12 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Go Way Beyond a Sandwich (2024)

We'll never tire of the classic sweet and salty combo—so why restrict it to brown bag lunches? These PB&J recipes span every meal of the day, from smoothies and granola to decadent ice cream sammies.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

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With their crunchy streusel topping and berry jam drizzle, these transportable treats make mornings sweeter. There's no skimping on the peanut butter, either—a hefty ¾-cup serving is swirled into the batter. Whip up a batch (or two!) over the weekend, then serve for weekday breakfasts or as an after-school snack.

Recipe and photo from Erica's Sweet Tooth.

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PB&J Smoothie

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A winning way to use in-season strawberries, this refreshing, healthy smoothie is simple yet satisfying. The addition of peanut butter makes it hearty enough for breakfast, but it's also a great post-workout snack. A drizzle on top gives it an extra punch of protein (not to mention a gorgeous presentation).

Recipe and photo by Kitchen Treaty.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Donuts

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Instead of stopping at the bakery, whip up a batch of doughnuts at home—these have a soft, moist texture that rivals any store-bought option. This family-friendly version is piped full of jam, then dipped in a peanut butter glaze and sprinkled with chopped peanuts. There's no yeast in the recipe, so a last-minute Saturday morning indulgence is never out of the question.

Recipe and photo by Broma Bakery.

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PB&J Overnight Oats

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Start your day with these cool and creamy oats, which are made with almond milk, chia seeds, chunky peanut butter, and jam. Let the mixture sit overnight in the fridge, then grab a spoon and dig into the deliciousness. For an even heartier bowl, top the oats with sliced banana.

Recipe and photo by Oats For You.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola

12 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Go Way Beyond a Sandwich (5)

Creamy peanut butter, strawberry jelly, and honey combine to form this irresistible granola that crisps as it cools. Pair with yogurt and berries for a picture-perfect parfait, or eat by the handful (no judgment!). Make a large batch to enjoy all week long. For best results, store granola in an airtight container.

Recipe and photo by Maebells.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Bread

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When packing lunch, save yourself a step by swirling peanut butter and jelly straight into a loaf of homemade bread. If you've ever made cinnamon rolls, the technique will be familiar—rolling up the dough and sealing with a pinch. While it takes some time to rise, the results are impressive (and we're willing to bet it makes great French toast).

Recipe and photo from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody.

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Vegan PB&J Cups

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These vegan peanut butter cups come together in minutes, and their petite size keeps portions in check. Every bite bursts with homemade berry-chia jam, which we'd gladly spread on toast (or eat by the spoonful). The peanut butter shell is just as delicious, with cocoa butter lending a rich and creamy flavor.

Recipe and photo by Love Me, Feed Me.

31 Easy Vegan Recipes

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PB&J Waffle-Grilled Sandwich

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A waffle iron gives this sandwich crispy nooks and crannies—making it infinitely tastier than the average panini. Simply pile soft sandwich bread with toppings of your choice (think nut butters, berries, coconut, and chocolate), and then grill in the iron until warm and golden brown. Set up as a make-your-own sandwich bar for a special weeknight treat.

Recipe and photo by Edible Perspective.

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Grown-Up PB&J Toast

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If you love the classic combo of peanut butter and banana, try pairing nut butter with a medley of fruits. This five-ingredient masterpiece does just that, combining nectarines and blackberries with a smear of creamy peanut butter. Everything is piled onto a slice of toasty bread and drizzled with honey for a slightly sweet finish.

Recipe and photo from Healthy Nibbles and Bits.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Sandwiches

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Cookies that are too crunchy can make eating ice cream sandwiches a messy affair, but (eggless) peanut butter cookie dough keeps these perfectly intact. The homemade grape jelly ice cream provides a cooling, creamy contrast to the rich slices of dough. Store leftovers in the freezer, and enjoy when cravings hit.

Recipe and photo from Perpetually Hungry.

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Peanut Butter and Rhubarb Jelly Hot French Toast Sammie

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Treat a regular old peanut butter and jelly sandwich like French toast—dip it in egg, fry in butter, and dust with powdered sugar—for a truly decadent weekend brunch. The star of this version? Homemade rhubarb jelly, which is made with real vanilla beans and a fresh squeeze of lemon.

Recipe and photo from Half Baked Harvest.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffles

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You'll happily get out of bed for these golden, fluffy waffles, which have a dose of creamy peanut butter mixed straight into the batter. Fresh grapes give the syrup a juicy burst of flavor, and a sprinkling of peanuts adds a salty, nutty crunch. For a real indulgence, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream atop each waffle.

