Golden Crispy Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Recipe Everyone Loves

Decadent chocolate and hazelnut melt together in this irresistible chocolate-hazelnut panini that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet sandwiches can become extraordinary when golden bread meets rich, creamy spread.

Italian-style grilling techniques turn simple ingredients into a luxurious treat that sparks joy with every bite.

Crisp exterior gives way to a molten center that oozes delectable flavor.

Breakfast, dessert, or midday snack – this panini adapts to every craving.

Warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying, you cannot resist this simple yet elegant creation.

One taste will transport you to a cozy café in the heart of Italy.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Ingredient Overview

• Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread: Creamy, indulgent base that delivers rich, nutty sweetness and creates a decadent foundation for the panini.

• Brioche Bread, Sourdough Bread: Soft, sturdy breads that provide a golden, crisp exterior when grilled and complement the smooth chocolate spread.

• Banana: Fresh, sweet fruit that adds natural creaminess and a subtle tropical twist to balance the intense chocolate flavor, best when ripe and slightly firm.

Panini Prep Tools You’ll Want Handy

• Panini press or heavy skillet: Essential for toasting and pressing the sandwich to golden perfection.
• Butter knife or spreader: Perfect for evenly spreading chocolate-hazelnut spread on bread.
• Cutting board: Helpful for slicing bananas and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice bananas into thin, even pieces.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping and transferring panini during cooking.

How to Toast a Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini

• Slather Sweet Spread Transform bread slices with a generous coating of rich chocolate-hazelnut goodness across their surface.
• Layer Fruity Goodness Add delicate banana slices on top of the chocolate spread for an extra burst of flavor and creamy texture.
• Sandwich and Seal Press the two bread slices together, creating a delightful flavor package ready for grilling.
• Grill to Perfection Place the assembled sandwich into a hot panini press or skillet, cooking until the bread turns golden brown and crispy with gorgeous grill marks.
• Slice and Serve Cut the panini diagonally, revealing the melted chocolate and soft banana interior, then plate immediately for an irresistible treat that combines warm, gooey chocolate with a hint of fresh fruit.

Tips for Melty Chocolate Panini Flavor

• Spread Smart: Use room temperature chocolate-hazelnut spread for easier spreading and even coverage on the bread.
• Banana Boost: Slice bananas thinly and evenly to prevent sandwich thickness from becoming uneven and ensure balanced flavor in each bite.
• Crispy Exterior Trick: Lightly butter the outside of the bread for a golden, crispy finish that adds extra richness and helps prevent sticking to the panini press.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular bread with gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the delicious chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
• Flavor Twist: Experiment with different nut spreads like almond butter or add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the chocolate and hazelnut combination for a more complex taste profile.

How to Serve a Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini

• Breakfast Bliss: Start your morning with this sweet panini alongside a steaming cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Dessert Delight: Transform this panini into a decadent dessert by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack these paninis wrapped in parchment paper for a quick and easy portable lunch or snack during outdoor adventures or road trips.
• Quick Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle some toasted chopped hazelnuts on top or drizzle extra melted chocolate for an elegant finishing touch that adds crunch and visual appeal.

Store Chocolate-Hazelnut Paninis Smartly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store completed panini in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual panini tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for maximum 1 month to retain flavor integrity.
• Next-Day Reheating Tip: Warm refrigerated panini in a skillet or panini press at medium heat for 2-3 minutes, restoring crispy exterior and melted chocolate centers.
• Fresh Ingredient Management: Keep chocolate-hazelnut spread sealed at room temperature and bananas in a cool, dry place to prevent premature ripening and ensure best sandwich quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 525 kcal

Servings: 2

Crispy Chocolate-Hazelnut Panini Recipe

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

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Description

Rich chocolate-hazelnut panini combines Italian sandwich craft with indulgent dessert flavors. Crisp bread, melted chocolate, and toasted hazelnuts create a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche)
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella)
• 1 banana, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• powdered sugar
• fresh berries

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Lavishly coat one bread slice with luxurious chocolate-hazelnut spread, extending to every edge, then optionally layer delicate banana slices for additional creaminess.
2. Assembly: Join the prepared bread slices, creating a unified sandwich, and gently brush the exterior surfaces with butter to promote golden caramelization.
3. Heating: Warm a panini press or heavy skillet to medium-high temperature, ensuring an ideal cooking surface for transforming the sandwich.
4. Grilling: Carefully position the assembled sandwich onto the heated surface, applying gentle pressure to compress layers and intensify flavor integration, rotating midway through cooking to guarantee uniform bronzing.
5. Finishing: Continue grilling until the exterior achieves a rich, golden-brown hue and the interior spread transforms into a molten, decadent texture, approximately 3-4 minutes total.
6. Resting: Remove from heat and allow a brief moment for the chocolate-hazelnut filling to stabilize and settle, enhancing the overall structural integrity.
7. Serving: Slice diagonally and present immediately, unveiling the tantalizing, gooey interior and releasing an irresistible aromatic experience.

Notes

• Spread Evenly: Use a butter knife or offset spatula to distribute chocolate-hazelnut spread completely to bread edges for consistent flavor.
• Control Heat Carefully: Medium-high heat prevents burning while ensuring crispy exterior and melted interior; watch panini closely during grilling.
• Banana Variation: Select ripe but firm bananas that slice cleanly without mushing to maintain structural integrity of the sandwich.
• Butter Technique: Apply softened butter thinly and uniformly across bread surface for optimal golden-brown caramelization without greasiness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg