Domino’s launches watermelon pizza test: TikTok creator challenges the viral recipe

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• Domino’s Australia tries the viral idea
• What the creator says Domino’s got wrong
• From a TV show to TikTok to mainstream attention
• Why this matters

When a TikTok recipe for a pizza made on a slice of watermelon caught fire this summer, a major chain decided to test the trend — and the recipe’s creator says they missed the two changes that make it work. The exchange highlights how quickly social-media food ideas move from phones to restaurant menus, and why small technique tweaks matter to flavor and texture.

Domino’s Australia tries the viral idea

Domino’s Australia posted a short clip recreating the viral watermelon pizza and credited the original creator, who posts as El Burrito Monster. The chain framed the experiment as a possible “low-carb” option and substituted its usual tomato sauce and pepperoni for toppings.

The result, according to Domino’s, was a novelty that might not convert everyone — and it prompted a response from the recipe’s originator explaining why the chain’s version differed from his.

What the creator says Domino’s got wrong

Oliver Paterson, who first shared the watermelon pizza on TikTok in June and whose video has drawn millions of views, told reporters that two practical steps are essential. First, he recommends reducing the watermelon’s moisture by cooking it briefly before adding toppings. Second, he insists that **barbecue sauce** — not marinara or plain tomato sauce — complements the fruit’s sweetness.

Paterson also notes the role of savory elements: **chorizo** and melted cheese add salt, fat and smoke that help balance the sweet base. He said attempts that skip these adjustments tend to turn out soggy or flat.

• Dry the base: sear or roast the watermelon to remove excess water before assembling.
• Sauce choice: use a smoky BBQ sauce rather than a tomato marinara to pair with the fruit’s flavor.
• Balance flavors: include a salty, fatty topping such as chorizo and a melting cheese to contrast sweetness.
• Serve promptly: assembled slices should be eaten soon after topping to avoid sogginess.

From a TV show to TikTok to mainstream attention

Paterson says the idea first grabbed his attention after seeing a barbecue watermelon dish on the Netflix cooking show Crazy Delicious. He adapted that inspiration into a pizza-like presentation and shared it on TikTok, where the clip reached a broad audience and drew mainstream coverage.

“I expected some debate, but not the level of attention it received,” he told reporters, noting the recipe’s surprising crossover from niche food circles into broader public conversation.

The creator described the finished dish as a play of sweet, smoky and salty notes — a contrast that many viewers either found intriguing or off-putting, depending on their palate.

Why this matters

Food trends now move rapidly from streaming and short video platforms into experiments by large brands. That raises practical questions for restaurants: how closely should they follow an online recipe, and when does adaptation change the result so much the original concept is lost?

For home cooks, the exchange is a reminder that technique often matters as much as ingredient list when trying unconventional combinations.

Domino’s Australia did not immediately provide a detailed response to requests for comment about its recreation.