Nutella Panini

On a recent trip to Philly with our best friends, we had a delightful dinner at Tria. For dessert, we had a Nutella panini, which was unbelievable.  This isn’t rocket science, and yet it’s pure genius.

I don’t hide the fact that I’m not a huge chocolate fan.  While this comes as a surprise to many (shock, horror!), what was most surprising to me was the first time I had Nutella and I almost fell off the chair in what can only be described as pure joy.  Dramatic?  Perhaps . . . but the God’s honest truth.  Looks like chocolate, smells like chocolate, but tastes way better than chocolate.  The hazelnuts give it this depth and richness, but yet it’s not overpowering.  It has this sneaky smoothness about it, with a ever-so-slightly smokey flavor.  Smokey, you say?  Yep.  At any rate – YUM.

I like my panini really crisp, with oozing Nutella throughout.  Use a non-holey bread, or you’ll lose your precious Nutella all over the grill pan.  It truly only takes a minute to whip up this sinful little dessert!

Nutella Panini

For each panini:

2 slices dense white bread (not sourdough, but this is the only time you’ll hear me say that)
3 tablespoons Nutella
½ tablespoon butter, softened

Heat the grill pan on medium-high or turn on your panini press.

If slicing your own bread, make each slice about ¼-inch thick.   Spread one side of each slice with a very thin coat of butter.  Spread the other side of each slice with the Nutella.

Sandwich the slices together, press down slightly and place onto the grill pan or into the panini press.  Allow it to grill for about 1 minute on each side, depending on how hot your pan is, and how quickly it’s browning.  Flip over and grill until you have nice grill marks, and the Nutella is melt-y.  Cut in half or in triangles, and enjoy!

Don’t be surprised if you go back for another!

Tagged as: nutella, panini