5 Easy Ways To Give Your PB&J Sandwich Some Crunch

Banana chips take things in a tropical direction

Bananas and peanut butter create a delightful pairing. This combination has been a favorite for smoothies and as a topping for breakfast toast for quite some time. But have you considered banana chips? These crunchy, dehydrated banana slices are readily available in grocery stores. Incorporating them into your peanut butter and jelly sandwich adds a new flavor dimension and a satisfying crunch. There are several ways to include this ingredient in your sandwich.

Since banana chips fall into the fruit category alongside jellies and jams, you can easily place them between the peanut butter and jelly. Alternatively, you could replace the jelly with banana chips, though this will result in a drier texture and a less sweet flavor. To enhance the taste of a peanut butter and banana chip sandwich, consider drizzling it with honey for added sweetness.

Different types of nuts offer different levels of crunch

Is your crunchy peanut butter lacking in crunch? No worries! Just toss in a handful of nuts to elevate your sandwich. Similar to the banana chips option, you can pair these nuts with jelly or use them instead, depending on your preference.

Simply sprinkle the nuts on top of the peanut butter while assembling your sandwich, then place the other slice of bread on top, or crush them lightly beforehand. When selecting nuts to add, opt for those with unique flavors and textures, such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts. This way, they will enhance the overall experience of the sandwich and provide a delightful contrast to the classic taste and texture of crunchy peanut butter.

Add bacon or bacon bits

Embrace your inner Elvis Presley by adding some crispy bacon—an ingredient that pairs well with just about anything—to your sandwich! The legendary Fool's Gold Loaf was crafted by chef Nick Andurlakis at the now-defunct Colorado Mine Company and is famously known as the late rock star's favorite sandwich.

Traditionally, this sandwich is made using a loaf of sourdough bread, generously buttered and baked in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it achieves a golden brown hue. The loaf is then sliced horizontally and hollowed out, filled with entire jars of peanut butter and jelly, and topped with a pound of crispy bacon. The bacon not only provides a satisfying crunch but also enhances the saltiness of the peanut butter, while the jelly adds a delightful sweet contrast. For a simpler version of this dish, consider sprinkling bacon bits onto your classic PB&J.

Make your PB&J pop with potato chips

For those seeking a little excitement, consider adding potato chips to your PB&J. While it's common to include chips in cold, savory sandwiches—especially those with deli meats or piled high with veggies—there's no reason to stop there. Elevate your peanut butter and jelly by inserting a layer of plain potato chips between the two main ingredients for a delightful crunch. If you're in the mood for a different flavor experience, try using flavored chips, such as cheddar and sour cream. After all, jam and cheese complement each other beautifully on a charcuterie board, so why not bring that combination to your sandwich?

Snappy chocolate chips lend some personality to PB&J

Who can resist dessert for lunch? (And if you think you can — just give it a shot before you judge!) Elevate your peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness by tossing in some chocolate chips. Like the other variations, this one can be tailored to your preferences.

You can choose from milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips, and you can even skip the jelly if you prefer. Without the jelly, you can recreate the flavors of a Reese's peanut butter cup by adding milk chocolate chips right on top of the peanut butter. Alternatively, feel free to explore other delicious combinations, such as raspberry jelly, peanut butter, and a sprinkle of white chocolate chips. If you don’t have chips handy, chocolate chunks will work just as well — you can even chop up your favorite chocolate bar. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to refreshing the classic PB&J!