Wood-Fired S'mores Pizza (Minnesota Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the scent of toasted sugar mingling with the crisp evening air to trigger a wave of nostalgia. This Minnesota S'mores Pizza is my absolute favorite way to cap off a summer barbecue or warm up a chilly autumn night. By moving dessert to the Arteflame grill, we achieve a texture that is impossible to replicate indoors: a crust that is golden, crisp, and kissed with just a hint of smoke, sturdy enough to hold a river of molten chocolate and gooey marshmallows. It is messy, magical, and delightfully communal.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

I adore this dish because it transforms a solitary campfire treat into a gourmet, shareable masterpiece. It is the definition of high-reward, low-effort cooking. The flat cooktop provides an even sear, ensuring the dough cooks through without burning the toppings. Plus, it brings the party to the grill—everyone loves watching the marshmallows puff up and toast right before their eyes!

Kitchen Wisdom for the Perfect Pie

• Mise en place is mandatory: Once the dough hits the hot steel, things move incredibly fast. Have your chocolate chips and marshmallows measured and within arm's reach before you start grilling.
• Watch the heat zones: Sugar burns quickly! Keep the pizza on the outer ring of the cooktop where the heat is consistent but gentle, rather than the searing hot center.

Make It Your Own

If you are short on time, store-bought Naan bread or pre-made flatbreads work wonderfully as a base—just skip the initial sear time. For a dairy-free crowd, swap the butter for coconut oil and use vegan-friendly marshmallows and dark chocolate.

Ingredients

The Base

• 1 ball of fresh pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon-sugar blend

The Toppings

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (or broken chocolate bar pieces)
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
• Chocolate syrup (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Begin by lighting your Arteflame grill. You want to build a medium fire in the center to get the plancha (flat cooktop) hot.
2. Aim for a temperature range of 400°F to 450°F on the flat cooktop surface.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop with a high-heat oil like grapeseed or canola to prevent sticking and ensure a good sear.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. On a floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. For a dessert pizza, a slightly thinner crust works best to ensure it cooks through quickly without burning the sugar later.
2. Brush one side of the dough generously with the melted butter.

Step 3: Grill the Crust

1. Place the dough onto the hot Arteflame cooktop, buttered side down.
2. While the first side is searing (usually 2-3 minutes), brush the top side with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle it evenly with the cinnamon-sugar blend.
3. Once the bottom is golden brown and crispy, carefully flip the dough over using a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

1. Immediately after flipping, scatter the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips over the hot, seared surface of the crust.
2. Top the chocolate layer evenly with the mini marshmallows.
3. Allow the pizza to cook for another 2-3 minutes. The heat from the crust will melt the chocolate, while the ambient heat from the grill helps soften the marshmallows.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Once the bottom is crisp and the toppings are gooey, remove the pizza from the grill using a pizza peel or large spatula.
2. Immediately sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the melted marshmallows.
3. Finish with a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup before slicing into wedges and serving warm.

Tips

Mastering a dessert pizza on the grill requires a little bit of finesse regarding heat management. Unlike savory pizzas, sugar-heavy ingredients can burn quickly if exposed to direct flame. Always utilize the outer ring of the Arteflame cooktop for this recipe, where the heat is consistent but less aggressive than the center. If your marshmallows aren't toasting fast enough for your liking, you can use a kitchen torch for a few seconds after removing the pizza from the grill, or carefully lift the pizza closer to the center fire for a brief moment—just keep a hawk's eye on the crust bottom! Additionally, having your ingredients prepped and within arm's reach (mise en place) is crucial because the cooking process happens very fast once the dough hits the steel. Finally, don't overload the center of the dough with heavy toppings, as this can make the slice difficult to pick up.

Variations

While the classic Minnesota S'mores Pizza is a crowd-pleaser, there is plenty of room to get creative and customize this dessert to your palate. The versatility of the Arteflame means you can experiment with different flavor profiles without worrying about the mess. Here are a few favorite twists to elevate your dessert game:

• The Peanut Butter Lover: Swap the milk chocolate chips for peanut butter cups and drizzle with warm peanut butter instead of chocolate syrup.
• The Berry Patch: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries after the chocolate melts for a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet marshmallows.
• The Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the finished pizza and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
• The Nutella & Banana: Use Nutella as the base sauce instead of chocolate chips, and top with banana slices before adding marshmallows.
• The Adult Version: Soak the graham crackers in a little bourbon or Irish cream before sprinkling them on top.

Best pairings

To truly round out the experience of enjoying this rich, gooey dessert, selecting the right beverage is essential. The sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows calls for a drink that can either cut through the richness or complement the cozy flavors. Since this is a social, shareable dish, consider setting up a beverage station that matches the relaxed outdoor vibe.

• Coffee: A dark roast coffee or a double shot of espresso provides the perfect bitterness to balance the sugar.
• Cold Milk: There is nothing more classic than an ice-cold glass of milk to wash down warm chocolate and dough.
• Stout Beer: For the adults, an oatmeal stout or a chocolate porter pairs beautifully with the roasted notes of the s'mores.
• Hot Cocoa: If you are serving this on a chilly night, double down on the chocolate with a mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.

Conclusion

The Minnesota S'mores Pizza is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that brings the joy of camping right to your backyard kitchen. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds a layer of culinary sophistication, giving you that perfect char and even bake that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet treat. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun way to end a Tuesday night dinner, this recipe delivers smiles all around. It captures the spirit of the Midwest—hearty, sweet, and always welcoming. So gather your friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy a slice of sticky, sweet happiness.