Ultimate Grilled S’mores Pizza: Your New Favorite Campfire-Inspired Dessert

Transform your backyard grill into a delightful dessert station! This Grilled S’mores Pizza offers an irresistibly easy and utterly delicious way to enjoy all the beloved flavors of a classic campfire treat, reimagined into a fun, shareable pizza. It’s the perfect sweet finale for any summer cookout.

*This post is proudly supported by Rhodes Bake-N-Serv. We genuinely appreciate their partnership in making Dessert Now Dinner Later possible.

Summer is truly in full swing, and our family has been enthusiastically embracing all things outdoors, especially when it comes to cooking. From sizzling burgers to perfectly charred vegetables, the grill has become our culinary playground. So, it felt like a natural (and exciting!) progression to explore dessert options on the grill. That’s how this incredible Grilled S’mores Pizza came into being, and it quickly became an undeniable hit with everyone, especially my kids!

We’ve certainly had our share of savory grilled pizzas, perfecting recipes like Barbeque Chicken Pizza and Buffalo Chicken Pizza over the years. However, a dessert pizza on the grill was uncharted territory for us until now. I’m so incredibly glad we took the leap, because this S’mores pizza recipe was nothing short of a revelation! It combines the smoky essence of grilling with the sweet, nostalgic joy of s’mores in a way that truly delights the taste buds.

Imagine this: a perfectly grilled, tender yet slightly crispy yeast dough forms the foundation. It’s then generously coated with a luscious layer of chocolate hazelnut spread, creating a rich, decadent base. On top of this, you’ll find a delightful scattering of fluffy mini marshmallows, chunks of wholesome graham crackers, and pieces of classic chocolate bars. As it grills, the marshmallows puff up and lightly toast, the chocolate melts into gooey puddles, and the graham crackers warm, creating an irresistible aroma and a truly ooey-gooey, utterly delicious experience. It’s the ultimate warm, sweet indulgence!

Why This Grilled S’mores Pizza Will Become Your Go-To Dessert

There are countless reasons to add this fantastic grilled dessert pizza to your summer entertaining repertoire. It takes the beloved s’mores tradition and transforms it into an even more accessible and impressive treat. This recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a truly fun way to enjoy your outdoor space. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

• Effortlessly Delicious: With minimal active prep time and the convenience of pre-made dough, you can whip up this gourmet dessert in a flash.
• A Unique Grilling Adventure: Impress your guests by showcasing your grilling prowess beyond the usual savory fare. It’s a fresh take on outdoor cooking.
• Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: S’mores are universally loved, and this pizza format makes them even more exciting for both children and adults.
• No Campfire Required: Enjoy all the warm, gooey goodness of s’mores anytime, anywhere, using just your backyard grill.
• Keeps the Heat Out of Your Kitchen: During hot summer days, cooking dessert outdoors means your kitchen stays cool, making for a much more comfortable cooking experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a lively barbecue, or a special celebration, this S’mores pizza fits right in.
• That Irresistible Grilled Flavor: The grill imparts a subtle smoky char to the crust that adds a complex layer of flavor you simply can’t achieve in a traditional oven.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate S’mores Pizza Masterpiece

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of familiar, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to assemble this dreamy dessert:

• Rhodes White Bread Dough (thawed): This is arguably the most brilliant shortcut in this recipe! Using a pre-made loaf of Rhodes White Bread dough saves you significant time and effort, eliminating the need for scratch-made dough. It thaws beautifully and rolls out into the perfect pizza crust, providing a tender yet sturdy base that crisps up wonderfully on the grill. Make sure it’s fully thawed to a pliable consistency for easy handling.
• All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need a small amount for dusting your work surface and rolling pin. This prevents the thawed dough from sticking and ensures you can achieve a smooth, even circular shape without frustration.
• Oil (Canola, Vegetable, or Olive): A couple of tablespoons of neutral-flavored oil are essential. You’ll brush this onto both sides of the dough. This step is crucial for achieving a beautifully golden, slightly crispy crust, preventing the dough from sticking to the grill grates, and helping it cook evenly.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (Nutella is a popular choice): This rich, creamy spread forms the foundational layer of chocolatey goodness. Its smooth texture melts beautifully on the warm crust, providing that signature hazelnut-chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with marshmallows and graham crackers. If your spread is a bit too firm, a quick zap in the microwave will make it perfectly spreadable.
• Mini Marshmallows: These delightful little puffs are key to the S’mores experience. Mini marshmallows are preferred over larger ones because they melt more quickly and evenly, creating those signature gooey, slightly toasted pockets on top of the pizza. You’ll want a generous amount!
• Graham Crackers (full sheets): Crushed graham crackers provide the essential crumbly, honey-sweet crunch that defines a s’more. Break them into varying sizes, from fine crumbs to small chunks, to add interesting texture to each bite.
• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar (1.55 oz / 43 g): While the chocolate hazelnut spread provides a great base, chopped pieces of a classic milk chocolate bar ensure you get those distinct pockets of melty, traditional s’mores chocolate. You can also experiment with other types of chocolate, like dark chocolate for a richer flavor or even white chocolate.

Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grill the Perfect S’mores Pizza

Grilling a dessert pizza is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly cooked crust and wonderfully melted, gooey toppings every time.

1. Prepare Your Dough for Grilling

Begin by thawing your Rhodes White Bread dough. Place the frozen dough on a lightly greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the dough as it rises. Allow the dough to thaw at room temperature for approximately 4 to 5 hours, or until it is completely soft, pliable, and has doubled in size. Once thawed, gently transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a uniform circular shape, aiming for about 10-12 inches in diameter. If the dough seems a bit sticky, a light dusting of all-purpose flour on your work surface and rolling pin will help tremendously.

2. Get Your Toppings Ready

While your dough is thawing, take a few minutes to prepare all your toppings. This ensures a smooth and quick assembly process once the dough hits the grill. Roughly chop your graham crackers into various-sized pieces – from fine crumbs to small, crunchy bits. Break or chop the Hershey’s chocolate bar into small, manageable pieces. If your chocolate hazelnut spread is thick, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 15-30 seconds, stirring until it reaches a smooth, easily spreadable consistency. Have all your marshmallows, chopped graham crackers, and chocolate pieces arranged and within arm’s reach of your grill.

3. Preheat Your Grill Properly

Turn on your gas grill and preheat it to a high temperature. You want the grates to be nice and hot to achieve those desirable initial grill marks and a good sear on the crust. Once the grill is thoroughly heated, immediately reduce the heat to its lowest setting. This lower temperature is critical for cooking the dough evenly and melting the toppings gently without burning them, especially the marshmallows.

4. Grill the First Side of the Dough

Lightly brush one side of your rolled-out dough with the oil (canola, vegetable, or olive). Carefully place the dough, oil-side down, directly onto the preheated grill grates. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. During this time, watch for the dough to puff up slightly, and check the bottom for a beautiful golden-brown color with distinct grill marks. While the first side is cooking, lightly brush the top (uncooked) side of the dough with oil. This prepares it for the flip and helps in even cooking.

5. Flip and Load with Toppings

Using a sturdy set of tongs or a large spatula, carefully flip the dough over so the golden-brown, cooked side is now facing up. You need to work quickly here! Immediately and generously slather the melted chocolate hazelnut spread evenly over the cooked side of the dough. Then, without delay, scatter the mini marshmallows, chopped graham crackers, and chocolate bar pieces across the spread. Close the grill lid to create an oven-like environment. This traps the heat, allowing the marshmallows to puff and melt, and the chocolate to become gloriously gooey, while the bottom of the crust finishes cooking.

6. Final Cook and Serving

Continue cooking the S’mores pizza with the lid closed for another 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close watch; you want the marshmallows to puff up and achieve a slightly toasted, golden-brown hue, and the bottom of the crust to be perfectly golden. Be vigilant to prevent burning, especially the marshmallows. Once the marshmallows are beautifully soft and gooey, and the crust is cooked through, carefully remove the S’mores pizza from the grill using a large pizza peel or a sturdy spatula, and transfer it to a large cutting board.

For the easiest and cleanest slices, lightly grease your pizza cutter with a quick spray of cooking spray. This genius trick prevents the sticky melted marshmallows and chocolate from adhering to the blade. Cut the pizza into generous slices while it’s still warm, then serve and enjoy immediately. The intoxicating aroma alone is enough to bring everyone running!

Tips for Crafting the Ultimate Grilled S’mores Pizza Experience

While this recipe is designed to be straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Grilled S’mores Pizza from great to absolutely unforgettable:

• Don’t Roll Too Thin: Aim for a dough thickness of about a quarter-inch. If it’s too thin, it risks burning quickly on the grill before the toppings have a chance to melt properly. A slightly thicker crust also offers a better bite.
• Master Your Grill Heat: Gas grills are ideal for their easy temperature control. If using a charcoal grill, ensure your coals are glowing red and spread evenly for consistent low heat. Avoid direct high heat on the second side of the cook, as marshmallows can burn very quickly.
• Oil is Your Best Friend: Thoroughly oiling both the grill grates and both sides of your dough is paramount. This creates a non-stick barrier, guarantees beautiful grill marks, and contributes to that desirable crispy texture.
• Have Toppings Prepped and Ready: Once the dough is flipped on the grill, the clock starts ticking! Things move very quickly. Having all your marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cracker pieces pre-chopped and organized by the grill prevents frantic scrambling and ensures even topping distribution.
• Parchment Paper for Easy Transfer: Rolling out your dough on parchment paper is a game-changer. It allows you to effortlessly slide the raw dough onto the hot grill and makes removing the finished pizza much simpler.
• Rotate for Even Cooking: Grills can have hot spots. If you notice one side of your pizza cooking faster than the other, gently rotate it every minute or so to ensure an evenly golden crust and perfectly melted toppings.
• Serve Immediately for Best Results: While still delicious when cooled, this pizza is truly at its peak right off the grill when the marshmallows are molten and the chocolate is irresistibly gooey.

