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
- Preparation: Spread a generous layer of chocolate-hazelnut mixture across one bread slice, ensuring complete and even distribution.
- 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.
- Coating: Brush the exterior of each bread surface with butter, guaranteeing a crisp and golden exterior during cooking.
- Heating: Warm a panini press or nonstick skillet to medium heat, preparing the ideal cooking environment.
- Cooking: Gently place the assembled sandwich onto the heated surface, allowing it to transform into a crispy, caramelized delicacy.
- Panini Press Method: Cook for 3-4 minutes until bread achieves a rich, golden tone and filling becomes luxuriously melted.
- Stovetop Alternative: Cook 2-3 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula to ensure uniform browning.
- 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