The Ultimate Grilled Nutella and Cream Cheese Sandwich with Fresh Strawberries: A Sweet Treat for Any Time

Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food obsession: the Grilled Nutella and Cream Cheese Sandwich with Strawberries. While I was tempted to keep this culinary delight under wraps for a special occasion, its sheer deliciousness demands immediate sharing. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, tangy, and gooey textures, all wrapped up in perfectly golden, toasted bread. Whether you’re craving something special for breakfast, a delightful twist for lunch, or an indulgent snack, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Right now, strawberries are gloriously in season, and their vibrant freshness truly elevates this sandwich from great to utterly sublime. The juicy, slightly tart berries provide the perfect counterpoint to the rich Nutella and the smooth, subtly tangy cream cheese, creating a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.

Inspiration and Raves: A Sandwich Approved by the Toughest Critics

The ingenious concept for this sweet grilled sandwich originally caught my eye over at Plain Chicken, a fantastic source for creative and mouth-watering recipes. Steph, the genius behind Plain Chicken, is truly a kindred spirit when it comes to delicious concoctions – think Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundaes and Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. While she also offers plenty of healthy options, it’s clear she understands the joy of a good treat! I highly recommend checking out her site for more culinary inspiration.

But back to this sandwich! To truly gauge its success, I enlisted the help of my toughest food critics: my son and youngest daughter. Their verdict? A resounding “thumbs up!” – with their other hands busy bringing the sandwich back to their mouths for another bite. In my household, that’s the highest praise a dish can receive. It speaks volumes about how universally loved this simple yet decadent creation is, proving it’s a winner for all ages.

Why This Sweet Grilled Sandwich is a Must-Try

Beyond its delicious taste, there are several reasons why this grilled Nutella and cream cheese sandwich should be on your regular rotation:

• Simplicity: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal cooking steps, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, even on a busy morning.
• Versatility: It seamlessly transitions from a decadent breakfast or brunch item to a satisfying lunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a unique dessert.
• Kid-Friendly: The combination of chocolate-hazelnut spread and sweet cream cheese with fruit is a guaranteed hit with children, making it a great way to sneak in some fresh fruit.
• Comfort Food at its Best: The warm, gooey interior and crispy exterior provide a comforting experience that’s hard to beat, especially when you need a little sweet escape.
• Flavor Balance: The tang of cream cheese beautifully cuts through the richness of Nutella, while fresh strawberries add a burst of fruity brightness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

A Deep Dive into the Simple Ingredients

Each ingredient in this sandwich plays a crucial role in its overall deliciousness:

• Firm Bread: The foundation of our sandwich. While I opted for an Italian bread, other firm varieties like brioche, challah, or even a good quality sourdough can work wonderfully. The key is a bread that holds its shape and crisps up nicely without becoming soggy. Avoid overly soft or thin slices, as they won’t stand up to the fillings and grilling process as well.
• Nutella Spread: The star, offering its iconic chocolate-hazelnut flavor. When warmed, Nutella becomes wonderfully gooey and intensely aromatic, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is purely addictive. Its richness is a major draw.
• Softened Cream Cheese: This is where the magic truly happens. Softened cream cheese spreads smoothly and, when warmed, becomes even creamier. Its slight tanginess is essential for cutting through the sweetness of the Nutella and enhancing the fruit, preventing the sandwich from being overly cloying. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy spreading.
• Fresh Strawberries: Sliced flat, these berries add a burst of juicy sweetness and a touch of tartness, along with a delightful textural contrast. Their vibrant color makes the sandwich visually appealing too. While strawberries are ideal when in season, you can experiment with other sliced fruits like bananas, raspberries, or even thinly sliced apples for different flavor profiles.
• Butter or Margarine for Grilling: Essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior. Butter imparts a richer flavor, but margarine works just as well for creating a beautifully toasted crust that encases the warm, soft filling.

Grilled Nutella and Cream Cheese Sandwich

Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.

Ingredients

• 2 slices firm bread (Italian bread recommended)
• Nutella spread
• Softened Cream Cheese
• 4-6 strawberries, sliced flat
• Butter or margarine for grilling

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Bread: On one slice of bread, spread a generous amount of softened cream cheese, similar to how you’d prepare a bagel. On the other slice, spread a liberal layer of Nutella.
2. Heat and Butter Pan: Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Once warm, add butter or margarine and let it melt, ensuring the surface is well-coated. Place the cream cheese-covered bread slice onto the melted butter, plain side down.
3. Add Strawberries: While the first side toasts, arrange the flat-sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese on the bread.
4. Grill to Perfection: Continue to cook until the underside of the bread is a perfect golden brown. Carefully place the Nutella-covered slice on top of the strawberry-cream cheese side to complete the sandwich. Flip the entire sandwich and grill the second side until it’s also golden brown and the fillings are warm and gooey.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the pan and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This brief cooling time allows the flavors to truly combine and the fillings to set slightly, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.

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Tips for the Perfect Grilled Sweet Sandwich

• Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it much easier to spread evenly and prevents tearing the bread.
• Don’t Overdo the Heat: Medium heat is ideal. Too high, and the bread will burn before the fillings have a chance to warm and melt properly. Too low, and you’ll end up with soggy bread.
• Even Spreading: Ensure both the Nutella and cream cheese are spread as evenly as possible from edge to edge. This ensures every bite is filled with deliciousness.
• Slice Strawberries Thinly: Thinly sliced strawberries will heat through more quickly and meld better with the gooey fillings, creating a more cohesive texture.
• Patience for Browning: Resist the urge to flip too early. Let each side cook until it’s a deep, beautiful golden brown. This develops flavor and creates that satisfying crunch.
• The Importance of Cooling: While it’s tempting to dive right in, letting the sandwich cool for a few minutes allows the molten Nutella and cream cheese to set slightly, making it less messy and intensifying the combined flavors.
• Get Creative with Bread: While Italian bread is great, don’t hesitate to try other firm breads like challah or brioche for an extra rich experience, or a hearty sourdough for a slight tang.

Variations and Customizations for Your Sweet Grill

While the classic Nutella, cream cheese, and strawberry combination is stellar, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with these ideas:

• Fruit Swaps: Not a strawberry fan or want to try something new? Sliced bananas, raspberries, blueberries, or even thinly sliced peaches or mangos can be fantastic additions.
• Add a Pinch of Spice: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg mixed into the cream cheese can add a warm, cozy dimension.
• Extra Indulgence: For an even more decadent treat, sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips over the Nutella before grilling.
• Nut Butter Twist: If you don’t have Nutella, a good quality almond butter or peanut butter can be used, though the flavor profile will change significantly.
• Sweet Finish: After grilling, dust your sandwich lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.

This delightful sandwich, drawing inspiration from Plain Chicken, really is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. And yes, with cheese, Nutella (it’s mostly hazelnuts, right?), and fresh fruit, I’m absolutely going to call this healthy… in spirit, at least!

I’ve also linked up at some of these great parties to share this delightful recipe with a wider audience.

Want More Strawberry Goodness? Explore These Delicious Recipes!

If you’re as enamored with fresh strawberries as I am, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile fruit:

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this incredible Grilled Nutella and Cream Cheese Sandwich with Strawberries. It’s a simple pleasure that delivers immense satisfaction!