The World's Best PB&J Sandwiches, According to Top Chefs

Photo credit: happy_lark
Photo credit: happy_lark

From Men's Health

Little kids love it. Pro athletes love it. What happens when you ask big-time chefs to upgrade the protein-packed, salty-sweet classic that is PB&J? Three different kinds of awesome, that's what.

Warning: The three peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to come will do several—if not all—of the following things...

  • Completely shift how you currently think about PB&J construction.

  • Expand your concept of "jelly."

  • Further deepen your appreciation for bacon.

  • Introduce you to honey slabs.

Photo credit: .
Photo credit: .

The Stinger

Photo credit: MIKE GARTEN
Photo credit: MIKE GARTEN

Linton Hopkins, chef of Holeman & Finch Public House, Atlanta

  • The bread: sourdough, buttered and toasted on 1 side

  • The nut butter: creamy peanut butter

  • The jelly: honeycomb (or raw honey)

  • The verdict: sweet and sour nutty perfection

The Healthy Elvis

Photo credit: MIKE GARTEN
Photo credit: MIKE GARTEN

David Varley, Chef of Canyon Ranch Resorts

  • The bread: organic multigrain, toasted

  • The nut butter: organic unsweetened creamy peanut butter

  • The jelly: all-fruit jam (your choice)

  • The toppings: 1 Tbsp cocoa nibs, 1/2 grilled banana (sliced)

  • The verdict: a bittersweet nutty banana symphony

The Fully Loaded

Photo credit: MIKE GARTEN
Photo credit: MIKE GARTEN

Troy Guard, owner/chef of the Tag Restaurant Group

  • The bread: wheat

  • The nut butter: almond butter (Guard likes the RX brand)

  • The jelly: berries, mashed with lemon juice and olive oil

  • The toppings: 2 strips bacon, 1 over-easy egg, black pepper

  • The verdict: a savory-salty-tart breakfast

Photo credit: .
Photo credit: .

Bonus: Make Your Own Peanut Butter!

Add 1 lb roasted, shelled unsalted peanuts to a food processor. Blend 2 minutes if you prefer chunky peanut butter or 5 minutes for smooth. Add 1 tsp honey and blend 30 seconds longer. Add salt to taste, and stir. Makes 1 jar

When you add the honey, you can also add . . .

  • 2 Tbsp raisins + 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips + 2 Tbsp cranberries

  • ? cup shredded coconut + 1 tsp vanilla extract + 1 pinch ground cayenne

These 9 Healthy Peanut and Nut Butters Taste Amazing on Pretty Much Anything

You Might Also Like