Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it – this Nutella Grilled Cheese might just become your new favourite sandwich!
If you’ve ever paused at the thought of combining Nutella and cheese, I was right there with you. Once I tried it, though, I was convinced: the sweet, chocolaty hazelnut spread and a mild, melting cheese make a delightful contrast. This recipe turns that pairing into an easy, gooey grilled sandwich that’s quick to make and unapologetically indulgent.
Nutella Cheese Sandwich
At its heart this is a celebration of sweet and savoury: the silky cocoa and hazelnut flavours of Nutella set against the creamy, slightly salty melt of cheese. The key is balance—choose a cheese that complements rather than competes with the chocolate. Read on for tips, the full recipe, and simple steps to get a golden, melty sandwich every time.
What cheese to use?
My top pick is Brie. It’s mild, creamy and melts beautifully into the Nutella, creating a marbled effect and a soft, pillowy centre. Milder cheeses create the best contrast with Nutella; they let the chocolate flavour shine while adding just enough savoury richness. If you want alternatives, try mild cheddar or mozzarella for a different, but still tasty, result.
Do I need to remove the rind from Brie?
I don’t bother removing the rind. It’s thin and largely disappears into the melted cheese during cooking, and removing it wastes part of the wedge. If you prefer the texture without rind, you can take it off, but it isn’t necessary.
Quick process overview: place buttered bread butter-side-down in the pan, spread Nutella on the exposed surface (photo 1), add the brie slices (photo 2), top with the second slice nutella-side-down (photo 3), and fry both sides until golden and melty (photo 4).
What bread to use?
Because the filling is very gooey, a sturdy loaf is best. I recommend sourdough or another firm, rustic bread sliced fairly thick — this keeps the sandwich intact as the filling melts. Thin, soft sandwich bread will get soggy and won’t hold up as well.
Ready for the full recipe? Here’s how to make this Nutella Grilled Cheese.
How to make a Nutella Grilled Cheese (Full Recipe)
Recipe at a glance
Course: Brunch | Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches | Calories per serving: 619 kcal
Equipment
- Bread knife and chopping board
- Non-stick pan and spatula/turner
Ingredients
- 8 fairly thick slices of Sourdough (or another firm bread)
- 1 x 9 oz / 250 g round block of Brie, sliced into 12 wedges
- 8 tbsp Nutella
- Butter, as needed for frying
Instructions
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Place the slices butter-side-down and spread about 1 tbsp of Nutella on each exposed side.
- Arrange three slices of brie on four of the Nutella-spread slices. Top each with the remaining bread slices, placing them nutella-side-down so the buttered side faces up.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sandwiches and cook until the bottom is golden, 3–5 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese starts to ooze. Depending on pan size, cook in batches.
- Allow the sandwiches to rest for a minute after cooking so the filling sets slightly, then slice and serve while warm.
Notes & tips
a) Brie: I usually leave the rind on; it largely disappears into the melted cheese and is barely noticeable. Camembert would be the closest substitute if you don’t have brie, though it’s a touch more pungent.
b) Cheese substitutes: Start with brie as recommended. If you want to experiment afterward, try mild cheddar or mozzarella for different textures and flavours.
c) Bread: Use a sturdy, thick-sliced bread like sourdough so the sandwich holds up to the gooey centre. Avoid thin, soft white bread.
d) Serving suggestion: This sandwich is rich—serve it with fresh fruit, a small side salad, or a few crunchy pickle slices to balance the sweetness.
Nutrition (per sandwich)
Calories: 619 kcal
Fat: 41.22 g (Saturated Fat: 29.03 g) | Cholesterol: 93 mg | Sodium: 745 mg
Carbohydrates: 43.29 g (Fiber: 3.1 g, Sugar: 20.62 g) | Protein: 18.61 g
Vitamin A: 726 IU | Calcium: 190 mg | Iron: 3.11 mg
*Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition assumes one tablespoon of butter per sandwich and is for guidance only.
If you love Nutella, you might also enjoy other sweet-and-savoury grilled sandwiches such as brie grilled cheese, turkey cranberry grilled cheese, or an Elvis-style sandwich. Try experimenting with different mild cheeses and sturdy breads to find your favourite combination.
If you tried this Nutella sandwich, leave a comment to share how it went or any tasty variations you created!