Deliciously Easy Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

This warm and crispy grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich recipe is a delicious take on a traditional pb&j.  Made with the comforting and familiar peanut butter and strawberry jam, but taking it a step further toward sophistication by adding a few nutrition-boosting elements and grilled to buttery perfection.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MAKE A PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH?

If you ask me, the best way to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is grilled and gussied up with some nutrition-boosting goodies. 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

Sandwiches are always a great way to save time and money for lunch and it doesn't get any easier than classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I'm sure this is why most of us grew up having them in our lunch boxes.  But let’s face it, grilled sandwiches feel so much more grown up, and I think once you've experienced a warm peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you may never go back to the old-school version.

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE GRILLED PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY:

• Bread: I used sliced french bread for this recipe. A sourdough bread is also a great option or a gluten-free bread if needed. 
• Peanut Butter: crunchy or smooth creamy peanut butter, it’s totally up to you, but I like to use smooth salted peanut butter since I’ll be adding crunchy hemp seeds.
• Jam: this recipe calls for strawberry jam.
• Vegan Butter: I like to use the spreadable Earth Balance brand, but feel free to use what you have on hand.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Hemp Seeds: I love adding these to recipes for the nutritional benefits.  They’re an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Cacao Powder: the chocolate flavor goes well with both the peanut butter and the strawberry flavor. Cacao is high in antioxidants, but this also makes the pb&j sandwich taste a bit more decadent. 

HOW TO MAKE A GRILLED PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY SANDWICH:

1. Smear. Spread peanut butter and jelly on opposite sides of the bread.
2. Sprinkle on the hemp seeds, cacao powder, and/or any other additions you would like onto either the peanut butter side or the jelly side.
3. Spread. Close the sandwich and spread the butter on each side.
4. Grill.  In a skillet over medium heat, grill the sandwich on both sides until golden brown and crispy around the edges. About 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Enjoy after allowing the sandwich to cool for a minute or two.

GRILLED PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY SANDWICH SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Seed & Nut Butter: When I don’t have peanut butter I love to use cashew butter or almond butter. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower butter is also a great alternative.
• Jams & Jellies: Strawberry is my go-to, but there are so many great jams and spreads to choose from that go great with peanut butter. Mixed berry, orange marmalade, raspberry, grape, peach, and if you’re feeling adventurous, banana jam.
• Bread: Regular soft sandwich bread is perfect for a quintessential pb&j, but since we’re going for something a little more sophisticated, I would recommend sourdough, french, or any other artisanal bread that will grill nicely.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY SANDWICH MORE NUTRITIOUS:

Fruit:

• Sliced Bananas
• Thinly Sliced Apples or Pears
• Fresh Strawberries
• Fresh blueberries

Nuts & Seeds:

• Hemp Seeds
• Sunflower Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Sliced Almonds
• Flax Seeds
• Chia Seeds (best if mixed into the jam and allowed to set for about 30 minutes)

Superfoods:

• Cacao Nibs or Powder
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Maca Powder

MORE VEGAN SANDWICH RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:

• Easy Curry Chickpea Salad Sandwiches (Vegan)
• The Best Roasted Vegetable Sandwiches | Easy and Vegan
• Easy Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

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