You know the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Well, pb&j sandwiches sure ain’t broke, but we could always use a fixin’ of peanut butter. From vegetables to breakfast foods, peanut butter matches with almost any food group. There are countless delicious ways to incorporate peanut butter into your daily meals and snacks. Look no further for some divine and nutty inspiration.
1. Peanut Butter Pancakes
Photo by Andrea Kang
The next time you’re whipping up a fresh batch of pancakes, try adding in about a third cup of creamy peanut butter (you can add more or less depending on how strong you like it). This will give your pancakes more protein and lots more flavor. If the pancakes were pre-made in your dining hall, you can also spread peanut butter on top like frosting.
2. Peanut Butter and Cucumbers
Photo by Lena Grossman
Although peanut butter and cucumbers seem like they live in two completely different worlds, the combination of nutty, dense peanut butter with a refreshing, light cucumber is extremely easy to prepare and such a healthy snack.
3. Peanut Butter Smoothie
Photo courtesy of bitememore.com
The next time you blend a fruit smoothie, try adding in a spoonful, or three, of peanut butter until you reach a nutty flavor and consistency you desire. Peanut butter compliments a banana smoothie perfectly, but feel free to experiment with other fruits, too.
4. Peanut Butter Popcorn
Photo by Alina Polishuk
Not only is this popcorn easy to make, but it’s healthy and a great alternative to ultra-buttery popcorn. All you have to do is microwave a bag of traditional popcorn (plain is the healthiest option), melt some peanut butter, and then drizzle the peanut sauce over your popcorn in a large bowl. If you’d prefer something a little sweeter, you can also add some honey into your peanut sauce.
5. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Photo by Meera Kumar
While this seems like such a straightforward, brilliant idea, for some reason very few people seem to know about it. All you need is milk (or water), a hot chocolate packet, peanut butter and a microwave. Follow the directions on your hot chocolate packet, but add peanut butter before putting it in the microwave.
6. Peanut Butter Muffins
Photo by Meera Kumar
Looking for a way to make that breakfast muffin or cupcake a little more substantial? It’s time to ditch the ultra-sugary frosting and use real peanut butter instead. You can even drizzle some chocolate sauce on top if you still want something sweet.
7. Pretzels with Peanut Butter
Photo by Emma Delaney
Although many people love pretzels for their salty flavor, they can get a little monotonous after a while. Next time you head over to the store to buy a bag of pretzels, grab an extra jar of peanut butter as well because adding in the extra protein and fiber that come with peanut butter can turn these pretzels into a much healthier option. If you’re feeling extra fancy, melt some butterscotch chips and dip your pretzels into it.
For more peanut butter recipes, check these out: