Peanut butter is a popular sandwich filling that can be paired with many different ingredients. The creamy or crunchy texture of peanut butter provides a nice contrast to other sandwich fillings. Peanut butter is quite versatile, meaning it goes well with both sweet and savory additions. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating the perfect peanut butter sandwich combo.
Fruits That Go Well With Peanut Butter
Fruits make excellent complements to the nutty flavor of peanut butter. The sweet taste balances the saltiness of the peanut butter. Here are some of the best fruits to consider:
Banana
Banana peanut butter sandwiches are a classic favorite. The sweetness of ripe banana couples perfectly with the creamy peanut butter. Slices of banana can be layered with peanut butter between two pieces of bread. Banana brings out the nutty notes in the peanut butter.
Strawberry
Strawberry peanut butter sandwiches are fruity and delicious. Either strawberry jam or fresh sliced strawberries can be used. The sweet juicy strawberries match well with the sticky peanut butter. Strawberries provide tangy sweetness to balance the toastiness of the peanut butter.
Apple
Apples have a nice crunch that contrasts the smooth peanut butter texture. Tart green apples slices or sweet red apple slices both pair nicely when combined with peanut butter. The apple crunchy peanut butter combo is slightly sweet with a hint of tanginess.
Pear
Just like apples, pears also supply crunch to peanut butter sandwiches. The grainy texture of pears offsets the creamy peanut butter. Both Bartlett and Anjou pears taste great with peanut butter. There is some sweetness, but pear has enough tartness to balance the peanut butter.
Grapes
Grapes offer bursts of sweet, juicy flavor that complement peanut butter’s nuttiness. Red grapes are an especially good choice. Halved grapes distributed across a peanut butter sandwich add pops of flavor in each bite. The grape juice also mixes nicely with the peanut butter.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots and cherries add chewy texture and concentrated sweetness to peanut butter sandwiches. The natural sugars in dried fruit pair well with the oils in peanut butter. These fruits add just the right amount of sweetness.
Berries
Berries like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries have the right balance of sweet and tart flavors to match with peanut butter. You can use either fresh berries or berry jam. The small berries tend to combine well with the dense texture of the peanut butter. The sweet juices from the berries soak into the bread.
Vegetables That Go Well With Peanut Butter
Peanut butter not only goes well with fruit, but also pairs nicely when combined with certain crunchy vegetables too. The vegetables provide texture contrast and moisture balance. Here are top vegetable choices:
Cucumber
Cucumber has a cool, crisp texture that pairs nicely with creamy peanut butter. Thinly sliced cucumbers between peanut buttered bread gives a refreshing flavor. The mild fresh taste of cucumber also highlights the nuttiness of the peanut butter.
Carrot
Shredded carrots or thin carrot slices can add crunch to a peanut butter sandwich. Carrot has just a touch of natural sweetness that accents the peanut butter. The vegetable moisture also balances out the sandwich.
Peppers
Both sweet and hot peppers complement peanut butter’s flavor profile. Peppers like jalapeno or bell pepper are crunchy and moist. Red and green bell peppers have a hint of sweetness, while jalapeno offers a spicy kick. The vegetables add a nice texture variation to the soft peanut butter.
Tomato
Sliced tomato is a refreshing choice to pair with peanut butter. The juicy tomato adds moisture to balance the sandwich. Sweet cherry tomatoes are especially tasty combined with peanut butter. The sweetness plays off the nutty peanut butter notes.
Onion
Raw thinly sliced red onion gives peanut butter sandwiches a bit of sharp bite. Onion has strong flavor, so it can stand up to peanut butter’s bold taste. The crunch of onion also contrasts nicely with the sandwich’s soft textures.
Lettuce
Crisp cool lettuce works well in peanut butter sandwiches. Both iceberg and romaine lettuce supply moisture and crunch. The lettuce helps cut through and cleanse the rich peanut butter flavor. Green leaf lettuce is an especially good choice.
Sprouts
Bean sprouts and alfalfa sprouts contain crunchy texture that makes a tasty pairing with peanut butter. Sprouts like these have a mild flavor, so they won’t compete with the peanut butter. The sprouts primarily add a nice crunch and freshness to the sandwiches.
Peanut Butter Sandwich Combinations
Now let’s explore some specific combinations of ingredients that taste fantastic when paired with peanut butter:
Peanut Butter and Jelly
The classic PB&J sandwich cannot be left out from the list. Concord grape and strawberry jellies are especially delicious with peanut butter. The sweet fruity flavors blend perfectly with the nutty peanut butter.
Peanut Butter and Honey
Honey peanut butter sandwiches are a favorite go-to option. Honey works well with peanut butter because of its sweetness. The smooth textures also complement each other. Use clover or wildflower honey for best results.
Peanut Butter and Banana
As mentioned earlier, peanut butter and banana is a top combination. The fruits’ sweetness pairs flawlessly with the peanut butter. For variety, add a dash of cinnamon or chocolate chips too.
Peanut Butter and Apple
Apple slices on peanut butter sandwiches add sweetness and crunch. For a flavor boost, use apple butter instead of regular peanut butter. The apple butter’s sweet appley taste enhances the sandwich.
Peanut Butter and Celery
Celery has the ideal crisp texture to offset peanut butter’s creaminess. Peanut butter also nicely accents the mild vegetable flavor. Enjoy this combo on toasted bread or stuffed in celery stalks.
Peanut Butter and Pickle
Tangy pickles complement the rich flavor of peanut butter. The pickle’s salty taste and crunch balances with the peanut butter’s texture. Use bread and butter pickles or dill pickles.
