Welcome to Finer Things Friday, the perfect way to end your week with a little flair! Inspired by the “Finer Things Club” from The Office, this weekly tradition is designed for those of us who crave a bit of fun and luxury, but don’t always have the energy to plan something extravagant after a busy week. Whether you’re flying solo, inviting a bestie over, or getting the family involved, Finer Things Friday is all about making Friday nights special in a way that suits your style.
After all, it’s easy to fall into the habit of winding down with TV or scrolling endlessly on your phone after a long week. But why not turn Friday nights into something you actually look forward to? That’s exactly what I did when I started this little tradition—an intentional, relaxed way to enjoy the finer things in life, whether I’m traveling or just at home. Some Fridays are simple nights with a glass of wine and a favorite book, while others turn into impromptu hangouts with family, friends, and even my dog!
This week, we’re kicking off the series with a fun, delicious twist on a classic: Savory S’mores (aka Grown-Up S’mores). If you’re ready to elevate your Friday night snack game, grab your ingredients, light a fire, and let’s indulge in a nostalgic treat—grown-up style.
Why Savory S’mores?
We all love the gooey sweetness of traditional s’mores, but why not shake things up with a more refined, savory version? Adding savory ingredients like gourmet cheeses, artisan crackers, and flavorful spreads takes this campfire classic from a childhood memory to a sophisticated snack.
These Grown-Up S’mores are perfect for cozy fall nights, and they’re easy to customize based on your favorite flavors. Plus, if you’re gathering with friends or family, they make for a fun, interactive way to bring everyone together.
How to Make Grown-Up S'mores
What You’ll Need:
- Artisan crackers or crostini (opt for flavors like rosemary, olive oil, or sea salt for extra depth)
- Soft cheeses: Brie, goat cheese, or a smoky Gouda are excellent choices
- Savory spreads: Try fig jam, honey, or balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness without the sugar overload
- Sliced meats: Thin prosciutto, salami, or smoked turkey can add a savory, protein-packed layer
- Grilled vegetables: Roasted red peppers or caramelized onions offer a flavorful and nutritious addition
- Dark chocolate (optional, for a bittersweet twist)
Directions:
- Toast your crackers or baguette: You can either place them directly over the fire (carefully, with tongs) or pop them in the oven for a quick crisp.
- Layer the cheese: Once your crackers are warm, add a slice of your chosen soft cheese. Brie melts beautifully, while goat cheese offers a tangy contrast.
- Add spreads and extras: Drizzle a bit of fig jam or honey, then add your preferred meats or grilled veggies for a savory bite.
- Optional sweet twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a small square of dark chocolate for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combination.
- Enjoy! Gather around with your friends (or just yourself) and savor each bite.
Pairing Ideas for the Ultimate Finer Things Friday
What’s a Finer Things Friday without the perfect drink to pair with your snack? Depending on your mood, here are a few beverage ideas that complement your savory s’mores:
- Wine: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheese and meats.
- Craft Beer: For a heartier option, try a nutty brown ale or a fruity IPA to balance out the savory flavors.
- Herbal Teas or Sparkling Water: If you’re going alcohol-free, an herbal tea or a bubbly sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime makes for a refreshing companion.
Some Inventive Savory S’mores Pairings To Get you Inspired
- Prosciutto & Fig Jam – The salty, savory prosciutto pairs beautifully with the sweetness of fig jam.
- Brie bites & Honey – Soft, creamy Brie complemented with a drizzle of floral honey.
- Sharp Cheddar & Honeycomb – The tangy bite of sharp cheddar works well with the sweetness and texture of honeycomb.
- Salami & Grainy Dijon Mustard – A classic savory combination that adds spice and texture.
- Gouda & Apple Slices – A semi-hard cheese like gouda pairs nicely with crisp, sweet apple slices for a mix of sharp and sweet.
- Blue Cheese & Pear – The strong, tangy flavor of blue cheese is beautifully mellowed by the sweetness of fresh pear slices.
- Soppressata & Spicy Brown Mustard – The fatty, spicy Italian cured meat with a strong mustard adds a delightful kick.
- Manchego & Quince Paste – A traditional Spanish pairing, with the nutty Manchego cheese perfectly balanced by sweet, fruity quince paste.
- Chorizo & Pickles – Spicy chorizo sausage combined with tart, tangy pickles for a bold contrast.
- Goat Cheese & Dried Cranberries – Creamy goat cheese with tart dried cranberries gives a great texture and flavor contrast.
- Truffle Salami & Dark Chocolate – A luxurious pairing of savory truffle-infused salami with the richness of dark chocolate, offering an unexpected sweet-savory contrast.
- Camembert & Hot Honey – The soft, creamy Camembert paired with spicy hot honey creates a flavor profile that’s sweet, spicy, and indulgent.
- Smoked Duck Breast & Black Garlic Aioli – The rich, gamey flavor of smoked duck breast with the deep umami notes of black garlic aioli is sure to be a conversation starter.
- Burrata & Pesto – Fresh, creamy burrata drizzled with herbaceous pesto adds a creamy, savory surprise to the mix.
- Pastrami & Pickled Pineapple – The peppery, fatty pastrami pairs beautifully with the tangy-sweet punch of pickled pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Asiago & Salted Caramel Drizzle – Nutty asiago cheese with a hint of sweet-salty salted caramel adds depth and richness.
- Chorizo & Guava Paste – Spicy Spanish chorizo with a slice of guava paste creates a bold blend of smoky and fruity flavors.
- Speck & Pickled Ginger – Italian speck (a smoked prosciutto) with the zingy, palate-cleansing flavor of pickled ginger is refreshing and out of the ordinary.
- Aged Parmesan & Balsamic Reduction – Hard, nutty parmesan drizzled with a sweet, tangy balsamic reduction offers a refined combination of sharp and sweet.
- Taleggio & Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade – The pungent, creamy taleggio cheese contrasts nicely with the smoky sweetness of a roasted red pepper tapenade
Make It Your Own
One of the best parts of Finer Things Friday is how adaptable it is. You can stick to the savory s’mores recipe or add your own creative spin. Maybe you want to make it more Mediterranean with hummus and roasted red peppers, or go full-on Italian with pesto, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
If you’re enjoying Finer Things Friday with others, make it a fun, collaborative activity by setting out a variety of toppings and letting everyone build their own creations. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and make the evening feel extra special.
Finer Things Friday is all about creating space to enjoy the good things in life, however small. Whether you’re indulging in a sophisticated twist on s’mores or simply taking time to relax and unwind, it’s a weekly reminder to be intentional about making time for joy. So go ahead, light a candle, pour a drink, and dive into this grown-up take on an old favorite.
Stay tuned for more Finer Things Friday ideas coming your way every week—each one designed to help you unwind, have fun, and add a little sparkle to your Fridays.
What will your Finer Things Friday look like? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to share your own take on savory s’mores or any other Friday night traditions you’ve started!
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