Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
My mom game is strong over there with this Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich for the win. This grilled sandwich is a favorite around here and my kids love to have me make it for their friends!
How to Make a Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
WOW!! This recipe has been pinned and shared over 200,000 times! Who know that Grilled PB&J could stir up so much excitement (and controversy!) Yes… I’ve even had angry emails over this recipe, lol! Don’t mess with people’s PB&J I guess!
What are you thoughts? Yea or nay?
Opinions are strong on this one but the one thing I say, don’t knock it unless you’ve tried it. Leave a comment down below and let me know, and enjoy reading through those who have some great recipe spins on this sandwich and some who just really don’t even think this should be a recipe. What say you?
I probably make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches more than I should but my kids love them and let’s be honest, they are easy!
However, when I really want to up my “mom game” I bring out the Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich for the win. Even my hubby loves these grilled PB&Js and this is seriously one of my favorite super easy recipes.
Making grilled PB&J is so easy that you probably don’t even need a recipe, but sharing just in case you want to know how we have perfected them, I’m here for you will all the scoop about making THE very best peanut butter and jelly sandwich that you’ve ever had. Promise.
According to my hubby, it’s all in the bread but if you asked my kids, they don’t have a preference as to what type of bread I used, they love them all.
We first discovered this sandwich at a local restaurant, it’s a favorite on their kids’ menu. Once you’ve tried the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it’s really really hard to go back to a non-grilled version. In fact, you’ll just keep finding different ways to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich better!
This grilled sandwich recipes is definitely a favorite at home. I promise you, this recipe takes the PB&J to new heights. The buttery, crispy bread with the ooey gooey peanut butter and warm jam is heavenly! #MomWin for sure – everyone will love the melty peanut butter sensation that happens when you grill up a pb&j sandwich and this twist on a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a delicious addition to your favorite recipes.
How to Make a Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
(makes one sandwich)
Ingredients to make a Grilled PB&J
- Good quality sourdough bread (or white bread)
- Chunky peanut butter (creamy peanut butter works, but chunky is better!)
- Your favorite jam or jelly
- Softened butter (1 tablespoon butter if you are wanting to make a healthier sandwich)
How to Make a Grilled PB&J Sandwich
1. Spread the peanut butter on one side of the bread and the jam on the other.
2. Place the two sides together to make a sandwich, and spread the outside with the softened butter, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
3. Place a non-stick pan over medium heat.
4. When the pan is hot, carefully lay the sandwich in the middle.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned / golden brown on each side
6. Place sandwich on a plate and serve immediately!
Doesn’t that just look amazing? And really, it’s not much more complicated that a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich! If this is your first time making a grilled pb&j then you’ll just want to start simple – it’s pretty much just like making a grilled cheese sandwich but a little more messy and a lot more savory for the taste buds!
Believe it or not, this is also one of our favorite brunch recipes. It’s perfect for that transition between breakfast and lunch and this is such an easy recipe to make that I’ll often add it to our lineup when we serve buffet style brunch. It’s also great for kids or picky eaters!
Things to add to Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Over the years, we’ve gotten experimental with this sandwich and there are quite a few ways to change it up so that you are getting the same ol’ grilled PB&J all the time.
First of all, when it comes to the peanut butter, I really prefer the extra crunchy peanut butter, but that’s definitely a personal preference. I also prefer strawberry jam, but again, that’s a personal choice. The melted peanut butter with the warm jelly is really what puts this recipe over the top as the best bp&j sandwich you’ve ever had!
Drizzling some honey in between the peanut butter and jelly is a great way to kick this up a notch and if you really want to put it over the top, add in some banana slices. My tip if you decided to add banana slices and honey is to mash the banana slices into the peanut butter side – not the jelly side – because they’ll stick more and stay in place. Then you can drizzle the honey over the bananas and bring both pieces of bread together.
My son (he’s a teen) loves a few plain Lay’s potato chips in the middle to give it a salty touch and an added crunch.
To each his own, right?
Now I’m going to warn you, this next suggest might really seem like a stretch however, after a reader suggestion we tried it and I have to say, it’s an amazing combo: Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly and Bacon sandwiches.
I was skeptical but thought that for the sake of this popular recipe, I needed to try it out and I’m going to have to agree with the readers who swore by it, it’s an amazing flavor sensation.
Other reader suggestions (see comments below) include marshmallow cream, making this in the panini (yum!) and someone on my Facebook page also suggested pickles. I’ll have to take their word on that one, lol!
As you can see, this is more than just a plain on peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s a work of classic food art.
Print the Recipe for Grilled PB&J Sandwiches
Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
A fantastic twist on the old favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this grilled pb&j will become your new favorite. Such a yummy way to enjoy your favorite sandwich and it's so easy to make!
Ingredients
- 2 slices of good quality sourdough bread (or any bread will work)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite jam
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
Instructions
Spread the peanut butter on one side of the bread and the jam on the other.
Place the two sides together to make a sandwich, and spread the outside with the softened butter, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
Place a non-stick pan over medium heat.
When the pan is hot, carefully lay the sandwich in the middle.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
Serve immediately!
Doesn’t that just look amazing? And really, it’s not much more complicated that a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
Looking for other unique and easy recipes that your family will love? My kids go bananas (literally!) for my Peanut Butter Banana Waffles and they are another recipe that is SO easy. Also, while they are great for breakfast, we’ve been known to have them for lunch and even dinner … my kids LOVE these!