Delicious Variations and Customizations: Make It Uniquely Yours!

The classic S’mores combination is divine, but this grilled dessert pizza offers a fantastic canvas for creativity. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to customize your masterpiece:

• Chocolate Choices: Instead of or in addition to milk chocolate, try dark chocolate chunks for a richer, more intense flavor. White chocolate chips can add a different kind of sweetness, or chopped peanut butter cups for a delightful nutty twist.
• Fruity Additions: For a fresh and vibrant contrast, add thinly sliced bananas, strawberries, or raspberries on top of the chocolate hazelnut spread before layering on the marshmallows. The warmth of the pizza gently softens the fruit.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle on crushed peanuts, almonds, pecans, or even candied walnuts for an extra layer of crunch and a deeper, roasted flavor profile.
• Caramel or Fudge Drizzle: After removing the pizza from the grill, a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce or chocolate fudge sauce can take this dessert to an even more indulgent level.
• A Hint of Spice: For the adventurous palate, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder mixed into the chocolate hazelnut spread can add an unexpected and delightful warmth, balancing the sweetness.
• Minty Freshness: After grilling, scatter some finely chopped peppermint patties or drizzle with a little mint extract for a refreshing twist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled S’mores Pizza

Can I make this S’mores pizza in the oven if I don’t have a grill?

Absolutely! If grilling isn’t an option, you can definitely make this in your oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the rolled-out crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove it from the oven, spread with chocolate hazelnut spread, then top with marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate pieces. Return it to the oven for another 5-8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the marshmallows are puffed and lightly toasted. The result will still be wonderfully delicious!

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, you certainly can use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe! Just ensure it’s fully proofed and ready to be rolled out. Keep in mind that homemade doughs can vary in thickness and hydration, so you might need to adjust the grilling times slightly. Always watch the crust closely to prevent burning.

What type of grill is best for cooking this dessert pizza?

A gas grill is highly recommended for this recipe due to its excellent temperature control, which is crucial for preventing the marshmallows from burning. However, a charcoal grill can also work; you’ll just need to be more vigilant about managing the heat, aiming for a consistent low heat after the initial sear, perhaps using indirect heat for the topping phase.

How can I prevent the marshmallows from burning too quickly on the grill?

The key is indirect or very low heat during the second stage of grilling. After flipping the dough and adding toppings, ensure your grill is on its lowest setting and close the lid. This allows the radiant heat to gently melt and puff the marshmallows without exposing them to direct, intense flames, which can quickly char them. Keep an eye on them!

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare some components in advance. The Rhodes dough can be thawed and rolled out and kept covered tightly in the refrigerator for a short period (up to an hour) before grilling. All your toppings – chopped graham crackers and chocolate, and melted hazelnut spread – can also be prepped and set aside. For the very best results, assemble and grill the pizza just before you plan to serve it, ensuring it’s warm, gooey, and fresh.

Is this dessert easy to transport for a potluck or picnic?

While it’s best enjoyed warm off the grill, you can certainly transport it once cooled. It will still be delicious, though the marshmallows and chocolate won’t be as gooey. If transporting, slice it after cooling slightly, then arrange it in a sturdy container. You could even reheat slices briefly in an oven or air fryer if desired.

Serving Suggestions for Your Glorious Grilled S’mores Pizza

This Grilled S’mores Pizza is truly a magnificent dessert on its own, a showstopper that needs little embellishment. However, if you’re looking to elevate the experience further or offer a complete dessert spread, consider these delightful serving suggestions:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing! A scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream provides a wonderful cool contrast to the warm, gooey pizza, and its creamy texture is simply divine.
• Fresh Berries: A side of fresh, vibrant berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a pop of color and a tart counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the chocolate and marshmallows.
• Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps lightly sweetened with vanilla, can add an extra layer of lightness and indulgence to each slice.
• A Cold Beverage: Serve with a tall glass of cold milk for a nostalgic touch, or consider a refreshing iced coffee or chocolate milkshake for the ultimate treat.
• Nut Butter Drizzle: For those who love peanut butter or almond butter, a light drizzle over the finished pizza can introduce another layer of flavor and richness.

My kids seriously devoured this S’mores pizza so fast, declaring it the absolute best thing ever! I truly hope you get the chance to try this fun and delicious recipe and create some wonderful memories with your loved ones this summer. It’s a dessert that truly brings smiles to every face, and one you’ll be making again and again!