Crispy Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Recipe

Irresistible Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Recipe For Sweet Cravings

When hunger strikes, a delectable chocolate-hazelnut panini offers the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.

This warm, crispy sandwich melts with rich, nutty goodness that tempts every taste bud.

Hazelnut spread creates a luxurious filling between golden, perfectly toasted bread slices.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of crunchy exterior and smooth, velvety chocolate center.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet treat that feels like a culinary adventure.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate how quickly this decadent sandwich comes together.

Prepare to experience a moment of pure deliciousness that will leave you craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 3

What You Need For Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini

For Bread and Base:
  • Bread Slices: Sturdy white or sourdough bread ensures a crisp, golden exterior that holds the luscious filling perfectly.
  • Butter: Creates a delightful golden-brown crust and adds rich, luxurious flavor to the sandwich.
For Filling and Spread:
  • Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread: Creamy, indulgent spread that provides a decadent chocolate flavor with nutty undertones.
  • Banana: Optional fresh slice adds natural sweetness and creamy texture, complementing the chocolate spread.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds a delicate sweetness and elegant presentation.
  • Fresh Berries: Bright, tangy accompaniment that balances the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Whipped Cream: Optional creamy topping that enhances the dessert-like experience of the panini.

Items To Use For Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini

  • Panini Press or Nonstick Skillet: Essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior on your sandwich.
  • Spatula: Helps gently press and flip the panini when using a stovetop method.
  • Butter Knife: Ideal for spreading chocolate-hazelnut spread evenly on bread slices.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for slicing bananas and preparing sandwiches.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing panini in half and cutting bananas.
  • Small Sifter or Strainer: Useful for dusting powdered sugar over the finished panini.

How To Make Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini

  • Create Delicious Sandwich

Grab two slices of bread and spread rich chocolate-hazelnut spread generously across one side of each slice.

  • Add Sweet Layers

Sprinkle sliced bananas over the chocolate spread if you want extra flavor and texture. Place second bread slice on top to complete your sandwich.

  • Prepare Crispy Exterior

Lightly brush the outside of your sandwich with butter, ensuring complete coverage to help achieve a golden, crunchy surface.

  • Toast To Perfection

Heat panini press or skillet over medium temperature. Place sandwich inside press and cook for 3-4 minutes until bread turns beautiful golden brown and filling becomes delightfully melted. If using stovetop, cook 2-3 minutes per side, gently pressing with spatula.

  • Serve With Flair

Slice panini diagonally to reveal gooey interior. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar and accompany with fresh berries or creamy whipped cream for an indulgent finishing touch. Enjoy your warm, sweet creation immediately.

Tricks And Variations For Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini

  • Perfect Panini Technique: Press firmly with a spatula to achieve crispy, golden-brown edges that seal in the gooey chocolate-hazelnut goodness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sandwiches ahead of time and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, refrigerating until ready to grill for a quick and easy dessert or snack.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular bread for gluten-free bread to make this treat accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on delicious flavor.
  • Nutty Alternatives: Replace hazelnuts with almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew spread for a fun flavor variation that keeps the creamy, indulgent texture.
  • Vegan-Friendly Hack: Use dairy-free chocolate spread, plant-based butter, and vegan bread to create a completely plant-based version of this decadent dessert sandwich.

Serving Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Right

  • Sweet Morning Delight: Pair this panini with a steaming cappuccino for a luxurious breakfast experience that feels like a mini vacation.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside crispy bacon or a light fruit salad to create a balanced and indulgent weekend meal that will impress family and friends.
  • Dessert Transformation: Cut into smaller triangles for an elegant after-dinner sweet treat that can be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  • Kid-Friendly Twist: Customize by letting children add their favorite toppings like marshmallows or sprinkles to make this panini a fun, interactive meal they'll love.

Keep And Plan Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover panini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring the bread doesn't become soggy by placing a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual panini tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in toaster oven or skillet to restore crispiness.
  • Advance Preparation: Assemble sandwiches earlier in the day, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook. This method allows flavors to meld and saves time during meal preparation.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive cold panini by warming in a preheated skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, which helps restore the crispy exterior and melts the chocolate-hazelnut spread smoothly.
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Crispy Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Recipe

Crispy Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Delightful chocolate-hazelnut panini combines Italian sandwich traditions with rich dessert flavors. Crisp, golden bread and creamy chocolate create a perfect sweet treat you can savor with coffee or as a quick indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche)
  • 4 tbsps (59 ml/2 fl oz) chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella)
  • 1 banana, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsps (28 g/1 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • powdered sugar
  • fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Spread a generous layer of chocolate-hazelnut mixture across one bread slice, ensuring complete and even distribution.
  2. Assembly: Layer banana medallions atop the spread, creating a harmonious base for the sandwich, then crown with the second bread slice to complete the structure.
  3. Coating: Brush the exterior of each bread surface with butter, guaranteeing a crisp and golden exterior during cooking.
  4. Heating: Warm a panini press or nonstick skillet to medium heat, preparing the ideal cooking environment.
  5. Cooking: Gently place the assembled sandwich onto the heated surface, allowing it to transform into a crispy, caramelized delicacy.
  6. Panini Press Method: Cook for 3-4 minutes until bread achieves a rich, golden tone and filling becomes luxuriously melted.
  7. Stovetop Alternative: Cook 2-3 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula to ensure uniform browning.
  8. Finishing: Transfer the panini to a serving plate, diagonally slice to reveal the molten interior, and garnish with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, accompanied by fresh berries or a cloud of whipped cream.

Notes

  • Prevent Banana Browning: Slice bananas just before assembling to maintain fresh appearance and prevent oxidation.
  • Achieve Perfect Crispness: Use room temperature butter for even, golden-brown bread exterior without burning.
  • Balance Chocolate Spread: Apply chocolate-hazelnut mixture moderately to prevent overwhelming sweetness and ensure clean sandwich assembly.
  • Alternate Dietary Options: Substitute regular bread with gluten-free varieties and use dairy-free chocolate spread for allergen-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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