If you are looking for more great and easy recipe ideas, here are a few other favorites:
Meet the author – Keri Lyn
The creative and frugal mind behind She Saved for over 12 years now, Keri Lyn shares her adventures in parenting along with her love for family travel, country living and brand marketing. A self-proclaimed “brand loyalist”, Keri Lyn is known for her strong and enthusiastic voice when it comes to the products and brands that she loves. She Saved has become a community for like-minded consumers who appreciate saving money, time and sanity by getting the best deals on quality products and experiences.
I don’t mind eating this everyday! I love peanut butter and jelly and this is absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing!
I must try this grilled peanut butter sandwich! Thank you, Keri Lyn for sharing it at the Talk Of The Town Party – it is my feature this week. See you at the party on Tuesday evening!
I may need a peanut butter and jelly sandwich now!! Yummy!! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty hope you will join us again this week.
I make these in my panini machine, I make them with bananas added! The Elvis special!
This sounds soooo good!!
Add cheese to this it is great!!
I have been making these for 50 years but mine have couple slices of bacon in the middle.. Yummy
Berniece, you are my new hero!! That sounds so yummy!!
Delicious. My kids loved them
I spread the peanut butter on both slith slices of bread, and
Keri Lynn, I first had this sandwich the summer of 1973 at a drug store lunch counter in Morehead City, N. C. I don’t remember the name of the store, but I never forgot the sandwich—it was love at first bite! I was an 18 year old newlywed to. U. S. Marine. Thanks for this trip down memory lane. This sandwich has to be one of the definitions of comfort food.
Frieda, your comment absolutely made my day! I’ve gotten several comments from grouchy people saying this is gross, but your comment alone makes this completely and totally worth the fact that I shared it. I agree with you, this is the best comfort food and one that my kids (and hubby!) always ask for when they need a little extra love from mama 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
Oh wow… we are definitely trying these with bananas!
I want the recipe for the eanit butter banana waffles
This was included in a WonderBread cookbook a few years ago. My wife and I had submitted it and they published it! This was Sunday night supper at our home.
Hard to beat PBJ no matter how you fix it.
This has got to be a joke right? All I do and anyone would have to do is toast the bread in a toaster and put the peanut butter on the toast when it is still hot and it will melt. I mean seriously if anyone does it just like grilled cheese you have got to be some sort of special.
I love peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches. Never had one grilled. I have had peanut butter and marshmallow cream grilled we call a Fluffer Nutter sandwich that it’s delicious!
Lisa
Why are you ppl being disrespectful. If its not for you then move on. Didn’t your moma teach you any better. If you can’t say sonething nice don’t say anything at all. Thanks for sharing this. I just had someone ask me recently abt grilled pbj and i had never hears of it. PB and banana grilled.. im so gomna try this for a dessert this week..thanks
Frieda, every time I see this comment it makes me smile. Also, I have fond memories of drug store lunch counters – my grandmother used to take me for a Shirley Temple. I wish those types of drugs stores were still common.
Oh this makes me so happy!! Thanks for letting me know!
It’s 10x better grilled and yes, I’m (we) are all kinds of special… seems like you might be too 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Thanks so much for the kind comment Robbie … I think my skin has grown thick to the haters, so I focus on the ones that appreciate a simple amazing sandwich recipe. Kind readers like you are the ones who make this all worth while. THANK YOU!!
Putting a fried egg in the middle is next level Delicious!
Love this recipe my family grew up on peanut butter, jelly, and bacon on toast but it has been years since I have had this, going back in using your recipe, yummy
I have been making them for over 25 years! You can also do this when making French toast.
I l I be toasted pb&j tastey
That’s a sandwich!
I am definitely going to try this because I love a PB &J sandwich. This will put it over the top. Making my mouth water already. Sounds yummy!!! Thanks for letting me know about this since I have never heard of it.
Never thought to add a fried egg, perfect!!
I have a fantastic sandwich receipt, Take 2 slices of bread ad crunchy peanut butter on one slice an Miracle whip on the other ( has to be miracle whip) an a slice of Bologna in the middle , put the 2 slices together ,OMG, what a fantastic taste
As Elvis would say thank ya ,thank ya very much
Skip the jelly and add bananas and chocolate chips!
The only way I eat pbj is first Mayo then peanut butter then grape jelly not sure how that would taste hot. But to each his own
My sis n law dips bread in a egg wash then peanut butter, butter in pan n grill away , you can put syrup it you like on top… grilled French toast peanuts butter!
My mom used to make these for us 60+ years ago. Their deliciousness brings a tear to my eye. I especially eat them during Lent’s meatless days, but it sure doesn’t seem like a sacrifice. . And you can’t compare a sandwich on toast to a sandwich grilled-totally different, but I like PB&J on toast too. Grilling the sandwich brings it to another level. Thanks for alerting the folks who never knew.
I’m definitely going to try this. Here’s a good tip tho. When making a grilled sandwich (grilled cheese, etc.), instead of using butter on the outside of the bread to brown it, try spreading it with mayonnaise instead of butter. I promise you won’t taste the mayo when your sammy is done. The texture of the grilled bread will be outstanding. trust me.
The only thing I disagree with regarding the grilled peanut butter and jelly recipe is that peanut butter on both slices of bread, with the jelly between the peanut butter, is a MUST. First it gives the correct ratio of peanut butter to jelly. Second it keeps the bread from getting soggy from the jelly that becomes thinned out when heated. I’ve been eating these for over 50 years. Oh…. Caution, the jelly can be very hot!
Terri… I’m going to try this, thank you!! And yes, I do agree on the jelly!!
This was great. I used wheat bread with peanut butter and strawberry jam. I was one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a while