Lunch · american

PB and J Upgrade

The upgrade here is two things: better bread and real fruit instead of jelly. Sliced strawberries or banana inside a PB sandwich tastes noticeably fresher and adds actual nutrition without any extra effort.

PB and J Upgrade
Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the night before. The peanut butter layer prevents sogginess.

How to make it

  1. Spread peanut butter generously on all 8 slices of bread.

  2. Slice strawberries thin or slice banana into rounds.

  3. Layer fruit on 4 slices of the bread.

  4. Drizzle with a small amount of honey or add a thin layer of jam.

  5. Top with remaining bread slices and cut into triangles.

Use Dave's Killer Bread Thin-Sliced or Trader Joe's whole wheat sandwich bread for a sturdier base that holds up in a lunchbox. Natural peanut butter like Kirkland Organic from Costco spreads easily and has no added sugar. Fresh strawberries sliced thin or banana rounds are the fastest fruit option. The peanut butter on both sides of the bread acts as a moisture barrier, so the sandwich stays intact.

Swap ideas: use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a school that is nut-free; add a drizzle of real honey instead of fruit for a classic version; press the sandwich lightly before cutting to help it hold together better.

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Times are approximate. Adjust to your stove and your kids.