Remember those classic campfire nights? The ones where you’d spend ten minutes trying to get your marshmallow perfectly golden brown, only to have it either fall into the fire or get completely engulfed in flames?
Yeah, me too. As much as I love the idea of traditional s’mores, the execution can be a sticky, sometimes disappointing mess. That’s where the magic of S’mores Dip comes in.
It’s all the gooey, chocolatey, toasted marshmallow goodness you crave, but made foolproof in a warm skillet. No smoke, no lost marshmallows, just pure, dippable bliss. It’s the perfect dessert for a party, a movie night, or just because you need a little comfort in a dish.
This recipe is my go-to for a reason: it’s incredibly simple and always a massive hit.
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few core ingredients to create something truly spectacular.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: A 12-ounce bag is perfect. This is the classic s’mores flavor, and it melts into a beautiful, creamy pool of chocolate.
- Large Marshmallows: One 10-ounce bag. These will create that iconic toasted top layer.
- Graham Crackers: The classic dipper! One box will do.
- Butter (Optional): Just a tablespoon to grease the skillet. It adds a little richness and makes cleanup easier.
Tools Required for This Recipe
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this one. Here’s the short list of what to grab from your kitchen.
- Cast-Iron Skillet: An 8-inch or 10-inch skillet is ideal. It holds heat beautifully and gives you that rustic, straight-from-the-oven presentation.
- Oven: For baking and broiling.
- Spatula: For spreading the chocolate chips evenly.
- Serving Platter: To arrange your dippers around the hot skillet.
Pro Tips for Perfect S’mores Dip
I’ve made this dip more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These tips will help you nail it on the first try.
- Use a Chocolate Mix: Don’t feel tied to just milk chocolate. I find the best flavor comes from mixing half milk chocolate chips and half semi-sweet chocolate chips. The semi-sweet cuts the sweetness just enough, creating a richer, more complex flavor.
- Watch the Broiler Like a Hawk: This is not an exaggeration. The marshmallows will go from perfectly golden to a blackened crisp in seconds under the broiler. Stand by the oven and keep the door cracked so you can watch them. The moment they hit that perfect toasty brown, pull the skillet out.
- Let It Rest (Just a Minute!): The skillet and the melted chocolate will be incredibly hot right out of the oven. Let the dip sit for about 2-3 minutes before you let anyone dive in. This allows the chocolate to cool just slightly, preventing burned tongues and making it the perfect consistency for dipping.
- Grease That Skillet: While optional, rubbing the inside of your skillet with a bit of butter or coconut oil before adding the chocolate makes a world of difference. It prevents the chocolate from sticking and makes cleanup significantly less of a chore.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is a fantastic base for getting creative. You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.
Chocolate Swaps
The chocolate layer is your playground. Try any of these for a fun twist:
- Dark Chocolate: For a less sweet, more intense flavor.
- White Chocolate: Creates a super sweet, creamy dip.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Chop them up and layer them on the bottom for a delicious chocolate-peanut butter combo.
- Caramel-Filled Chocolates: Think Rolos or chopped Ghirardelli squares. The caramel melts into the chocolate for an extra gooey surprise.
- Add a Drizzle: After baking, drizzle the top with caramel sauce, melted peanut butter, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Dippable Delights
Graham crackers are classic, but don’t stop there. Here are some other fantastic options for dipping.
| Category | Dipping Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Cookies | Shortbread, Biscoff, chocolate chip cookies |
| Salty Snacks | Pretzel crisps, potato chips, Ritz crackers |
| Fruit | Apple slices, strawberries, banana chunks |
How to Make S’mores Dip: Step-by-Step
This is where the magic happens. It’s almost unfairly easy.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using it, rub the tablespoon of butter all over the inside of your cast-iron skillet.
Step 2: Pour the entire bag of chocolate chips into the skillet. Use a spatula to spread them into an even layer that covers the bottom.
Step 3: Arrange the large marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips in a single, tightly packed layer. Cover the chocolate completely.
Step 4: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. You want the chocolate to be melted and the marshmallows to be soft and puffy.
Step 5: Turn your oven’s broiler on to high. Place the skillet under the broiler for 30-60 seconds. Keep the oven door open and watch it constantly until the tops of the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted to your liking.
Step 6: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot with your favorite dippers.
Nutritional Info, Diet Swaps, and More
While this is definitely a treat, here’s a little more information for those who are curious.
Nutritional Snapshot
Note: This is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands and dippers you use. This is for the dip itself.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 25g |
Ingredient Swaps for Different Diets
With a few simple changes, you can make this dip work for various dietary needs.
| Dietary Need | Easy Swap |
|---|---|
| Dairy-Free / Vegan | Use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows. |
| Gluten-Free | Serve with gluten-free graham crackers, cookies, or fruit. |
| Lower Sugar | Use sugar-free chocolate chips (like Lily’s) and serve with fruit. |
Meal Pairing and Efficiency
This dip is the star of the show. It’s best served as a standalone dessert after a simple meal like pizza, tacos, or burgers.
For efficiency, you can assemble the entire dip (chocolate and marshmallows in the skillet) a few hours ahead of time. Just cover it and keep it at room temperature. When you’re ready for dessert, pop it into the preheated oven.
Leftovers and Storage
If you somehow end up with leftovers, don’t worry. They’re still delicious.
Let the dip cool completely, then cover the skillet tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, simply place the skillet back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until the chocolate is re-melted and gooey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. I don’t have a cast-iron skillet. Can I use something else?
Ans: Absolutely! Any 8×8 inch oven-safe baking dish, pie plate, or small casserole dish will work just fine. The baking time might vary slightly, so just keep an eye on it.
Q2. Can I make this on a grill?
Ans: Yes, and it’s a great option for summer cookouts! Place the skillet on the grill over indirect heat and close the lid. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are puffed. You won’t get the “broiled” top, but it will be just as delicious.
Q3. My chocolate seems thick or grainy. What went wrong?
Ans: This usually happens if the chocolate gets too hot too quickly or if any moisture gets into it. Using good quality chocolate chips helps. If it happens, you can try stirring in a teaspoon of neutral oil or coconut oil to smooth it out a bit, but it’s best to avoid it by baking instead of just broiling from the start.
Q4. Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
Ans: You can, but they will toast and burn much faster. If you use minis, you may want to skip the broiling step altogether and just let the heat from the oven toast them during the initial bake. They create a different texture, more of a solid toasted layer than individual puffy marshmallows.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—a dessert that’s ridiculously easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. It captures the heart of a campfire classic without any of the hassle.
It’s the perfect shareable treat that brings people together, scooping up warm, melted chocolate and perfectly toasted marshmallow.
Now it’s your turn to make it! Give this S’mores Dip a try for your next get-together or cozy night in. When you do, come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear about any fun variations you tried or how it turned out.
