Nutella Panini: Giada De Laurentiis’ Irresistible Italian Sandwich
Discover an Italian twist on dessert with Giada De Laurentiis’ Nutella sandwich—a deliciously simple treat that's easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
If you love the creamy richness of chocolate hazelnut spread and crave Italian-inspired treats, Giada De Laurentiis’ Nutella panini is the ultimate dessert sandwich. With its sweet, gooey filling wrapped in crisp, golden bread, this simple yet memorable recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress at breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: About 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Skill Level: Easy
What Makes This Nutella Panini Special?
The Nutella panini—sometimes called a chocolate-hazelnut sandwich or chocolate-strawberry panini—is an Italian-style pressed dessert. The magic comes from simple ingredients: layers of chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella) melted between slices of rich pound cake, grilled until perfectly crisp on the outside and warm on the inside. Optional extras like strawberries or bananas can add brightness and flavor, but the essence is the luscious texture and irresistible combination of chocolate and hazelnut with buttery cake.
Ingredients
- 12 (1/2-inch thick) slices pound cake (from 1 standard 10.75-ounce loaf)
- 1/4 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 6 fresh strawberries, hulled and very thinly sliced (optional)
- Butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray
Note: While strawberries complement the Nutella beautifully, you can substitute with bananas or omit fruit entirely for a pure chocolate experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a panini grill or countertop grill to medium according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Spread a thin, even layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread over one side of all pound cake slices.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries over the hazelnut spread on 6 slices of cake.
- Top with the remaining 6 cake slices, placing the chocolate-covered side facing down to form sandwiches.
- Spray your panini grill with butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray just before grilling.
- Carefully place each sandwich on the grill. Lower the lid and cook for about 2 minutes, until the cake is crisp and golden brown and the filling is warmed through.
- Remove each sandwich and let cool briefly, then cut in half. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Tips for Perfect Nutella Panini
- Use day-old pound cake for best texture; fresh cake can be too soft and may fall apart on the grill.
- Don’t overfill: A moderate amount of Nutella ensures the sandwich seals well and doesn’t ooze excessively during grilling.
- Chill the sandwiches for a few minutes before grilling if your kitchen is warm—this helps prevent the filling from running out.
- If you don’t have a panini grill, use a heavy skillet and press lightly with another pan on top to simulate the same effect.
Why Giada’s Nutella Sandwich Is So Popular
Giada De Laurentiis is famed for making classic Italian dishes accessible and family-friendly. Her Nutella panini, aired on Food Network’s Everyday Italian, draws on the Italian appreciation for transforming simple, everyday ingredients into memorable dishes. It’s a recipe that brings children and adults together in the kitchen, with customizable fillings and straightforward steps. The combination of chocolate-hazelnut and fruit delivers richness balanced by a touch of brightness, crafted from ingredients many already have at home.
Serve It Your Way: Customization Ideas
- Fruit Variations: Swap in thinly sliced bananas, raspberries, or even stone fruits like peaches when in season.
- Bread Options: Substitute the pound cake with brioche, challah, or even thick-cut white sandwich bread for a slightly different texture.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped roasted hazelnuts or almonds inside for added texture.
- Extra Indulgence: Serve with a scoop of vanilla gelato or lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side.
Nutrition Information
| Amount Per Serving | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300-350 (estimate) |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on bread type, add-ins, and portion size.
Making Ahead and Storing Tips
- Prep sandwiches a few hours in advance, wrapping them tightly in plastic and refrigerating until ready to grill.
- Leftover grilled panini can be stored (wrapped) at room temperature and gently reheated in a toaster oven for a freshly toasted effect.
Suggested Pairings
- Serve with espresso, cappuccino, or hot chocolate for a classic Italian café experience.
- Pair with fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch plate.
- Ideal as a simple dessert for children’s parties or elegant finish to an Italian-themed dinner.
Creative Twists & Fun Presentation Ideas
- Mini Nutella Panini Bites: Use small cookie cutters to form bite-sized versions for parties.
- Dusted with Powdered Sugar: After grilling, dust with a light layer of powdered sugar for presentation.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Let the grilled cake cool slightly, then stuff with a small scoop of vanilla or chocolate gelato for a decadent treat.
- Sweet and Savory: Top with a touch of mascarpone or a cheese like ricotta for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of pound cake?
A: Yes, you can use a sturdy white or brioche bread, though pound cake offers a more dessert-like flavor and texture.
Q: Do I need a panini press to make this recipe?
A: A dedicated panini grill is easiest, but a nonstick skillet with a heavy pan placed on top works well. Flip once for even browning.
Q: What fruits pair best with Nutella in this sandwich?
A: Strawberries and bananas are classic, but raspberries and thinly sliced pears are delicious alternatives.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Substitute gluten-free pound cake or your favorite gluten-free bread for the base.
Q: Is it possible to prepare Nutella panini ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the sandwiches in advance and refrigerate, grilling just before serving for the best texture.
Expert Tips from Giada De Laurentiis
- Let guests add their own toppings for a DIY dessert station at parties.
- Keep sandwiches warm in a low oven (200°F) if serving a crowd.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt to heighten the chocolate flavor.
- Ensure even thickness for all cake slices to promote uniform grilling.
More Italian-Inspired Dessert Sandwiches
- Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches: Try using hazelnut gelato or add crushed hazelnut candies for crunch.
- Ricotta and Honey Panini: Mix ricotta with honey and lemon zest for a light, tangy filling.
- Savory Takes: For a creative starter, layer dark chocolate with soft cheeses and grilled fruit.
Conclusion
Giada De Laurentiis’ Nutella panini is more than just a sandwich—it’s a celebration of Italian ingenuity, the joy of sharing food, and the universal love of chocolate. Whether served as an after-school surprise, a brunch showstopper, or the ultimate comfort dessert, this recipe delivers bold flavors and cherished memories. With a few basic ingredients and some creative inspiration, you can bring a slice of Italy into your own kitchen, one golden, gooey Nutella sandwich at a time.
