Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Toasties: A Sweet Symphony

The first time I tasted a strawberry and chocolate combination was at a local farmer’s market. A small bakery stall offered chocolate-dipped strawberries, and I was instantly transported. The sweetness of the berries, paired with the slightly bitter chocolate, was a revelation. These Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Toasties bring back that memory, but with a warm, comforting twist, adding the nutty crunch of hazelnuts to the classic pairing. They are a delightful treat that I can’t wait to share with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-4 minutes
• Total Time: 17-19 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 8 slices white bread
• 12 tablespoons Nutella
• ½ cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
• 2 cups strawberries
• Canola oil cooking spray or olive oil flavored cooking spray
• Icing sugar, extra to serve
• Strawberry, extra to serve (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Knife
• Chopping board
• Frying pan or griddle

Instructions

1. Begin by spreading each slice of bread with 1 ½ tablespoons of Nutella on one side only. Be generous and ensure the Nutella covers the bread evenly, reaching almost to the edges.

2. Next, sprinkle ½ of the chopped hazelnuts over the Nutella on 4 pieces of bread. Distribute the hazelnuts evenly so that you get a nutty crunch in every bite.

3. Remove the leafy bits from the strawberries and slice coarsely. Slicing them thinly will ensure that they cook nicely and release their juices into the sandwich.

4. Now, lay the sliced strawberries evenly to cover the surface of the 4 pieces of bread with hazelnuts. Don’t overcrowd the slices; allow for some gaps to help the sandwich hold together.

5. Sprinkle the remaining hazelnuts over the strawberries, creating a second layer of nutty goodness.

6. Carefully cover each strawberry-hazelnut topped slice with another piece of bread, Nutella side down, to form a sandwich. Press down gently to help the ingredients adhere.

7. Cook the sandwiches one at a time for 1-2 minutes on each side. Before placing each sandwich in the pan, spray it lightly with canola oil cooking spray or olive oil flavored cooking spray. Ensure the pan is at medium heat to prevent burning and allow the Nutella to melt without over-toasting the bread. Spray the pan again between flipping each one to achieve that golden-brown toast.

8. To serve, slice each toastie diagonally into two triangles. Dust generously with icing sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with extra strawberries on the plate for added visual appeal.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Toast the Hazelnuts Yourself: While you can buy pre-toasted hazelnuts, toasting them yourself brings out their flavor even more. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. Rub off the skins after they’ve cooled slightly.

• Prevent Soggy Bread: If you’re worried about the bread becoming soggy from the strawberries, try spreading a thin layer of melted butter on the outside of the bread before cooking. This creates a barrier that helps keep the bread crisp.

• Nutella Alternative: If you don’t have Nutella on hand, any chocolate hazelnut spread will work beautifully. You could even use melted dark chocolate, although it won’t have the same nutty flavor.

• Even Cooking: Make sure your pan is evenly heated. An unevenly heated pan will result in some spots being burnt and other parts of the sandwich being undercooked.

• Pressing Matters: Pressing the sandwich down with a spatula while it’s cooking helps to melt the Nutella and create a more cohesive filling.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Toasties immediately while they are warm and the Nutella is gooey. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can toast them in a pan or toaster oven until warmed through. The bread may lose some of its crispness upon reheating. I don’t recommend freezing these, as the texture of the strawberries can change.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	300mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate	60g	20%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	30g	60%
Protein	8g	16%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. Ensure your chocolate hazelnut spread is also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Although Nutella contains dairy, many vegan chocolate hazelnut spreads are available. Use one of these, along with your favorite dairy-free bread for a completely dairy-free treat.
• Other Fruits: Not a strawberry fan? Try using sliced bananas, raspberries, or even thinly sliced apples. Each fruit will offer a slightly different flavor profile but will still pair beautifully with the chocolate and hazelnuts.
• Different Nuts: While hazelnuts are a key ingredient in this toastie, you could experiment with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: While you can use frozen strawberries, fresh strawberries will provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the sandwich to prevent it from becoming too soggy.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: These toasties are best enjoyed fresh. Making them ahead of time will result in soggy bread. You can, however, prepare all the ingredients in advance—slice the strawberries, chop the hazelnuts, and have the Nutella ready—to save time when you’re ready to assemble and cook the sandwiches.

Q: My Nutella is too hard to spread. What should I do?
A: If your Nutella is too firm, you can microwave it for a few seconds until it’s slightly softened. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can become too runny.

Q: What kind of bread works best for these toasties?
A: White bread is classic for toasties, but you can use any bread you like. Sourdough, brioche, or even whole wheat bread can all be delicious. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other ingredients to the filling, such as a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of mascarpone cheese, or even a few mini marshmallows.

Final Thoughts

Now, armed with this recipe, I encourage you to try creating these Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Toasties at home. Whether it’s a quick breakfast treat, a decadent dessert, or a sweet snack, this simple dish is sure to bring joy to your day. Feel free to share your creations and any variations you come up with! Perhaps pair it with a warm glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Happy cooking!