Irresistible 10-Minute Skillet S’mores Dip: The Ultimate Gooey Dessert Recipe for Any Occasion!
Get ready for the easiest, most addictively delicious dessert you’ll ever make! This S’mores Dip is a dream come true for anyone craving that classic campfire treat without the need for a bonfire. Requiring just two simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this warm, gooey, chocolate-marshmallow masterpiece in under 10 minutes. It’s truly an instant crowd-pleaser and perfect for spontaneous gatherings, cozy nights in, or anytime you need a quick dessert fix. Simply grab some graham crackers, fresh fruit, or your favorite cookies for dipping, and prepare to be amazed by this effortlessly delightful treat.
Why This Easy S’mores Dip Recipe is a Must-Try
What exactly is S’mores Dip? Imagine luscious milk chocolate chips baked until perfectly melted and warm, then crowned with a generous layer of golden, toasted marshmallows. This irresistible combination is served hot, ready to be scooped up with crunchy graham crackers, refreshing fresh fruit, or even your favorite cookies. This recipe stands out for several compelling reasons:
- Effortless Preparation: With just two main ingredients and a few minutes of active time, this dessert comes together incredibly quickly. It’s perfect for those moments when a sweet craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive.
- Speedy Delight: From start to finish, you’ll have this decadent dip ready to enjoy in less than 10 minutes. That means less time in the kitchen and more time savoring every glorious bite.
- Budget-Friendly: Chances are, you already have chocolate chips and marshmallows in your pantry. If not, these are readily available and affordable ingredients, making this a cost-effective dessert option.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone adores s’mores, and this dip delivers all the beloved flavors and textures in a convenient, shareable format. It’s a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, or family movie nights.
- No Campfire Needed: Enjoy the quintessential s’mores experience year-round, regardless of the weather. Rainy day? No problem! Just fire up your oven.
Beyond this dip, if you love the flavors of s’mores, you might also enjoy our S’mores Icebox Cake, which offers another equally impressive and simple way to enjoy this classic combination, perfect for larger gatherings.
SIMILAR SWEET TREATS: For another warm, comforting skillet dessert, you might also like our Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet.
Essential Ingredients for Your S’mores Dip
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring minimal ingredients to create maximum flavor. Below you’ll find a quick overview of what you’ll need. For specific measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Let’s dive deeper into the key components of your S’mores Dip and explore how you can customize it to your liking:
CHOCOLATE: The foundation of any good s’mores dip is quality chocolate. We’ve had great success using both chocolate bars (chopped) and chocolate chips. Both melt beautifully to create a rich, gooey base. However, for consistent and superior melting, we highly recommend Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips. Their smooth texture and delightful flavor truly elevate the dip. Feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate to suit your preference:
- Dark Chocolate: For a less sweet, more intense flavor, dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate bars (around 60-70% cocoa) work wonderfully.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: A classic choice that offers a balanced sweetness, perfect for those who find milk chocolate too rich.
- White Chocolate: For a different twist, white chocolate can create a creamy, sweet base. Just be aware it browns differently and has a distinct flavor profile.
- Chocolate Bars vs. Chips: Chocolate chips often contain stabilizers to help them hold their shape during baking, which means they might take a tiny bit longer to melt fully. Chopped chocolate bars tend to melt more smoothly and quickly. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s a good quality chocolate for the best taste.
MARSHMALLOWS: We typically use regular-sized marshmallows for this recipe, arranging them snugly over the melted chocolate. However, you have plenty of options to customize your marshmallow layer:
- Jumbo Marshmallows: These create large, impressive puffs and a thicker toasted top. They might require a minute or two longer in the oven to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Mini Marshmallows: If you prefer a more even, blanket-like layer that melts quickly, mini marshmallows are a fantastic choice. They toast very fast, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Multi-Colored or Flavored Marshmallows: For a fun and festive touch, consider using multi-colored marshmallows or even flavored varieties like vanilla bean or peppermint (for a holiday twist!).
- Marshmallow Fluff: While not ideal for creating that distinct toasted layer, marshmallow fluff can be swirled over warm chocolate for a super-gooey, less structured dip. If using fluff, add it *after* the chocolate is melted and warm, and then briefly place it under the broiler for just a few seconds to toast, watching it constantly.
DIPPERS: This is where you can truly get creative! While graham crackers are an absolute must for achieving that authentic s’mores experience, the possibilities for dipping are endless:
- Classic Choices: Honey graham crackers, cinnamon graham crackers.
- Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, banana slices, and crisp apple slices (like Gala or Honeycrisp) add a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness.
- Cookies: Shortbread cookies, Nilla wafers, digestive biscuits, chocolate chip cookies (for extra chocolatey goodness), or even Oreo cookies.
- Salty Snacks: Pretzels offer a delightful salty-sweet crunch that many adore. Salty potato chips can also provide an unexpected but delicious counterpoint.
- Baked Goods: Cubes of pound cake, brownies, or even churros can be fantastic for dipping.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy S’mores Dip
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe perfectly. For a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Oven and Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the entire bag of chocolate chips evenly into an 8-inch cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat so well, keeping your dip warm and gooey for longer. Spread the chocolate chips out into a single, even layer to ensure they melt uniformly.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it; you want the chocolate to be melted and gooey, but not scorched or bubbling excessively. It should look smooth and shiny.
- Add the Marshmallows: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Arrange the marshmallows in tight circles over the melted chocolate. You can pack them in quite closely to ensure a full, fluffy top. For regular-sized marshmallows, a single layer works best.
- Toast the Marshmallows: Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes. Watch continuously! The goal is a beautiful golden-brown top that’s slightly puffed and caramelized. Avoid using the broiler for this step, as marshmallows can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds. Baking ensures that the heat circulates evenly, keeping the chocolate below perfectly melted while the marshmallows toast to perfection. If using mini marshmallows, they will brown even faster, so adjust your time accordingly.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Serve your warm, gooey S’mores Dip immediately with your chosen dippers, such as graham crackers and fresh fruit. The cast iron will keep it warm for a good while, allowing everyone to enjoy the molten goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Dip
While the dip is best served fresh from the oven, you can certainly prep elements of it ahead of time. You can measure out your chocolate chips and arrange the marshmallows on a plate or in a bag. If you’re bringing it to a party, transport the ingredients separately and assemble and bake it at your destination. If you must pre-bake, the chocolate will firm up. To reheat, you’ll want to gently warm the chocolate first (perhaps by removing the marshmallows, heating the chocolate, then replacing and toasting marshmallows), as marshmallows tend to get tough when reheated too much. For optimal gooeyness, baking just before serving is always recommended.
Reheating is best done in the oven. Place the skillet back into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until the chocolate is gooey again and the marshmallows are softened. If the marshmallows start to brown too much, you can lightly tent the skillet with foil. The microwave can be used in a pinch, but proceed with caution! Chocolate can scorch easily, and marshmallows can become tough and rubbery if overcooked in the microwave. We always recommend the oven for the best reheating results, as it provides more even heat and helps maintain the desirable texture.
You absolutely do not have to use a cast iron skillet, though it’s our preferred method. A cast iron skillet is fantastic because it retains heat exceptionally well, keeping your s’mores dip warm and melty for longer periods, which is great for entertaining. However, you can use any oven-safe baking dish, such as a pie plate, an 8×8-inch glass baking dish, or even individual ramekins for single servings. Just ensure your chosen dish is shallow enough for even heating and large enough to hold the chocolate and marshmallows comfortably.
Yes, absolutely! While milk chocolate is classic, feel free to experiment with semi-sweet, dark, or even a mix of chocolates for a more complex flavor profile. You can also use chopped chocolate bars instead of chips for an even smoother melt. Just keep an eye on dark chocolate as it can scorch quicker.
To elevate your S’mores Dip, consider a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup after baking. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can enhance the chocolate flavor and add a delicious sweet-salty contrast. Crushed peanuts, pecans, or even a dash of espresso powder stirred into the chocolate can introduce new dimensions of flavor.
Cleaning sticky cast iron can seem daunting, but it’s manageable. After serving, let the skillet cool slightly but not completely. While it’s still warm, scrape out as much residue as possible with a wooden spoon or a plastic scraper. Then, add a little hot water and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen anything stubborn. Use a stiff brush or chain mail scrubber with hot water (avoid soap if you want to maintain your seasoning). Rinse thoroughly, then dry completely over low heat on the stovetop. Finish by applying a very thin layer of cooking oil to re-season.
Serving Your Delicious S’mores Dip
This S’mores Dip is undeniably at its best when served warm, directly from the oven, allowing everyone to dive into the irresistible melty chocolate and perfectly toasted marshmallows. The robust heat retention of a cast-iron skillet is a huge advantage here, keeping your dip warm and gooey throughout your gathering. Arrange an assortment of dippers around the skillet on a large platter for an appealing presentation.