Recipe and photo by Miss Hangry Pants.

12 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Go Way Beyond a Sandwich (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to my peanut butter and jelly sandwich? ›

You can also add crunch elements like coconut flakes, granola, or chia seeds. If you're feeling adventurous, try the popular bacon-peanut butter combo, or try Elvis's famous peanut butter, bacon, and banana combination.

How to spice up your PB&J? ›

10+ Ways to Switch Up a PB&J
  1. Make a regular PB&J, then toast the whole thing. ...
  2. Swap the jelly for romaine lettuce and honey. ...
  3. Make a triple decker: bread, jelly, peanut butter, bread, peanut butter, jelly, bread. ...
  4. Add Nutella OR smoked almonds OR mini chocolate chips OR cereal. ...
  5. Go for an open-faced treatment.
Sep 22, 2023

What's the best jam with peanut butter? ›

In this article, we'll explore why grape jelly is considered the best jelly for PB&J sandwiches and delve into the reasons why GOOD GOOD's Concord sugar free grape jelly stands out as the best grape jelly for this beloved culinary duo.

How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without getting soggy? ›

Using the knife, scoop a large dollop of peanut butter and spread it onto the top of each slice of bread. Use as much peanut butter as desired. Putting peanut butter on each side will prevent the bread from getting soggy from the jelly- this is especially important if preparing the sandwich ahead of time.

How far in advance can you make PBJ? ›

Frequently asked questions. How far ahead can you make the sandwiches? These are great to make the night before, or they are so quick to put together in the morning to take to work or school. If you want to make them further ahead of time, keep them covered and refrigerated and consider toasting the bread.

What enhances peanut butter flavor? ›

You can further augment the gustatory potential of the peanut butter by using both vanilla extract and almond extract in your dough—just a splash of the latter is enough to boost your cookies' nuttiness (while remaining subtle enough that no one will cotton onto the presence of drupe essence in your legume dessert).

Should I have a PB&J before bed? ›

Therefore, eating peanut butter or other foods with tryptophan before bed may alleviate sleep issues. Peanut butter is highly nutritious and rich in protein, which reduces food cravings and promotes muscle growth. It also contains tryptophan, which may enhance sleep quality.

What is the best flavor jelly for PB&J? ›

Cooking blogger Helen Merritt says grape is the clear choice because it's not as prevalent. "Strawberry flavors are everywhere and grape flavor feels like something fresh and untypical," she tells Yahoo Life.

Is it okay to eat peanut butter and jam everyday? ›

Are Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches Healthy? Generally, yes, but some top tips can help you get the most benefits from eating PB&Js regularly. "To start, look for a whole grain or whole wheat bread for some added fiber," Harbstreet says.

What is the healthiest bread for PB&J? ›

If you use whole wheat bread, you'll get a fiber boost, which is healthy for your heart and digestive system.

Is there a healthy peanut butter and jelly? ›

Look for whole-grain or sprouted grain bread, 100% natural peanut butter, and jelly with no added sugar. Any combination of the above is a great way to boost the nutritional value, as well.

What does peanut butter and jelly do to your body? ›

It's power packed

A PB&J has 15 grams of protein per serving, 13 grams of plant-based unsaturated fat and 5 grams of fiber. That keeps you full and helps build muscle. Plus 12.5 grams of sugar provides the quick release of energy that athletes need.

What is it called when peanut butter and jelly are in the same jar? ›

Goober PB&J Stripes combines the best of Smucker's all in one jar — fresh-roasted peanuts paired with Smucker's fruit spreads. Goober Grape®

Are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches healthy? ›

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich can be a nutritionally balanced meal filled with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and key nutrients. However, the nutrient value of your PB&J depends on the types of bread, peanut butter, and jelly chosen.

What to put on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on Reddit? ›

Banana shake sounds perfect. Especially good when the grilled pb&j is on a multi-grain bread with chunky pb and apple butter. :) Nutella on a pb&j is pretty awesome too. Thin apple slices, adds some crunch and a bit of sweetness.

Can you put butter on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? ›

Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Spread jelly on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread; spread peanut butter on the other unbuttered side.

Is it good to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? ›

From a nutritional standpoint, a PB&J sandwich is pretty good,” says Ryan D. Andrews, MS, MA, RD, RYT, CSCS, and author of A Guide to Plant-Based Eating. You've got protein, fat, and fiber, all of which can support a healthy diet, he says. Peanut butter is a good low carb source of protein, packing 7 g in a 2 tbsp.

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