Nutella panini recipe
Oh, you guys. If there’s one thing that instantly transports me back to cozy childhood afternoons, it’s the smell of something sweet and toasty wafting from the kitchen. And when that “something” involves my absolute favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread, well, that’s just pure magic. Today, I’m so excited to share with you a recipe that’s become a total lifesaver in my house: the most incredible Nutella panini. Seriously, it’s ridiculously easy, surprisingly decadent, and always hits the spot. Forget complicated desserts; this is your go-to when you need a serious comfort food fix without a whole lot of fuss. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, and I can’t wait for you to try it. If you thought a Grilled Cheese was simple, wait until you meet this sweet, gooey sensation. This is the Nutella panini recipe you’ve been dreaming of.
What is Nutella Panini?
So, what exactly is a Nutella panini? At its heart, it’s a wonderfully simple concept: a sweet, rich spread nestled between two slices of bread, then grilled until it’s warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible. Think of it as the most delightful mashup between a classic Grilled Cheese and your favorite decadent spread. The “panini” part usually implies it’s pressed and grilled, giving it that perfect golden-brown exterior with those signature grill marks, but honestly, even a simple pan-fry works wonders. It’s not meant to be fancy; it’s meant to be pure, unadulterated joy. The beauty of this Nutella panini recipe is its versatility – you can dress it up or keep it super simple. It’s essentially a childhood dream come true, elevated just a tiny bit with that satisfying grilled texture. It’s the kind of treat that makes even a Tuesday feel like a special occasion.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I love Nutella panini. I’ve made it a few timesflavor. It’s just divine. That creamy, chocolatey, hazelnutty goodness of Nutella is amplified when it’s warmed up and starts to melt. It’s intensely satisfying without being overly sweet, especially when you pair it with the right bread. And speaking of sweetness, let’s talk about simplicity. Seriously, you can whip this up in less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee. It’s the perfect quick fix for a sweet craving, a speedy after-school snack for the kids, or even a delightful late-night treat. No fancy techniques, no obscure ingredients – just pure, delicious goodness. This recipe is also incredibly cost-effective. Nutella is readily available, and you can use any bread you have on hand. It’s a gourmet-feeling indulgenceversatility. While the classic Nutella version is heavenly, you can absolutely play around with this. Add some sliced bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few mini marshmallows before grilling. It’s a fantastic canvas for all sorts of delicious additions. What I love most about this particular Nutella panini recipe is how it manages to feel both comforting and a little bit special. It’s not just a quick snack; it’s an experience. It reminds me of those simpler times, but with the satisfying texture of a perfectly grilled sandwich. It’s genuinely my go-to when I want something undeniably delicious with minimal effort, and that’s a huge win for busy parents and anyone who just appreciates a really good, easy treat.
How to Make a Nutella Panini
Quick Overview
Making this incredible Nutella panini is astonishingly straightforward. You’ll start by preparing your bread, slathering on that luscious Nutella, and maybe adding a little something extra if you’re feeling adventurous. Then, it’s simply a matter of grilling it in a pan until golden brown and gloriously melted. The whole process takes mere minutes, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any time of day. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, an easy snack, or even a fun dessert. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
2 slices of your favorite bread (brioche, challah, or even a good sturdy white bread works beautifully. I find something slightly sweet and soft holds up best to the Nutella!)
2-3 tablespoons of Nutella (adjust to your personal preference – I like a generous amount!)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (or a neutral oil like canola, for grilling)
Optional Add-ins for Filling:
Thinly sliced bananas
A sprinkle of cinnamon
Chopped toasted hazelnuts
Mini chocolate chips
A thin layer of strawberry or raspberry jam (for a little fruity tang)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread
Grab your two slices of bread. You want to make sure they’re ready to go. I like to lightly toast mine just for a minute or two in the toaster before spreading the Nutella, just to give them a little extra structure. This helps prevent them from getting too soggy, though it’s not strictly necessary. If you skip this, just be extra careful when you flip it!
Step 2: Spread the Nutella
This is the best part! Take your softened butter or oil and lightly spread a thin layer on the *outside* of each slice of bread. This is what’s going to give us that beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior when we grill it. Now, on the *inside* of one (or both, if you’re feeling decadent!) slice of bread, spread your Nutella. Don’t be shy! Get it right to the edges, but try not to let too much ooze out during grilling – it can get a bit messy, but a little bit of melted Nutella on the pan is actually delicious!
Step 3: Add Any Extras (If Using)
If you’re adding any extras like banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon, now’s the time to add them on top of the Nutella. Just layer them evenly so you get a bit of everything in each bite. Don’t overstuff it, or it will be hard to close and might spill out everywhere.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Carefully place the second slice of bread, Nutella-side down, on top of your prepared slice to form the sandwich. Make sure the buttered sides are facing outwards.
Step 5: Heat Your Pan
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want it to be hot enough to get that lovely crisp, but not so hot that it burns the bread before the Nutella has a chance to warm up and get gooey. Add the sandwich to the preheated pan.
Step 6: Grill to Golden Perfection
Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and toasted, and the Nutella inside is melted and warm. You can peek underneath to check the color. Resist the urge to press down too hard with your spatula, especially at first; let the heat do the work. If it’s browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. If it’s taking forever, turn it up just a touch.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once it’s perfectly grilled, carefully remove the Nutella panini from the pan. Let it sit for just a minute – the melted Nutella will be incredibly hot! Then, slice it in half (diagonally is always fancier, right?). The way the melted Nutella stretches when you cut it is just pure joy. Serve immediately and prepare for bliss!
