Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich: How To Make A Classic PB&J

If you have peanut butter of any sort, jelly (or jam) of any sort, and sliced bread of any sort, then you right there have the three ingredients to the one and only “Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich.” I get it, it sounds a bit strange and there’s a huge possibility that you might not like it. But, you should first try it before criticizing it because you might end up liking it. The thing is you can eat this sandwich any time of day, whenever you want, wherever you want. It’s that simple. It’s that easy. It’s that PB&J mojo. So… whadda ya say?

What is it

The first recipe for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was published in an article by Julia Davis Chandler from the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics in 1901. Davis wrote, “For variety, some day try making little sandwiches, or bread fingers, of three very thin layers of bread and two of filling, one of peanut paste, whatever brand you prefer, and currant or crab-apple jelly for the other. The combination is delicious, and, so far as I know, original.”

Interestingly, this simple sandwich, sometimes served with pimiento and watercress, was known to be a delicate treat offered during high teas and elite parties according to Peanuts: The Illustrious History of the Goober Pea. It wasn't until the Great Depression that more families, as opposed to just the upper class, began to appreciate the sandwich more because it was recognized to be an affordable meal with high protein content. Then, World War II happened and the sandwich became a staple of the US Military's ration menu partly because it was easy to prepare and transport.

• Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  • 2 tablespoons of jelly or jam (any flavor)
  • 2 slices of bread (preferably white bread but any type works)
  • 2 tablespoons of butter (only if sandwich is to be grilled)


• Instructions for Classic PBJ
  1. Spread the peanut butter on one slice of bread.
  2. Spread jelly or jam on the other slice of bread.
  3. Put the two slices of bread together, with the peanut butter and jelly facing in.
  4. If you'd like, you can slice the sandwich diagonally. If not, serve and enjoy!


• Instructions for Grilled PBJ
  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on a medium-low, heated skillet or frying pan.
  2. Butter one side of each of the bread.
  3. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread that is not buttered.
  4. Spread jelly or jam on the other slice of bread that is not buttered.
  5. Put the two slices of bread together, with the peanut butter and jelly facing in and the buttered parts facing out.
  6. Place the buttered side of the bread on the pan for about 2 minutes or until it is cooked evenly and looks golden brown. Flip the sandwich over so that the other side is evenly cooked and looks golden brown.
  7. Remove the sandwich from the skillet or frying pan. If you'd like, you can slice the sandwich diagonally. If not, serve and enjoy!