Some recipes conjure food memories. Others make me think of songs.
For no particular reason, I sang “Bananas in Pajamas” in my head while making this sandwich.
Bananas in pajamas,
Are coming down the stairs.
Bananas in pajamas,
Are coming down in coming down in pairs.
Bananas in pajamas,
Are chasing teddy bears…
What, you’ve never heard of “Bananas in Pajamas” before? It was an Australian TV show starring two large bananas with hands and feet, wearing blue and white pinstripe pajamas. Bananas. In pajamas. I only know about this show because it used to air right before the Sailor Moon time slot. Oh, yes. I wore my Sailor Moon fandom with pride through my knock-off Sailor Moon shirts, sweaters, backpacks, and pencil boxes.
In a way, these bananas are nestled in some pajamas. Cozy pajamas of grilled bread, creamy hazelnut chocolate, and a sprinkling of toasted coconut. The toasted coconut is there to give the filling a bit of texture. A small handful of chopped nuts will work wonders in this sandwich, too.
This sandwich can be made both ways—with sliced or mashed bananas. If you want something closer to the classic PB&J sandwich, I say mash the bananas. See the sandwich on the top. If you want more texture in the sandwich, leave the bananas sliced.
My initial 5-ingredient recipe was a grilled peanut butter and cheese sandwich with a touch of hot jelly. I say “initial” because my friend shot down that idea in a hot second. “Peanut butter and cheese? I don’t know, Lisa.” I think my urge to come up with a unique recipe got the better of me. Unless somebody else thinks that peanut butter and cheese should go together…
Grilled Banana Nutella Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices of seeded whole grain bread, or any bread you like
- 4 TBS nutella
- 2 small bananas, sliced
- 2 and 1/2 TBS toasted unsweetened coconut
- coconut oil spray, or your favorite cooking spray
Instructions
- Spread 1 tablespoon of nutella on each slice of bread. Spray the other side with cooking spray.
- Sprinkle some toasted coconut onto each slice of bread.
- Spread the sliced bananas onto two slices of bread in a single layer. Alternatively, you can mash the bananas first and spread the mixture evenly on two slices of bread. The sandwiches will taste the same whether you mash the bananas or not. It’s just a matter of texture. Cover the bananas with the other slice of bread.
- Heat a grill pan or a panini press. When the pan is hot, place a sandwich on top. Grill each side for about 2 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks on the bread. Repeat for the other sandwich.
- Cut the sandwiches in half and serve. Best served warm.
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Whoa, flashback to Bananas in Pajamas! This sandwich looks much better than that show was haha!
Lisa says
Haha! Thanks, Christina!
liz says
I don’t know if peanut butter and cheese should go together. What I do know is that you should never let anyone stop you from experimenting.
Until you post your peanut butter and cheese lab results, I will indulge in this scrumptious-sounding sandwich.
Lisa says
Thanks, Liz! I’ll give the cheese and peanut butter sandwich a go some time and report back on the blog!
Joanne says
Girl, I totally also watched Sailor Moon!! And Bananas in Pajamas. #guiltypleasures Much like this sandwich!
Lisa says
So glad I’m not the only person who’s all about the Sailor Moon + Bananas in PJs!
Maggie says
This is genius idea! I had the banana nutella combination in a dessert a while ago and loved the flavor! This one actually looks much more healthier and super delicious! It’ll be a great breakfast dish or a post run snack. My boyfriend will love this 🙂
Lisa says
Do they sell nutella in China? I bet it’s pretty expensive at those foreign goods stores!
Christine | No Gojis No Glory says
My husband would die over this recipe! He is a banana and Nutella fanatic. Have you ever been to a Waffles & Dinges? This combo kind of reminds me of something you’d find there. Those waffles are super delicious and I’m sure this would be as well. P.S You should definitely try the PB and cheese combo…you might be missing out on something good!
Lisa says
I’ve never heard of Waffles & Dinges before! I just looked them up, and I wish I visited when I was in New York!
It’s so funny because so many people have been telling me that I should try the PB and cheese sandwich. I’ll have to make that my weekend assignment now!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
wow these grilled banana sandwiches look to die for, Lisa! I NEED one too!
Lisa says
Thanks, Angie!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I just can’t stop gazing at it! Ah! I love a grilled sandwich! Everything all warm and melty…it is perfect!
Lisa says
Aww, thanks, Rebecca! It’s soo good when it’s fresh off the pan!
Christie says
I love the sound of this. I love peanut butter and banans so why not nutella and bananas. Yum!
Lisa says
Thanks, Christie!
Kayli says
Why not Nutella, banana, AND crunchy peanut butter?
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
This sounds sooo good! I always liked to grill PB&Js 🙂
Lisa says
Thanks, Alysia! Grilling them totally takes the sandwiches to a new level!
lindsay says
oh heavens woman, now i have that song stuck in my head and i want that for lunch. Yes please!
Lisa says
Hahaha, that song is strangely catchy! Come over and I’ll make this for lunch!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
I need to try this! One of my favorite snacks is toast with banana and PB. Haven’t tried it with Nutella….I bet this is delicious!
Lisa says
Patty, you need to try it with some Nutella (especially if you love chocolate)!
Kerri Olkjer says
Oh my goodness. That looks so AMAZING.
Lisa says
Thanks, Kerri!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
Oh sweet heavenly snacks! Eating this for lunch just seems SO right!
Lisa says
Yes! Thanks, Gwen!
Erin@WellPlated says
Guess what song I have stuck in my head right now! You owe me a grilled peanut butter and nutella sandwich;-)
Lisa says
Haha, deal!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This sandwich sounds seriously heavenly! Love that it’s only five ingredients but has so many great flavors packed in!
Lisa says
Thanks, Medha!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
I have to admit that I haven’t heard of bananas in pajamas before but I love that! And this looks amazing!
Lisa says
Thanks, Christine!
Sandra Laflamme says
They have a sandwich like this called the Elvis at my favorite coffee shop. It is heavenly. Your recipe is amazing!!!
Lisa says
You’re right—it’s so similar to the Elvis! Thanks, Sandra!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
Mmmm I love cooked bananas! So delicious. And those photos are absolutely mouthwatering!
Lisa says
Thanks, lady! It was hard to resist eating these while I was photographing them!
RFC says
I feel like I’m the only person on earth that DOESN’T like nutella!!! That said, my kids love it. I bet they would love this sandwich! Thank you for the recipe!
Lisa says
Hah, it’s ok if you don’t like Nutella. Do let me know if you make it for your kids!
daria says
Brilliant idea! These look super delicious!
Lisa says
Thanks, Daria!
Jen and Emily @ Layers of Happiness says
Part of my loves you, and at the same time, part of me loves you for this incredibly delicious, over the top sandwich!! Literally everything I need in a sandwich – drooling!
Lisa says
Thanks!!
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
Nutella and banana’s are one of the best combinations out there. I love it on toast, pancakes and waffles too!
Lisa says
Me too, Shelby!