What to Serve It With
Honestly, this Nutella panini is a star all on its own, but it also plays really nicely with a few friends. For a delightful breakfast, I love pairing it with a good, strong cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. The richness of the panini cuts through the coffee perfectly, and the milk is a classic combo. Presentation-wise, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few Fresh Berries on the side can make it feel extra special without any extra effort. If you’re going for a more elaborate brunch spread, imagine this little gem nestled alongside some fresh fruit salad, maybe some crispy bacon or a light frittata. It adds that touch of sweet indulgence to balance out savory dishes. For an elegant dessert, I often serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry coulis. The warm, gooey center and the crispy bread are divine with a cool, creamy contrast. And for those cozy, casual snacks when you just need a little pick-me-up, it’s perfect on its own, maybe with a glass of iced tea or a warm mug of hot chocolate if it’s a chilly day. My kids always ask for this when they’ve had a long day at school, and I usually serve it with some apple slices to give them a bit of fruit too. It’s a simple way to make them feel treated!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Nutella Panini
I’ve made this Nutella panini more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really elevate it from good to absolutely spectacular. First, when it comes to the bread, I’ve found that anything too thin or delicate can get a bit messy. While sourdough is delicious, a slightly sweeter bread like brioche, challah, or even a good quality white sandwich bread really shines here. They have a bit more structure and a lovely soft interior that contrasts perfectly with the crispy grilled exterior. For the Nutella itself, I always try to make sure it’s at room temperature or slightly softened. If it’s too cold and firm, it’s hard to spread evenly, and you might end up with thick clumps. A little bit of softened butter on the *outside* of the bread is key for that golden-brown, crispy finish. Don’t skimp on this step! It’s what gives you that satisfying crunch. When it comes to mixing or spreading, less is often more with the filling. While it’s tempting to pile on the Nutella, an excessive amount can make it difficult to handle and can lead to a lot of overflow during cooking. A good, even layer is usually best. If you’re adding fruits like bananas, make sure they’re sliced thinly. Thicker slices can sometimes steam the bread from the inside, making it a bit soggy. I learned this the hard way! For baking, medium heat is your friend. Too high, and you’ll scorch the bread before the Nutella melts. Too low, and you’ll end up with a pale, untoasted sandwich. It takes a little bit of practice to find that sweet spot on your stove, but once you do, it’s easy. I always keep an eye on it and be ready to adjust the heat. Another little trick I’ve learned is to cover the pan loosely with a lid for the first minute or two on each side. This helps to trap a bit of steam and heat, encouraging the Nutella to melt beautifully without overcooking the bread. Then, I remove the lid to get that perfect crispy crust. If you’re adding other flavors, like a sprinkle of cinnamon or a thin layer of jam, experiment with small amounts first. You can always add more next time! For instance, a little cinnamon adds a lovely warmth that complements the chocolate, but too much can overpower it. And finally, the patience factor. It’s so tempting to cut into it the second it’s off the pan, but letting it rest for just 60 seconds makes a world of difference. It allows the melted Nutella to set up just slightly, so you get those gorgeous, stretchy pulls when you slice it, rather than a messy avalanche. Trust me on this one; it’s worth the brief wait!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, so ideally, this Nutella panini is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, when the Nutella is perfectly warm and gooey. But life happens, and sometimes you have leftovers! If you do find yourself with a leftover panini, don’t despair. For room temperature storage, I wouldn’t leave it out for more than a couple of hours, as the bread can start to get a bit stale and the Nutella might not be as appealing. It’s really best eaten relatively soon after making. If you need to store it for longer, pop it into the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It should keep well in the fridge for about 1-2 days. The bread will soften a bit, of course, but it’s still salvageable. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best method is back in a skillet over low-medium heat, just like you were making it fresh. This helps to crisp up the bread again and warm the Nutella through. You can also pop it in a toaster oven or a regular oven preheated to around 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisped. Microwaving is an option, but it can make the bread a bit chewy, so I usually avoid it if I can. For freezer instructions, it’s a bit trickier because of the gooey filling, but it’s doable. Let the panini cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in parchment paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap, and finally tuck it into a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last in the freezer for about 1-2 months. When you’re ready to thaw, the best way is to transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it using the skillet or oven method described above. For the glaze timing advice, if you’re making a glaze (which I rarely do for this simple version, but if you do!), it’s always best to apply it just before serving. If you glaze and then store, the glaze can become sticky or soggy, especially in the fridge. For best results, store the panini plain and add any glaze once it’s reheated and ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite Nutella panini recipe! It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most delicious. This recipe is proof that you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated steps to create something truly special and comforting. It’s that perfect balance of crispy, warm bread and rich, gooey chocolate-hazelnut goodness that just makes you feel good. Whether you’re a lifelong Nutella fan or looking for a quick, impressive snack that kids and adults will adore, this is the one. I really hope you give this a try, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! If you loved this, you might also enjoy my recipe for [Link to another relevant recipe, e.g., “Decadent Chocolate Lava Cakes”] or my [Link to another relevant recipe, e.g., “Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars”] for more quick and delightful treats. Happy grilling, and may your Nutella panini be perfectly gooey and utterly delicious!
Easy Nutella Panini Recipe for a Treat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 rolls Bread Rolls halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon Butter softened, divided
- 4 tablespoons Nutella divided
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Turn on the panini press.
- Spread one side of each bread slice with a coat of butter.
- Spread the other side of each bread slice with Nutella.
- Sandwich the bread slices together, and place onto the panini press.
- Allow it to grill for about 1 minute, or until lightly browned.
- Serve immediately.