Peanut Butter and Bacon
Bacon takes peanut butter sandwiches up a notch. The smoky salty bacon flavor contrasts with the nutty sweet peanut butter. Crunchy toasted bacon crumbles pairs especially well with chunky peanut butter.
Peanut Butter and Marshmallow
Large fluffy marshmallows are an indulgent filling that goes great with peanut butter. The soft sweetness pairs perfectly with the dense peanut butter. For variety, use chocolate marshmallows.
Peanut Butter and Pretzel
Pretzels give peanut butter sandwiches a delicious salty crunch. Use thin pretzel sticks or pieces of hard pretzels in the sandwich. Sweet honey peanut butter also complements the saltiness of pretzels.
Peanut Butter and Granola
Crunchy peanut butter couples nicely with toasted granola or muesli mix. The oats, nuts, and dried fruit in granola provide contrasting flavors and textures that enhance peanut butter.
Peanut Butter and Nutella
For a decadent sandwich, pair peanut butter with chocolate hazelnut spread. The Nutella adds creamy sweetness that boosts peanut butter’s flavor. Consider adding banana slices too for more sweetness.
Peanut Butter and Jam
In addition to traditional grape and strawberry jams, also try peach, apricot, raspberry, or blackberry jams with peanut butter. Different fruit jams add sweet fruity flavor that accentuates peanut butter.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Chocolate takes peanut butter sandwiches up a notch. Use chocolate chips, chocolate bars, or chocolate syrup as a mix-in. The chocolate couples perfectly with peanut butter’s nutty taste.
Tips for Making the Best Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Use these handy tips to help create optimal peanut butter sandwiches:
- Select a bread type that can stand up to the dense peanut butter texture without getting soggy. Good choices include whole wheat, sourdough, rye, and raisin bread.
- Spread peanut butter evenly across both bread slices right to the edges to prevent the sandwich filling from leaking.
- Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter according to your texture preference.
- Pair sweet mix-in ingredients like fruits or honey with crunchy peanut butter. Combine savory mix-ins like pickles and pretzels with creamy peanut butter.
- Construct the sandwich thoughtfully by layering ingredients from wettest to driest so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
- Chill finished sandwiches to allow the flavors to mingle and to firm up the textures.
- Cut peanut butter sandwiches diagonally to get sharp sandwich points that don’t fall apart.
- If using fresh fruits or vegetables, coat the cut sides with lemon juice to prevent browning reactions.
- Wrap sandwiches well and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter not only tastes delicious, but it also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Here are some of the top benefits that peanut butter can provide:
High in Protein
Peanut butter contains over 7 grams of protein per 2 tablespoon serving. This makes it an excellent source of plant-based protein that helps maintain muscle mass.
Good Source of Fiber
Fiber is important for digestion and heart health. Peanut butter supplies almost 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving to help meet daily needs.
Rich in Vitamin E
Peanut butter provides 15% of the recommended daily Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Vitamin E also supports a healthy immune system.
High in Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 processes in the human body. Peanut butter is a good source of magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Heart Healthy Fats
Although high in calories, most of peanut butter’s fat content comes from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that promote heart health.
May Help Manage Blood Sugar
Peanut butter is a low glycemic index food that does not cause major blood sugar spikes due to its fat and fiber content. This makes peanut butter beneficial for diabetics.
Potential Drawbacks of Peanut Butter
Despite its nutritional benefits, peanut butter also has some drawbacks to consider:
- High in sodium – Peanut butter contains upwards of 100mg sodium per serving, so it should be limited by those on low sodium diets. Choose low sodium natural peanut butter when available.
- Allergy concerns – Peanut allergies are common, sometimes severe, and on the rise. Schools and public places often ban peanut products.
- Contains saturated fat – While peanut butter has healthy fats, it does contain a moderate amount of saturated fat from the peanuts. This should be limited by those at risk for heart disease.
- High calorie density – With almost 200 calories in just 2 tablespoons, peanut butter is very energy dense. Portion sizes need to be monitored closely.
- Aflatoxin risk – Peanuts crops are susceptible to aflatoxin mold contamination which can cause liver damage. Only purchase reputable peanut butter brands.
- Oxalate content – Peanuts contain oxalates that can contribute to kidney stone formation in those prone to this condition.
Best Peanut Butter Brands
With so many options on the market, how do you determine the best peanut butter choices? Here are some top peanut butter brands based on flavor, ingredients, and nutrition:
| Brand | Why It’s Recommended |
|---|---|
| Jif | Smooth, creamy texture. Timeless peanuty flavor. Available nationwide. |
| Skippy | Classic taste. Crunchy and natural varieties available. Low cost. |
| Justin’s | Organic ingredients. Unique flavor options like honey and maple. Sustainable practices. |
| Smucker’s | Natural peanut taste. Multiple crunchy textures. Affordable prices. |
| Trader Joe’s | Creamy and crunchy types. Unique flavor blends. Very affordable. |
| Smart Balance | Made with premium oils. 50% less saturated fat. Creamy taste. |
Conclusion
Peanut butter is a versatile sandwich ingredient that can be paired with both sweet and savory fillings. Fruits like bananas, apples, and strawberries complement peanut butter’s nutty flavor. Vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and celery also taste great with peanut butter thanks to their crunch and moisture. Classic combinations like peanut butter with jelly or pickles please crowds. Get creative mixing add-ins like bacon, chocolate, pretzels or marshmallows into peanut butter sandwiches. Just be mindful of peanut butter’s high calorie density if you are watching your weight. With so many delicious options, peanut butter and sandwiches are better together.
