← What's For Dinner

American · Lunch

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Photograph of the finished dish Photograph of the finished dish
Photograph of the finished dish Photograph of the finished dish

Background

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich became an American staple in the early twentieth century as commercial peanut butter and sliced bread became widely available. Its inexpensive, portable ingredients made it especially popular with families.

Ingredients

  • 8 slices sandwich bread
  • 120 g smooth or crunchy peanut butter
  • 80 g grape jelly or another fruit preserve

How to cook

  1. Lay out the bread. Spread peanut butter to the edges of four slices; this layer helps keep jelly from soaking into the bread.
  2. Spread jelly over the peanut butter, or spread it on the other four slices for a more even sandwich.
  3. Close the sandwiches, cut as desired, and serve. For packed lunches, wrap tightly and keep cool if the bread or preserves require refrigeration.

Recipe photographs link to their original publishers.