Though pizza (chocolate or otherwise) is the way to my man’s heart, a Roasted Strawberry & Chocolate Hazelnut Panini makes my heart skip a beat or two or three, every time!
Like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, strawberries and Valentine’s Day are a magnetic duo. Whether dripping in melted chocolate, eaten straight from the pack following a gentle wash under cool water, or roasted down to their most concentrated deep sweet flavor – strawberries are to February 14th what Romeo is to Juliet….an obvious choice.
Ravishing to look at, ruby-colored and heart-shaped, strawberries are nature’s valentines.
Now, how about we take it one step further and marry these little beauties to chocolate hazelnut, toasty bread and a light dusting of powdered sugar?
Have I got your attention? Good! Because I have another treat for you…
I am beyond thrilled to have joined forces with some of my favorite blogger-friends from across the country to bring you a beautiful array of Valentine’s Day treats.
Stay tuned ’til the end for links to our Virtual Valentine’s Day Party. You just might want to pour yourself a second cup of coffee and get real comfortable…
My offering, Roasted Strawberry & Chocolate Hazelnut Panini, is as versatile a treat as they come. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dessert…this Italian inspired grilled sandwich slathered in your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread than topped with fresh strawberries roasted in high heat with a little olive oil and maple syrup is a thing of beauty!
Here’s to a Valentine’s Day that’s as sweet as the contents of this post!
Buon Appetito!
Print
Roasted Strawberry & Chocolate Hazelnut Panini
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
- 16 oz. strawberries, hulled
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 Ciabatta loaf
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Hazelnut spread
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Chop strawberries into large pieces and place in a medium sized bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup and salt. Pour over the strawberries and toss to coat the berries.
- Arrange the strawberries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet prepared with parchment paper.
- Roast for about 40 minutes, or long enough for the berry juices to thicken (but not burn).
- Remove from oven and place berries in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Slice ciabatta into 1-inch slices and smear chocolate hazelnut spread on each piece.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of roasted strawberries per sandwich.
- Prepare the panini maker with a spray of cooking oil and preheat to 375 F.
- Place the sandwich on the panini maker and press for 3 – 5 minutes. (No panini maker? No problem! Simply preheat a skillet with butter or olive oil, add your sandwich then press it down with a heavy pan until golden and crisp, about 3 – 4 minutes.)
- Remove when the panini is golden and crunchy.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.
Virtual Valentine’s Day Party! Decadence and deliciousness abound! #vdaysweettreats
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Ciao Chow Bambina
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CIAO!
I am in love with this gorgeous panino! I might actually like it for lunch, since I would eat sweet over savory every meal of the day 😉 (Well, maybe an exception for pizza or pasta 😉 . So beautiful, Annie, thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Nicoletta! This is one I could eat all day long! 🙂
I’m pretty sure my heart skipped a beat too, Annie! This is the best panini I’ve ever seen in my life! Beautiful photos too! XO
With all these skipped beats we better be careful! 😉 So glad you like it, my friend! Thank you! XO
This is going to be my favorite sandwich! I get my sweet fix plus my chocolate fix! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert all in one. And to top everything off – I get my fruit too. This is wonderful!! Can’t wait to make it. Thank you, Annie!! xoxo
This is delish! The roasted strawberries become the most intense jam that you’ll ever have! Enjoy, my friend! xoxo
What fun this is! Strawberries and chocolate are such a perfect pairing, and I love your reference to “nature’s valentines!”
I’ve not had my panini press out in awhile, and I’ve never made a sweet one… I’m looking forward to giving this one a whirl! Happy Valentine’s Day 🙂
I couldn’t agree more…strawberries and chocolate are a perfect pairing! And now is as good a time as any to bring that panini press out! Enjoy!! 🙂
Absolutely brilliant! I love this idea and especially the roasted strawberries 🙂 The intense strawberry flavour with the chocolate and hazelnut must be perfection. Happy Valentine’s!
The intense strawberry and chocolate hazelnut flavors with the crunch of the bread and light light sprinkling of powdered sugar makes for layers of extreme taste! Thank you, Jennifer!
So fun to be participating in this Valentine’s day round up with you Annie! One of these days we WILL meet in person! Strawberries are my all time favorite fruit, and they are a MUST for Valentine’s day! I am over here swooning over this Panini!!!! GENIUS, Annie! I love that you roasted the strawberries! And the addition of hazelnuts?! GIMME! Seriously, I want a few of these right now for breakfast! Pinned! Cheers!
Aren’t these round ups great! I love connecting with so many wonderful people on a united front….especially when it involves cakes and cookies! Thanks, friend! Cheers! <3
And, of course, Pinning, but you probably already knew that 😉
You’re so sweet! <3
I think most food is a way to a man’s heart….or maybe mine too, lol 😀 I never thought to have a dessert panini. Where has this been all my life?? I think I do need to get a second coffee and make this. I’m seriously swooning over here, Annie! Happy Valentine’s Day and have a wonderful weekend! XO
When toasty bread is involved – my honey and I could have it mornin’ noon and night! And a sweet panini is no exception! Thanks, my friend! Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!! XO
oh my!!!! that is simply gorgeous Annie! i’m thinking I may just have to make one for breakfast right now since there’s no way I could wait for dessert! another stunner!
My daughter’s friend is coming to visit next weekend and she’s made sure this is on the menu! It’s a good one…I already can’t wait! Thanks, my dear!
What a great panini idea!! and such beautiful pictures Annie!!!
Thank you so much, Gaila!! xo
Soooo fabulous Annie! There’s nothing better than the chocolate strawberry combo on Valentine’s Day! I totally agree that this one is perfect for any meal on that special day!
Thanks, Mary Ann! Chocolate and strawberries are the way to many a heart, for sure! 🙂
Now this is my kind of panini! Anything with nutella is a winner in my book, especially when it’s paired with strawberries! What a fun way to eat a sandwich, Annie!
I know you love your panini, too! Thanks, Gayle! This one’s a keeper! 🙂