstation with everything you might need will help you keep everything running smooth and orderly.
- Prepare For And Prevent A Mess: When you make marshmallows indoors, you can create a lasting mess that is hard to clean up and can create a pest problem if you don’t address it. Make sure you create a safe space surrounding the flame that is fire-resistant and easy to clean
- Be Careful Of Smoke In The Home: Smoke, even in small amounts, can be hazardous to your health. Make sure your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector are both fully functional before roasting marshmallows indoors.
- Don’t Use Anything With Strong Smells: Remember, not all fuel sources and cooking methods are ideal. Just because something can cook a marshmallow doesn’t mean the final result will taste good. Don’t use any fuels or methods involving strong smells or toxic qualities.
Final Notes On Safely Roasting Marshmallows Indoors
Roasting marshmallows by the campfire might be one of the top outdoor activities when camping, but it is also something you can enjoy indoors. You can use your stovetop or oven to roast marshmallows.
If you have an electric grill or sterno cans, you can use those as well. A large candle or culinary torch can also produce perfectly toasted marshmallows you can enjoy in a s’more, or simply on its own.
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Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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