Beyond the classic graham crackers, consider offering a variety of textures and flavors:
- For a Fruity Twist: Offer vibrant fresh fruits like sliced strawberries, juicy blackberries, sweet raspberries, and crisp apple wedges. These provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich sweetness of the dip.
- For the Sweet & Salty Fan: Pretzels are an absolute must! Their salty crunch pairs exquisitely with the creamy chocolate and marshmallow. You could even try sturdy potato chips for an adventurous combination.
- For Extra Indulgence: Shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers (Nilla wafers), or even crunchy chocolate chip cookies make fantastic dippers, adding another layer of sweetness and texture. Cubes of pound cake or even brioche toast can also be surprisingly delightful.
Making s’mores dip in a skillet is an ideal solution for parties, cozy get-togethers, or simply when you’re craving that comforting, toasted marshmallow goodness. While nothing quite beats a traditional campfire s’more, unpredictable weather or urban living often makes a bonfire impractical. That’s precisely why this S’mores Dip recipe is such a game-changer – it brings all the joy of s’mores into your home, effortlessly!
Discover More S’mores Inspired Recipes
Can’t get enough of that classic s’mores flavor? Explore these other delightful variations that bring the taste of the campfire indoors:
- S’mores Bars: A portable, gooey treat perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
- Frozen S’mores: A refreshing, chilled twist on the classic, ideal for warmer weather.
- S’mores Martini: An indulgent cocktail that captures the essence of s’mores in a glass.
- S’mores Cupcakes: Fluffy cupcakes topped with toasted marshmallow frosting.
- S’mores Icebox Cake: Layers of graham crackers, chocolate pudding, and marshmallows in a no-bake dessert.
- S’mores Cookies: Chewy cookies packed with graham cracker pieces, chocolate, and gooey marshmallows.
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S’mores Dip
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 11.5 oz milk chocolate chips Ghirardelli recommended for best melt
- 16 oz marshmallows regular size, or use jumbo/mini
Dipping Options
- graham crackers
- fresh fruit strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apple slices, banana slices
- pretzels
- cookies shortbread, Nilla wafers, chocolate chip cookies
- other dippers pound cake cubes, waffle cones
Things You’ll Need
-
8 inch cast iron skillet (or other oven-safe baking dish)
Before You Begin
- Nutritional information provided is based solely on the marshmallows and chocolate chips used and does not include the calories or macros from any dipping options such as graham crackers, fruits, or cookies. Please account for these separately if tracking.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the milk chocolate chips into an 8-inch cast iron skillet, ensuring they are spread in an even layer across the bottom.11.5 oz milk chocolate chips
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Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 3-4 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted and gooey. It should look smooth and shiny.
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Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Arrange the marshmallows tightly over the melted chocolate in concentric circles or your desired pattern.16 oz marshmallows
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Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and beautifully golden brown on top. It is crucial to watch this step closely to prevent burning. Do NOT use the broiler, as it can burn the marshmallows almost instantly while leaving the chocolate beneath too cool. Even oven heat ensures melted chocolate and perfectly toasted marshmallows.
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Serve your warm, gooey S’mores Dip immediately with a selection of dippers such as graham crackers, an assortment of fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apple slices), pretzels, and various cookies (shortbread, Nilla wafers, chocolate chip cookies). Enjoy!graham crackers, fresh fruit, pretzels, cookies, other dippers
Expert Tips & FAQs
- For the best melting experience, consider using high-quality milk chocolate chips like Ghirardelli. They tend to melt more smoothly and consistently, creating a lusciously gooey base for your dip.
- When placing marshmallows, try to arrange them somewhat tightly. As they puff and toast, they’ll expand and fill in any gaps, creating a beautiful, unified golden top.
- Always keep a very close eye on the marshmallows during their final bake. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly, especially if your oven has hot spots. The last minute or two are critical for achieving that ideal toasted finish.
- If you find your cast iron skillet keeps the dip too hot to handle right out of the oven, use oven mitts or a protective handle cover. Remind your guests that the skillet itself will be very hot!
- To clean sticky cast iron: let it cool slightly, then scrape out excess with a wooden or plastic utensil. Add hot water and let it sit to loosen residue. Use a stiff brush or chain mail scrubber with hot water (avoiding soap if seasoning), rinse, dry completely over low heat, and apply a thin layer of oil.
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on May 24, 2021, and has been updated and expanded for clarity and comprehensive information.