How to Roast the Perfect Marshmallow, According to 600+ Campers Like You

We surveyed 600+ campers to rank the very best roasting techniques ranked (#4 will shock you!). Plus, find out what your style secretly says about your personality.

What’s the best way to roast a marshmallow? It’s a debate that may as well be as old as marshmallows themselves. Yet in the 4,000 years since ‘mallows first appeared (yes, they’re really that ancient—and yes, we’ll explain), we still haven’t reached a consensus. Ask five different campers, and you’ll get five different opinions on both technique and what “perfect” truly means.

To bring some clarity—and maybe spark a bit more friendly campfire controversy—we surveyed 600+ campers from around the world to find out how they toast marshmallows. Stick around (pun totally intended) as we break down the science behind marshmallow roasting, explore intriguing regional preferences, and reveal what your roasting style secretly says about your personality.

The marshmallow: A brief history and some sweet science

The marshmallow wasn’t always the fluffy, sugary pillow we toast today. It traces its origins back over 4,000 years to ancient Egypt, where the sweet sap from the marsh-growing mallow plant (Althaea officinalis) was used medicinally. Fast forward a few millennia, and marshmallows have evolved into airy confections of sugar, gelatin, and air, crafted for perfect roasting over an open fire.

When you roast a marshmallow, two delicious chemical reactions happen: caramelization and the Maillard reaction. Caramelization occurs as heat breaks down the sugars, creating a rich, golden-brown color and deep, gooey sweetness. Meanwhile, the Maillard reaction kicks in when heat interacts with sugars and proteins, creating those mouthwatering toasty aromas and flavors we crave around the campfire.

Our methodology

To uncover how people truly roast marshmallows, we asked 657 campers from around the world about their preferred techniques and regional traditions. Here’s what they had to say, ranked from least to most popular roasting style.

The countdown: Marshmallow roasting preferences ranked

#5: Raw dogging (5.2%)

Disqualified! Choosing raw marshmallows—straight out of the bag—isn’t technically a roasting technique. But hey, we appreciate your straightforward, no-nonsense approach due to the nonexistent cleanup. If this is your choice, you’re likely efficient and practical, and prefer skipping the fuss entirely.

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#4: Bacon-wrapped marshmallow (0.2%)

Really, Brenda from Arkansas? Bacon-wrapped marshmallows? If savory s’mores speak to you, you’re probably the kind of camper who loves breaking traditions—whether others appreciate it or not. (But seriously, Brenda, are you okay?)

If you’re intrigued, find campsites as quirky as you are: Explore Hipcamp’s Unique Stays Collection.

#3: Just a quick warm hug over the flames (4.3%)

If your skewer barely gets close to your outdoor fire, chances are you prefer serenity and personal space at your campsite. Solitude and subtlety matter to you, and that’s perfectly fine.

Discover your private escape: Explore Hipcamp’s All to Yourself Collection.

#2: Charred until it’s a marshmallow meteorite (22.1%)

Your marshmallow is regularly engulfed in flames—and honestly, that’s exactly how you like it. No judgment here; an occasional marshmallow meteorite won’t hurt you. In fact, your roasting style suggests you’re bold, spontaneous, and comfortable embracing a bit of campfire BBQ chaos. By day, you’re probably out exploring adventurous trails; by night, you’re lighting up the campfire (quite literally).

Pair your adventurous roasting style with the perfect daytime activity: Explore Hipcamp’s Hiking Collection.

#1: Perfectly golden brown, no matter how many tries it takes (68%) 

The golden-brown marshmallow is the undisputed favorite, and for good reason—it demands patience, practice, and just a touch of perfectionism. Achieving marshmallow mastery means rotating slowly, maintaining a consistent, safe distance (around six inches) above the flames, and carefully using indirect heat from glowing coals rather than open flames. Roasters who choose this method often appreciate details, take pride in craftsmanship, and might secretly be a little competitive around the campfire.

Sound like you? You’ll probably appreciate campsites hosted by folks who share your high standards. Find campsites run by Hipcamp’s Star Hosts.

Regional differences: How the world roasts marshmallows

We noticed fascinating variations in roasting preferences across different regions. In the U.S., the perfectly golden brown marshmallow dominated, reflecting a strong culture of DIY campfire craftsmanship. Canadians leaned slightly toward marshmallow meteorites—perhaps thanks to a hearty, adventurous camping spirit. Campers from the UK were most likely to gently toast their marshmallows, valuing subtlety and minimalism. Meanwhile, Australians showed a higher preference for unique roasting methods, frequently experimenting with savory and unconventional options.

More unique marshmallow ideas

• Marshmallows wrapped in aluminum foil with peanut butter
• Marshmallows dipped in Bailey’s Irish Cream before roasting
• Marshmallows roasted over hot coals inside a hollowed-out orange peel

What to do if your marshmallow catches fire

If your marshmallow bursts into flames, don’t panic—calmly blow out the fire (avoid frantic waving!) and enjoy the crispy creation. Remember, it’s all part of the fun.

Ready to roast your perfect marshmallow?

No matter your roasting preference, there’s no better place to put your marshmallow skills to the test than your next campsite. Book your perfect spot through Hipcamp, and let’s see if practice really does make perfect.