Can I make this without a cast-iron skillet?
Yes. Any oven-safe skillet or small baking dish works. Cast iron just holds heat well, which keeps the dip gooey longer on the table.
Broil or bake, which is better?
Broil is faster and gives you that campfire-style toast. Bake is a little gentler and more forgiving. If your broiler runs hot, bake first to melt the chocolate, then broil 30 to 60 seconds to finish the top.
Why did my chocolate look thick, scorched, or grainy?
Chocolate can scorch or thicken if it gets overheated, especially under an aggressive broiler. Chips can also seize if any moisture or steam sneaks in. Next time, bake at 350°F to melt the base, then broil briefly only for browning. You can also add 1 to 2 teaspoons heavy cream to the chocolate layer for a smoother melt.
Can I use mini marshmallows?
Absolutely. Minis toast quickly and make it easy to cover every inch. Just watch closely under the broiler because they go from golden to charred fast.
What is the best chocolate for s’mores dip?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the easiest and most classic. Milk chocolate tastes most like a traditional s’more. Dark chocolate balances the sweetness. You can also do half semi-sweet and half milk for a crowd-pleasing middle ground.
How do I scale this for a 10-inch skillet?
For a 10-inch skillet, increase everything by about 1.5x so the dip is not too thin. A simple guide: use 3 cups chocolate chips and either 3 cups halved large marshmallows (about 30) or 4 to 4 1/2 cups mini marshmallows.