15 Unique PB&J Recipes Kids Will Love (2024)

Looking for a little variety in the routine that the kids will actually still eat? Try these twists on an old favorite

If you’ve got a picky eater, there’s one thing you can almost guarantee they’ll eat—a PB&J. It might not be the most exciting combo in the world, but the good news is, there are a bunch of inventive recipes with peanut butter and jelly out there to help you kick it up a notch. To keep things fresh, we’ve found 15 ways to enjoy this classic treat for breakfast, snacks, and dessert.

Breakfast Recipes with Peanut Butter and Jelly

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

This recipe brings two classics together in the most perfect way. The only problem will be having to stop yourself from making it every Sunday.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffles

What we love about this breakfast idea is that you can absolutely use frozen waffles. Top them with peanut butter, honey, banana, raisins, or jelly.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Swirl Bread

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As much as we'd like to have a sit-down breakfast every morning, sometimes we just have to grub on the go. That's where this tasty breakfast bread from Cook Nourish Blisscomes in super handy—no messy knives and no sticky fingers, just a hearty slice of heaven to start your day. A word of warning: do NOT try and toast this bread, it will make quite a mess!

PB& J Pancake Sandwiches

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Using pancakes instead of bread? Why not? Before you go thinking you're spoiling your little jelly monsters, take a look at this recipe from Weelicious—it's healthy! We're pretty sure you won't hear many complaints, as your kids will be too busy snacking on their new favorite way to eat PB&Js.

Related:23 Easy-to-Prep School Lunch Ideas for Kids

Snack & Lunch Recipes with Peanut Butter and Jelly

Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Bites

These energy bites could work as a quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack. Full of protein and flavor, they take 15 minutes to make. Get the recipe from Favorite Family Recipes.

PB&J Pizza

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Our kids are already big fans of the cheesy variety, so we're pretty confident that they'll be beside themselves when they hear you're making them Nicole'sspecialPB&J pizza for snack. They'll be even more excited when you let them pick a topping or two—banana slices for pepperoni, coconut flakes for shredded cheese, get creative! Major style points if you can pipe the jelly out onto the pizza like this.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi

How do you make a sandwich even more finger food-y? Roll it up and cut it into sushi rolls. These would be great for feeding a bunch of little rugrats, as they could just pop a few of these in their mouths. We love Brit + Co.‘s idea of topping them with fresh fruit to compliment the flavors of the jelly.

Peanut Butter Quesadillas with Jelly Dipping Sauce

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This PB&J from Home Cooking Memories goes south of the border. Reducing the jelly down to a sauce makes a sweet, syrupy mixture that is great for dunking. Another great snack choice for multiple hungry mouths, whip up a few of these and lay them out for an afternoon snack.

Dessert PB&J Kids Will Love

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake

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Sounds good, looks good, tastes great. ThisChocolate-Covered Katierecipe uses a mixture of milk and vanilla extract instead of ice cream, so it's at least a little healthier for you. Adding in frozen berries for jelly also makes this shake extra smooth without the extra guilt. Best enjoyed with a crazy straw.

Dark Chocolate Dreams Sandwich

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After this treat, you may never want to sink your teeth into plain ole PB&J again! Peanut Butter & Co.'s Dark Chocolately Dreams spread, preserves and coconut is all it takes to make the sandwich of your dreams a reality.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake

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Sweet and savory is a classic flavor combo, and no two things bring together these tastes like peanut butter and jelly. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that Jessica of How Sweet It Is thought to create a PB&J-inspired dessert. Using whole wheat flour makes this cake a little more healthy, so you don't have to feel guilty about eating it for dessert...and next morning's breakfast.

PB&J Pops

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How many licks does it take to get to the center of a PB&J pop? We're not sure, but we know of a few little ones who wouldn't mind being our guinea pigs for this little experiment. Thanks to Catherine of Weelicious for another great PB&J recipe.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

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We love bite-sized desserts almost as much as our kids do. Plus, desserts always seem that much more adorable when they're just pop-able enough to warrant eating at least two or three. Jamie of My Baking Addiction makes these cupcakes with white cake in lieu of white bread, and have a hollowed-out center filled with sweet jelly, then topped with peanut butter frosting. Simplydecadent.

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15 Unique PB&J Recipes Kids Will Love (2024)

FAQs

How can I make my PB&J more interesting? ›

For a fresh take on the standard PB&J, try a Pita Pocket PB&J layered with the great taste of Jif Peanut Butter, Smucker's Jam, and fresh strawberries and bananas. Be creative! Swap out strawberries and strawberry jam for blueberries and blueberry jam, or raspberries and raspberry jam.

