Nutella is a delicious hazelnut chocolate spread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its sweet, nutty flavor, Nutella pairs well with a variety of foods from breakfast to dessert. This article will explore the many options for what to eat with Nutella, from classic combinations to creative recipes.
Nutella Basics
First, let’s start with an overview of what exactly Nutella is. Nutella is a brand of hazelnut chocolate spread made by the Italian company Ferrero. The main ingredients in Nutella are sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa powder, milk powder, and vanillin (an artificial vanilla flavor). It has a smooth, creamy texture and a rich, indulgent taste.
Nutella was first created in Italy in 1964 and quickly became popular worldwide for its unique combination of chocolate and hazelnut flavors. It is now sold in over 160 countries. In the United States, Nutella has a cult-like following, with fans using it as a breakfast spread, a dessert topping, and everything in between.
Classic Nutella Pairings
Now that we know the basics, let’s look at some classic food pairings that bring out the best in Nutella’s flavor profile.
Nutella on Bread
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Nutella is slathered on toasted bread or muffins. The nutty chocolate spread pairs perfectly with the crunch of the toasted bread. Some great bread options include:
- Bagels – Slice a bagel in half and spread Nutella on each half before enjoying
- English muffins – Toast an English muffin then spread on a layer of Nutella
- Croissants – Nutella goes great with the flaky layers of a croissant
- Brioche – The sweetness of this bread makes it an ideal match for chocolatey Nutella
Nutella with Fruit
The sweet hazelnut flavor of Nutella also complements many different fruits. Try Nutella with sliced bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, pears, or figs. The fruit provides a sweet counterpart to the rich nutty chocolate. Bananas and Nutella between toasted bread makes an easy, delicious sandwich.
Nutella with Waffles or Pancakes
Lather Nutella onto waffles or pancakes for an indulgent brunch or breakfast treat. The nutty chocolate pairs well with the fluffy, sweet flavor of waffles and pancakes. Consider topping your Nutella waffles or pancakes with fruit, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Nutella with Nuts
Given that Nutella already contains hazelnuts, it’s no surprise that it also goes well with other types of nuts. Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, peanuts, or cashews onto toast or waffles topped with Nutella for some added crunch and flavor. You can also dip whole nuts like pretzel crisps or shortbread cookies into Nutella for an easy snack or party appetizer.
Nutella Milkshakes
Blend Nutella with ice cream and milk to create a decadent milkshake that’s perfect for chocolate lovers. Some tasty combinations include Nutella with vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, peanut butter ice cream, or hazelnut ice cream. Garnish your Nutella milkshake with whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts.
Creative Recipes with Nutella
While the classics are delicious, you can also get creative with unique recipes that highlight Nutella’s distinctive flavor. Here are some inventive recipe ideas that take Nutella to the next level:
Nutella Stuffed French Toast
For next-level breakfast, make French toast stuffed with Nutella! Follow your basic French toast recipe, but before cooking the batter-dipped bread, sandwich a layer of Nutella between two pieces of bread. Cook as normal and enjoy the Nutella center oozing out with each bite.
Nutella Grilled Cheese
Elevate the nostalgic grilled cheese by adding Nutella. Butter the outside of your bread slices and toast in a pan as usual, but smear a layer of Nutella onto one slice before topping with the cheese and second bread slice. The sweet and salty combo is simply divine.
Nutella Lasagna
That’s right – Nutella lasagna exists! Instead of tomato sauce, spread a thin layer of Nutella between each layer of lasagna noodles. Add ricotta cheese, fruit, chocolate chips, or other sweet ingredients of your choice. It may sound odd, but Nutella lasagna is now our new favorite dessert.
Nutella Pizza
Create a quick and easy Nutella dessert pizza by spreading Nutella over a flatbread or ready-made pizza crust. Top with desired fruits like banana slices or pineapple chunks. Finish with a drizzle of Nutella and you have a decadent chocolate dessert pizza the whole family will love.
Nutella Hot Chocolate
Mix Nutella into hot chocolate for an indulgent winter drink. Add hot milk, Nutella, and a dash of vanilla extract to a blender. Then blend until smooth and frothy. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Nutella Smoothie
Blend Nutella with your favorite fruits and milk or yogurt to create a sweet and satisfying smoothie. Banana, strawberry, and hazelnut make a tasty combo. Or go tropical with pineapple, mango, and coconut milk.
Nutella Hot Fudge Sundae
Nutella hot fudge takes ice cream sundaes to the next level. Simply heat Nutella with a bit of heavy cream until pourable, then drizzle generously over bowls of ice cream. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry for a picture-perfect (and mouthwatering) hot fudge sundae.
Nutella Baked Goods
Bakery favorites get an upgrade when Nutella is involved. Swirl Nutella into cheesecake, add a layer to cake or pie, or fold it into brownie batter. Nutella cookies and cupcakes are always a hit. And don’t forget classic Nutella stuffed crepes for breakfast or dessert.
Where to Buy Nutella
Wondering where to buy Nutella to try out all these amazing recipes? Here are some places you can find Nutella:
- Grocery stores – Most supermarkets carry Nutella, usually in the aisle with other nut butters and jams/spreads.
- Specialty shops – Some bakeries, coffee shops, and gourmet stores sell Nutella products.
- Online – Nutella can easily be purchased through online retailers like Amazon.
- Directly – You can order Nutella directly from the company’s website.
Nutella also makes great gifts and care package items. Consider buying some jars for the Nutella lover in your life!
Nutrition Information
Now that we’ve covered all the tasty ways to enjoy Nutella, let’s discuss its nutrition information.
Nutella is high in calories and fat. Two tablespoons contains 200 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 21 grams of sugar (via Ferrero). So while delicious, it should be enjoyed in moderation.
The main ingredients in Nutella are sugar and palm oil, followed by hazelnuts, cocoa, skim milk, and whey. It also contains soy lecithin as an emulsifier.
Here is the nutrition information for 2 tablespoons (37g) of Nutella:
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 3g
As you can see, the calories and sugar content is quite high for the serving size. But when enjoyed occasionally and in moderation, Nutella can be part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Nutella is a versatile and delicious hazelnut chocolate spread that can be enjoyed in everything from toast to milkshakes. With its sweet yet slightly nutty flavor, Nutella pairs well with bread, fruit, nuts, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, and more. While high in sugar and fat, it can be incorporated into a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Next time you buy a jar of Nutella, get creative and try whipping up one of the many recipes that highlight this iconic chocolate hazelnut spread.