Swap Your Midnight Grilled Cheese For A Grilled PB&J Sandwich

If you're looking to shake up your late-night snack routine, consider swapping your traditional grilled cheese for a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This twist on a classic favorite brings a delightful balance of sweet and savory, offering a comforting and satisfying treat. The process is simple yet transformative. Start with your choice of bread and spread a generous layer of your favorite peanut butter on one slice. Add your preferred jelly or jam on the other slice, ensuring a nice even spread. Assemble the sandwich and butter the outer sides of the bread for that perfect, golden-brown crust. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich until the bread is crispy and the fillings are warm and gooey. The heat melds the peanut butter and jelly together, creating a rich, delectable filling that oozes with every bite. This grilled version elevates the traditional PB&J, enhancing the flavors and texture. Not only does this sandwich offer a nostalgic nod to childhood lunches, but it also provides a comforting indulgence that’s perfect for satisfying those midnight cravings. Whether you're in need of a sweet snack or a hearty treat, the grilled PB&J is a delightful alternative to consider.
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Tips for making a grilled PB&J

The ultimate late-night snacks focus on minimizing mess and maximizing convenience. The key to an easy cleanup is to use foil and plastic utensils—your future self will appreciate not having extra dishes to wash. While you can traditionally grill your PB&J by frying both sides of the sandwich in a buttered pan, there’s a simpler, mess-free method.

To keep things tidy, butter the outside of your bread in advance (using plastic utensils) and line the bottom of a toaster oven or air fryer basket with heavy-duty aluminum foil before grilling. A helpful tip to prevent mess is to combine the peanut butter and jelly into one sweet and savory spread. (If you skip this step, you might end up with jelly spilling everywhere.) Finally, to avoid a soggy sandwich, make sure not to completely wrap your grilled PB&J in foil.

Elevate your grilled PB&J with waffles

A grilled PB&J delivers the comforting blend of warm, fruity, and nutty flavors that many crave, but there’s plenty of room for creativity with your sandwich. You can experiment with different nut butters or even swap out the peanut butter entirely. When it comes to jams, you can stick with your go-to fruit flavors or take inspiration from Elvis Presley by adding some bacon jam.

To truly enhance your late-night snacking, consider swapping out traditional bread for two waffles—this is a game changer! The square pockets of the waffles not only keep the warm fillings contained but also provide a delightful texture and a burst of flavor from the peanut butter and jelly in every bite. However, not just any waffle will suffice. For an even more indulgent experience, opt for buttermilk waffles (especially those with fruit flavors), which are both fluffy and satisfyingly crisp. This twist on a grilled PB&J might seem unconventional, but waffles are the perfect base for these delicious toppings. Ultimately, no matter how you choose to prepare this sandwich, your evening will be all the better for it.

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