What else can you put on a PB&J sandwich? ›

  1. Peanut butter sandwiches can be quite versatile. ...
  2. Jelly or jam: Peanut butter and jelly/jam is a classic combination.
  3. Banana slices: They add natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
  4. Honey: Drizzling honey can provide extra sweetness and flavor.
  5. Sliced strawberries: Fresh strawberries can add a fruity twist.
Aug 8, 2021

How to spice up peanut butter and jelly sandwich? ›

10+ Ways to Switch Up a PB&J
  1. Make a regular PB&J, then toast the whole thing. ...
  2. Swap the jelly for romaine lettuce and honey. ...
  3. Make a triple decker: bread, jelly, peanut butter, bread, peanut butter, jelly, bread. ...
  4. Add Nutella OR smoked almonds OR mini chocolate chips OR cereal. ...
  5. Go for an open-faced treatment.
Sep 22, 2023

What does PB&J do to your body? ›

Health Benefits

Contains Fiber And Protein: GOOD GOOD® Peanut Butters contain added prebiotic fiber by adding natural chicory root. The combination of whole grain bread and peanut butter ensures your PB&J sandwich is rich in both fiber and protein, promoting digestive health and muscle maintenance.

What is the most popular jelly flavor for PB&J? ›

When it comes to the classic peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) sandwich, there's no doubt that grape jelly reigns supreme.

Is PB and J healthy for kids? ›

Depending on the type of bread, peanut butter, and jelly you use, a PB&J can be nutritionally balanced. Here are some health-promoting swaps for your peanut butter and jelly sandwich: Try to choose a nutrient-packed type of bread. Whole grain or sprouted grain is best.

Are PBJS good for kids? ›

Peanut butter and jelly is a classic favorite among kids and adults. And, good news, UnityPoint Health Dietitian Tricia Leininger says it's an excellent snack or quick meal. If you're wondering how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich healthy, Leininger gives these suggestions.

What age can kids have peanut butter and jelly? ›

Most babies can be introduced to peanut products around 6 months of age when they start solids. This includes peanut butter, powdered peanut butter, and peanut butter puffs. (Whole peanuts or peanut pieces are considered choking hazards until about age 3 or 4 years.)

What is a PB&J old fashioned? ›

A delicious PB&J Old Fashioned co*cktail crafted with Skrewball® Peanut Butter Whiskey and raspberry liqueur, topped off with a whimsical peanut butter and jelly sandwich garnish, blending nostalgia with sophistication.

What goes best with PBJ? ›

Milk: A classic choice, a glass of cold milk can balance the richness of the peanut butter and add a creamy contrast to the sandwich. Fruit Juice: Fruit juices, such as apple, grape, or orange juice, can enhance the fruity flavors of the jelly in the sandwich. Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened iced te.

What side dishes go with PB&J? ›

On one side of the PB&J sandwiches, I put healthy options like apple slices and celery with a small bowl of peanut butter to spread on them as well as some grapes, cheese crackers and potato chips. Since this board is made for sharing and snacking, I had to include our favorite Peanut Lovers' Snack Mix on it.

How do you make ahead of time peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? ›

Apply the jelly to one slice of the bread but keep jelly about a half an inch away from the edge of the bread on all sides. By doing this, the peanut butter will "seal" the sandwich and it will not get soggy. Put the sandwich together. Wrap and place in freezer bags.

What enhances peanut butter flavor? ›

Adding a small amount of vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra flavor. Mixing in cocoa powder or cacao nibs for a chocolate peanut butter. Mixing in a small amount of coconut oil for a creamier texture and a hint of coconut flavor. Mixing in a small amount of powdered ginger or nutmeg for a spicy kick.

What goes good with peanut butter and jelly? ›

Milk: A classic choice, a glass of cold milk can balance the richness of the peanut butter and add a creamy contrast to the sandwich. Fruit Juice: Fruit juices, such as apple, grape, or orange juice, can enhance the fruity flavors of the jelly in the sandwich. Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened iced te.

How to elevate pb and j reddit? ›

Banana shake sounds perfect. Especially good when the grilled pb&j is on a multi-grain bread with chunky pb and apple butter. :) Nutella on a pb&j is pretty awesome too. Thin apple slices, adds some crunch and a bit of sweetness.

Is it healthy to eat PB&J everyday? ›

While peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can provide some nutrients, relying solely on them for lunch every day might lead to potential nutritional deficiencies or excesses.

How do you make a PB&J sandwich activity? ›

Show your students the materials you have for making your sandwich. Hand out paper and pencils and ask each student (or pair of students) to write down their instructions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Have them pass the instructions to you when they are done.

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