What’s your preference, crunchy or creamy peanut butter? Peanut butter is a protein packed snack or tasty addition to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Perfect by the spoonful or added to any tasty treat. You have got to try these peanut butter pairings!
I can easily say that peanut butter is one of my favorite foods, and apparently the rest of America has a strong love for this food item too. According to Statista, around 91.41 million Americans consumed one jar of peanut butter within the last 30 days. Peanut butter has always been a staple amongst US households, but as of recent times, many different nut butters have started to gain popularity. A wide array of almond, walnut, pistachio, and cashew butters are commonly available, yet we can’t forget the OG of butters- peanut! Peanut butter first gained its popularity with its best companion, jelly. The first recipe for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich appeared in 1901. It gained more popularity throughout the Great Depression and World War II. This protein-packed, relatively cheap, and long shelf-life spread made Americans go crazy.
What would we do in elementary school without eating our weekly peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the classic, all American favorite lunchtime meal. But we can’t forget how good peanut butter is with bananas, apples, celery, toast, pancakes, smoothies, chocolate, pie, candy, pretzels, ice cream, and the list goes on. It seems to be the best enhancement and ingredient worthy of a permanent position in all desserts. Peanut butter makes everything better! But how about these strange peanut butter pairings that taste oh so good.
PB with Pizza
Another fan favorite food is pizza. But have you ever tried pairing it with peanut butter? If not, you are missing out! After you enjoy your slice of pizza, no matter the type, spread some creamy peanut butter on the crust and experience a new world of flavor. Something about a buttery, garlic crust works so well with peanut butter. This even pairs well with garlic bread. Let’s be real. Peanut butter goes well with any carb-loaded snack. Personally, I have never tried peanut butter spread on top of the entire pizza (sauce and all), however that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t be opposed to it. I have yet to find a gross pairing, so I’m sure peanut butter would be the perfect addition to any crust, tomato sauce, cheese, peperoni, sausage, etc.
We all know peanut butter is fantastic with dessert. And who doesn’t love a dessert pizza. So how about a crust spread with melted chocolate and topped with all kinds of fun things like candies, marshmallows, fruit, and then drizzled with peanut butter? I say YUM!
PB with Cheeseburgers
And yet, another popular food that hardly anyone thinks to pair peanut butter with – CHEESEBURGERS! Why haven’t all restaurants added a jar of peanut butter to their table of condiments? While I say you should add this to your burger, don’t let this stop you from adding the basics of ketchup, mustard, and mayo. The more the merrier! These flavors blend so well together, making it truly mind blowing. The secret to success is having the bun a little warm so that when the peanut butter spreads it slowly starts to melt. Just thinking about it is making my mouth water! This is definitely a meal you will want extra napkins for. Those are the types of meals that are the best!
While I can't certify that all burger joints in this sandwich-loving world offer peanut butter as a condiment, you will be able to find some restaurants that do. Don't be afraid to ask and ignore any weird looks you may get.
PB with Chili
How about a warm, melty mix with chili. Chili comes in many forms. Noodles or no, beans or not, vegetarian or all the meats. But have you ever added creamy peanut butter to the list? Throw in a spoonful of peanut butter to any bowl of warm chili and it will blend so well. The color of the chili will change subtly, but the flavor will explode. Something about the pb brings out all of the delicious flavors inside the bowl.
If adding peanut butter to the bowl is a little too much for you, you at least have to pair the bowl with a peanut butter sandwich. No jelly, just peanut butter. AND you must dip it. This is an absolute must. My elementary school knew what was up when they served us peanut butter sandwiches with chili and chocolate chip cookies. This is the ultimate trio.
Whether it’s Skippy, Jif, Peter Pan, Smuckers, Justins, Earth Balance, MaraNatha, no butter is bad. Some might bring back nostalgic memories while others add a greater health benefit to any diet. Every butter is the perfect pairing to anything beyond the basics.
These peanut butter pairings are not a false alarm. It goes great with everything!