Let’s just be honest with each other, right from the start. This is dessert for breakfast. And that’s okay. My most cherished memory of Nutella toast is from a rainy Paris morning, standing at a tiny zinc counter, watching a formidable French woman spread an obscenely thick layer of the stuff onto a piece of baguette for my then six-year-old. The look of pure, unadulterated joy on his face, a chocolate mustache forming instantly, is etched in my mind forever. I don’t make it often, but when I do, I lean all the way in. No apologies.
Quick Look
| Prep | Cook | Total | Feeds | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mins | 3 mins | 5 mins | 1 Person | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s an instant mood-lifter, a little square of pure, uncomplicated joy.
- It satisfies a sweet tooth in a more interesting way than a candy bar.
- With a few smart toppings, you can balance the sweetness and feel a tiny bit virtuous.
- It’s a guaranteed winner with kids and the young at heart.
Grab These
- 1 thick slice of brioche, challah, or good white bread (This is not the time for sourdough—you need a soft, sweet, and pillowy base)
- 2 generous tablespoons of Nutella (I have strong feelings here—it must be the real, imported Italian stuff. The flavor is just deeper.)
- For the “Grown-Up Delight” Version You See Here:
- Sliced strawberries
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt
- A few chopped, roasted hazelnuts
Let’s Make It
The first rule of Nutella toast: you must abandon all restraint. This is not a place for a meager, see-through schmear. We are building a foundation of chocolate-hazelnut goodness. Your choice of bread is critical. I’m using a slice of rich, eggy brioche here. Toast it until it’s just golden and firm, but not hard. You want it to give way easily under the weight of the Nutella.
Now, work quickly. Spread the Nutella while the toast is warm, but not scalding hot. You want it to melt just enough to become glossy and easy to spread, but not so much that it becomes a liquid puddle. Cover the entire surface, right to the edges. Don’t be shy.
This is where we elevate it from a kid’s snack to something truly sublime. Immediately, scatter on thinly sliced strawberries. The bright, slightly tart berries cut through the intense sweetness of the spread perfectly. Then, take your roasted hazelnuts and crush them lightly in your hand before sprinkling them over the top. This adds a necessary crunch and reinforces that beautiful hazelnut flavor.
And now, the most important step of all: the salt. Just a few flakes of a good sea salt, scattered over the top. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s the secret weapon. It doesn’t make it taste salty; it makes it taste more chocolatey. It heightens every single flavor and balances the sweetness in a way that will make you wonder how you ever ate it without.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 480 kcal |
| Protein | ~ 7g |
| Carbohydrates | ~ 55g |
| Fat | ~ 28g |
| Fiber | ~ 4g |
| Sugar | ~ 35g |
| Note: Values are estimates and will vary with your specific ingredients. |
Variations & Add-Ins
- The Banana Bliss: A classic for a reason. Top with sliced banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The creamy banana and warm spice is a timeless pairing with the chocolate.
- The Orange Zest: This is a game-changer. After spreading the Nutella, use a microplane to zest a little orange directly over the top. The citrus oil that bursts out will make you see Nutella in a whole new light.
- The S’mores: For the ultimate indulgence, top with a few mini marshmallows and pop it under the broiler for 30 seconds until toasty. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
Serving Ideas
This is a treat, so serve it as such! I love it with a small, strong espresso to balance the sweetness. For a fun weekend brunch, make a platter of different Nutella toasts with various toppings and let everyone build their own.
Storage & Reheating
This does not store well. The bread will soften and the magic will be lost. This is a make-and-eat-immediately situation, and honestly, that’s part of its charm.
My Two Cents (Pro-Tip)
Warm your spreading knife under hot water before diving into the Nutella jar. The warm blade will glide through the spread, making it infinitely easier to get a thick, even layer without tearing your delicate toast to shreds.
You Asked, I’m Answering (FAQ)
- “Is there a way to make this slightly healthier?”
Absolutely! Use a whole-grain bread for fiber, and be very intentional with your toppings. Adding fresh fruit, nuts, and a light hand with the spread can make it a more balanced indulgence. You can also look for dark chocolate hazelnut spreads with a higher cocoa content and less sugar. - “My Nutella always gets runny and messy when I try to spread it on warm toast.”
You’re letting the toast get too hot! Let it cool for just 60 seconds after it pops. It should be warm to the touch, not so hot that it melts the Nutella on contact. You want control over your spread.