8 Epic Ways to Make a Better Peanut Butter and Jelly

Pssst: One recipe involves peanut butter cups.

We love PB&J sandwiches for so many reasons. They are a comforting reminder or childhood, they are crazy simple to make and super satisfying, and the sweet-salty-creamy combo hits just the right spot. That’s why we’re all about celebrating January 24's National Peanut Butter Day with a tribute to this classic sandwich. Voila, 10 fun takes on the original sandwich.

1. Justin’s Ultra-Decadent Elvis Sandwich No need for jelly in this version of Elvis's famous PBJB. This one from Justin’s amps up the decadence with the addition of all-natural chocolate peanut butter cups.

Directions: Spread one slice of bread with 2 tablespoons Justin’s Peanut Butter. Top with ½ sliced banana and 2 Justin’s organic peanut butter cups. Place second slice of bread on top and press in a Panini press or skillet until warm and toasty.

2. The PBB Here’s a healthier take on the original PBJ. Just swap out the jelly for mixed berries for a healthy dose of antioxidants.

Directions: Spread one slice of whole grain bread with 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter. Top with ½ cup mixed berries and finish with another slice of whole grain bread on top.

3. Apple-Cinnamon-Raisin PB Sammie Apples, cinnamon, raisins, and peanut butter: a match made in heaven.

Directions: Spread one slice of cinnamon-raisin swirl bread with 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter. Top with slices of one small apple and sprinkle with ground cinnamon to taste. Top with another slice of cinnamon-raisin swirl bread and enjoy!

4. Honey Nut Crunch Peanut Butter Sandwich This sandwich features a combination of smooth and crunchy textures along with sweet and salty flavors.

Directions: Spread one slice of honey wheat bread with 2 tablespoons natural crunchy peanut butter. Top with ¼ cup crumbled pretzels and 1 tablespoon honey. Finish by placing another slice of honey wheat bread on top. Enjoy!

5. Open-Faced S’mores PB Sammie Pro-tip: Go the extra mile by topping this sandwich with marshmallows and placing under the broiler.

Directions: Spread one slice of bread with 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter. Top with 2 tablespoons chocolate chips and 4 large marshmallows. Place under the broiler until the chocolate chips begin to melt and the marshmallows become golden-brown on top.

6. Dip-able PBJ All the flavors of the classic come together in this wonderful, creamy dip.

Directions: Mix 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of your favorite jelly into 6 ounces vanilla Greek yogurt. Stir until smooth. Toast your favorite bread until crispy and dip into mixture.

7. Chocolate-Dipped Mini PBJ Banana Bites Swap out bread for banana slices and make mini-chocolate-dipped versions of the original sandwich.

Directions: Slice one medium banana into round slices. Top half of the slices with 1 teaspoon natural creamy peanut butter and ½ teaspoon strawberry jelly on each. Place other half of banana slices on top of each peanut-butter-and-jelly-topped slice. Melt ¼ cup dark chocolate chips in the microwave and dip each mini banana sandwich into melted chocolate. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until set. Enjoy!

8. Bacon, Brown Sugar, and PB Because, let’s face it. Everything is better with bacon.

Directions: Spread 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter on one slice of crusty bread and top with 2 teaspoons brown sugar. Place under broiler until warm and brown sugar melts into the peanut butter. Top with one large cooked and crumbled slice center cut bacon. Enjoy open-faced.

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Image Credit: baibaz