Gooey Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Recipe: Sweet Sandwich Magic

Crafting a decadent chocolate-hazelnut panini can turn an ordinary afternoon into a delightful culinary adventure.

Soft bread meets rich, creamy spread in this irresistible treat.

Melted chocolate and nutty undertones create a harmonious blend that dances across your palate.

Mediterranean cafes inspired this simple yet luxurious sandwich that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet and crunchy elements combine to deliver a satisfying texture in every bite.

Crisp golden bread envelops the molten center, making each slice a delectable experience.

You’ll want to savor every moment of this delicious creation that transforms a basic sandwich into something extraordinary.

Chocolate Hazelnut Panini That Feels Like Dessert

• Whips up in just minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden chocolate cravings without complicated cooking steps.
• Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it an ideal quick snack for beginners or lazy afternoons.
• Appeals to children and adults alike with its irresistible combination of chocolate, banana, and crispy bread texture.
• Works as a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or casual dessert that can be easily customized with different spreads or fruits.

What You’ll Need for Gooey, Toasted Goodness

• Bread Slices: Soft carrier for the sweet and nutty filling, choose a sturdy bread like brioche or challah that can hold the spread and maintain its structure during grilling.

• Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread, Banana: Rich, creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread adds decadent sweetness, while fresh banana provides natural fruity texture and subtle freshness.

• Butter or Cooking Spray: Helps create a golden, crisp exterior when grilling the panini, ensuring even browning and preventing sticking.

Instructions to Toast the Perfect Dessert Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare Bread Slices

Select two slices of soft bread. Spread a generous layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread across one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge.

Step 2: Add Banana Optional Twist

If desired, layer thin banana slices on top of the chocolate-hazelnut spread. The banana adds a creamy, sweet dimension to the sandwich.

Step 3: Create Sandwich Structure

Carefully place the second bread slice on top of the first, with the chocolate-hazelnut spread facing inward. Press gently to create a unified sandwich.

Step 4: Warm The Panini

Preheat a panini press or heavy skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, have a heavy weight like another pan ready to press down.

Step 5: Grill To Perfection

Place the assembled sandwich into the panini press or skillet. Grill for 2-3 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and crispy. The chocolate should become melted and slightly oozy.

Step 6: Slice And Serve

Remove the panini from heat. Let it cool for a brief moment. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Tip: Experiment with different bread types like brioche, sourdough, or whole wheat for varied textures and flavors.

Tips to Get That Ideal Melt and Crunch

• Slice Bananas Strategically: Cut bananas into ultra-thin, uniform slices to ensure even distribution and prevent overpowering the chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
• Choose Bread Wisely: Select sturdy, thick-cut bread like brioche or challah that can withstand grilling without falling apart and provides a golden, crispy exterior.
• Control Spread Consistency: Warm chocolate-hazelnut spread slightly at room temperature for easier spreading and smoother application across bread surface.
• Grill with Precision: Use a panini press or heavy skillet with moderate heat to achieve a perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust without burning the bread.
• Customize Creatively: Experiment with additional toppings like a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of honey, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the sandwich's complexity.

Save and Reheat Your Panini Without Drying Out

• Store leftover panini in an airtight container for up to 2 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm panini at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and melted chocolate center.
• Quickly toast panini on medium setting, watching carefully to avoid burning the bread.
• If using microwave, heat for 15-20 seconds to maintain sandwich texture, but expect slightly softer bread.

Pairing Options for a Sweet Panini

• Pair this decadent panini with a chilled glass of hazelnut-infused cold brew coffee, which amplifies the nutty chocolate notes and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean gelato to balance the warm, gooey sandwich with a cool, creamy counterpoint that enhances the chocolate and hazelnut essence.
• Enjoy a small glass of Pedro Ximénez sherry, whose intense sweetness and raisin undertones beautifully echo the chocolate and caramelized banana elements of the panini.
• Add a handful of toasted hazelnuts on the side to provide a delightful crunch that complements the sandwich's soft, melted interior and adds an extra layer of nutty complexity.

Flavor Ideas for Hazelnut Panini Fans

• Vegan Nutty Delight: Replace chocolate-hazelnut spread with almond butter and use dairy-free bread. Add sliced strawberries instead of bananas for a fruity kick.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream: Swap traditional bread with gluten-free bread or rice cakes. Use sunflower seed butter for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Option: Choose whole wheat bread and use sugar-free chocolate spread. Add chia seeds or chopped nuts for extra nutrition and crunch.
• Protein Power Panini: Incorporate a thin layer of Greek yogurt or protein powder mixed with the chocolate spread. Sprinkle hemp seeds on top for additional protein boost.

Questions for Panini Lovers

• What ingredients work best for this panini?

Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche that can hold up to grilling. Nutella or any chocolate-hazelnut spread works great, and fresh ripe bananas add extra sweetness.

• Can I make this panini without a panini press?

Absolutely! Use a skillet or griddle and press down with a heavy pan or spatula. You can also use a waffle iron or grill pan to get those classic grill marks.

• Are there ways to make this recipe healthier?

Swap regular bread for whole grain, use a natural chocolate-hazelnut spread with less sugar, and add sliced strawberries or almonds for extra nutrients. You can also use a light spray of olive oil instead of butter.

• How do I prevent the sandwich from burning while getting a crispy exterior?

Cook on medium-low heat and press gently. Watch closely and flip every 2-3 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning the bread.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent chocolate-hazelnut panini delivers sweet Italian comfort in every crisp, warm bite. Melted chocolate and roasted hazelnuts create a luxurious sandwich experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Spread:

• 4 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche)
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella)

Filling:

• 1 banana, thinly sliced

Fresh Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Generously coat one surface of each bread slice with rich, velvety chocolate-hazelnut spread, ensuring complete coverage to the edges.
2. If desired, layer delicate banana slices atop the spread, creating a smooth, creamy foundation for the panini.
3. Carefully unite the prepared bread slices, aligning the edges to form a cohesive sandwich.
4. Lightly butter the exterior of both bread surfaces to promote golden, crisp caramelization during grilling.
5. Preheat a panini press or heavy skillet to medium-high heat, creating an optimal cooking environment.
6. Gently place the assembled sandwich onto the heated surface, applying gentle pressure to compress the layers and enhance flavor melding.
7. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform browning and achieve a perfectly crisp, warmed texture.
8. Once the exterior turns a rich, golden-brown and the interior spread becomes luxuriously melted, remove from heat.
9. Allow the panini to rest for a brief moment, enabling the molten chocolate-hazelnut filling to stabilize.
10. Slice diagonally and serve immediately, revealing the enticing, gooey interior and inviting aroma.

Notes

• Maximize spreadability by warming chocolate-hazelnut spread slightly at room temperature for smoother application.
• Select sturdy bread like brioche or challah to prevent sogginess and maintain crisp panini structure.
• Consider using a non-stick grill pan or panini press for even golden-brown toasting and perfect grill marks.
• Swap bananas with fresh strawberries or drizzle honey for alternative flavor variations that complement the rich chocolate-hazelnut spread.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg