Santa’s Skillet S’mores

A sweet, gooey holiday dip baked right on the grill!

These Santa’s Skillet S’mores are a warm, shareable holiday dessert made right on the grill with chocolate, marshmallows, and festive mix-ins everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Grill-friendly holiday dessert that keeps the kitchen clean.
• Gooey skillet s’mores with melty chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
• Easy Christmas dessert made with simple, store-bought ingredients.
• Perfect for holiday parties, backyard gatherings, and casual nights.
• Customizable s’mores dip with peppermint, cookies, or candy toppings.
• Fun, shareable dessert that disappears fast.

Grill Details

The Grill I Used

I made these skillet s’mores on the Laudlife® Getaway Gas Grill, and it worked so well for desserts like this. Because the heat control is precise and steady, it’s easy to keep the grill in that medium-low range where chocolate melts smoothly and marshmallows toast without burning. The even-heat grill system helps everything melt at the same pace, which is exactly what you want for a small skillet dessert like this.

I also love how compact and manageable this grill is. It heats up quickly, doesn’t feel oversized for small pans, and makes it easy to keep the lid closed so the marshmallows puff instead of drying out. Cleanup is simple too thanks to the enamel-coated surface, which matters when you’re melting chocolate and sugar.

If you’re grilling for a small group or just want something easy to control for non-traditional grill recipes like dessert dips, this style of grill makes the process feel relaxed instead of stressful.

Quick Prep Notes

• Use small disposable aluminum pans so the chocolate layer stays thick and melts evenly. Shallow or oversized pans can cause the chocolate to spread too thin and scorch faster.
• Keep the grill at medium-low heat and resist the urge to turn it up. Higher heat will toast the marshmallows before the chocolate fully melts. Around 325 to 350°F is the sweet spot.
• Layer the chocolate first every time. Putting marshmallows directly on the pan can cause uneven melting and makes it harder to dip.
• Have your toppings ready before the pan comes off the grill. Once the chocolate is hot, sprinkles and candy need to go on right away so they stick.
• Serve immediately. These skillet s’mores are best while warm and melty and will firm up quickly as they cool.

FAQ

Can I make skillet s’mores on a cold grill day?
Yes. Cold weather is totally fine as long as your grill can hold steady heat. Preheat a little longer than usual and keep the lid closed so the temperature stays consistent.

What if my grill runs hotter in the winter?
Start lower than you think. Cold air can make you overcompensate, but higher heat will toast the marshmallows too fast. Medium-low is still the goal.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Not really. These are best right off the grill while the chocolate is melted and scoopable. If they cool down, you’ll lose that dip-style texture.

What should I do if the marshmallows brown before the chocolate melts?
Slide the pan to a cooler spot on the grill or lift it slightly off direct heat. The chocolate will keep melting even if the marshmallows are already puffed.

Can I use a regular baking pan instead of disposable?
Yes, as long as it’s grill-safe and not too deep. Smaller pans work better so everything melts evenly.

Sprinkle of Fun

There’s something extra festive about grilling dessert when it’s cold out. Bundle up, keep the grill lid closed, and let the warmth do the work while everyone gathers nearby. These skillet s’mores are perfect for holiday nights when the air is crisp, the lights are on, and you want a fun dessert without turning the oven on.