1. Opt for whole wheat bread for a healthier sandwich.
2. Chunky peanut butter adds texture and crunch to your sandwich while creamy keeps it smooth and velvety.
3. Any type of jelly can be used. While strawberry, grape and raspberry are common, blueberry, blackberry and apple jelly make for tasty variations.
4. For a crispier texture and a warmer meal, toast the sandwich.
5. Those with peanut allergies may substitute cream cheese for peanut butter.

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• by Sarah L.

• A peanut butter and jelly sandwich can make a satisfying snack or a tasty meal. A favorite for kids, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are great for lunchtime and can be easily packed up to travel to school and on trips. The sandwiches are incredibly easy to make--even if you aren't skilled in the kitchen, you can undoubtedly make a perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

• A single peanut butter and jelly sandwich does not require a lot of ingredients, nor does it necessitate much equipment. If you're making multiple sandwiches, prepare them all simultaneously to save time.

• Ingredients
  • Sliced bread
  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly

• Equipment
  • Blunt knife
  • Plate

• You have a lot of options when it comes to the types of bread, peanut butter and jelly you can use in your sandwich.

• Bread

1. White bread is the traditional choice for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, however, the bread can tend to get soggy. Avoid the issue by choosing a whole grain bread with a heartier composition such as sourdough or rye.HealthyChild.net: Safe Lunch
2. Pick whole wheat bread for a healthier sandwich. Whole wheat bread contains fiber which will fill you up for longer and give the sandwich a heartier taste.MayoClinic.com Whole Grains
3. Rye bread will give your sandwich a rich flavor. Rye has also been shown to contain many health benefits such as lowering one's risk for diabetes and particular cancers.WhFoods.com: Rye
4. Opt for multi-grain bread if your sandwich is a meal rather than a snack. Multi-grain bread is full of oats and grains, making it substantial and filling.Baking Bites: Multi-Grain Bread

• Peanut Butter

1. Smooth peanut butter will make for a creamy, even-textured peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
2. Crunchy peanut butter will give you a more robust sandwich as it contains bits of actual peanuts.
3. Choose all-natural peanut butter for a taste that is most true to actual peanuts. Most store-bought peanut butters contain hydrogenated oil to prevent the peanut oil from separating. As it is preservative-free, it must be refrigerated to maintain freshness. All-natural peanut butter uses only peanuts and salt.PreparedPantry.com: Choosing the Right Peanut Butter
4. Make your own homemade peanut butter. It is a fun and fairly simple process that will give you fresh, delicious peanut butter.FoodNetwork.com: Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe

• Jelly

1. For a classic flavor, choose either strawberry, raspberry or grape jelly for your sandwich.
2. Cranberry jelly provides a tart flavor that complements the peanut butter well.PlanetGreen.Discovery.com: Cranberry Jam
3. For a sharp yet sweet flavor, pick apricot jelly for your PB & J.RecipeZaar.com: Apricot Jam
4. Blueberry and blackberry jelly pair well with peanut butter, and both fruits are rich in healthy antioxidants.BerryHealth.fst.oregonstate.edu: Berry Fact Sheets
5. For a milder flavor, try apple jelly with your sandwich.IrelandsEye.com: Apple Jelly

• Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to put the sandwich together.

1. Put two pieces of bread on a plate.
2. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread. The amount of peanut butter you add is up to your personal preference.
3. Place a dollop of jelly on the second slice of bread. Spread it evenly across the piece.
4. Put the peanut butter slice on top of the jelly slice, with the dry sides of the bread facing outwards.

• Now that you've assembled your peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you have a few serving options to consider.

• Slice It

1. Slice the sandwich into two halves. You can either slide it length-wise, making two rectangles or diagonally, making two triangles.
2. Cut the sandwich into quarters. This works particularly well for snacking. Again, you can choose between small squares or triangles, depending on the direction of your cuts.
3. Use a cookie-cutter to cut the sandwich into fun shapes such as hearts, flowers or stars.

• Crusts

1. For a lighter sandwich, cut off the crusts. By removing a portion of the bread, the sandwich will be less filling.
2. For more nutritional value, leave the crusts on the bread. Crusts have been shown to contain more antioxidants and nutrients than the center of the bread. ScienceDaily.com: Bread Crust Rich in Antioxidants
3. During the baking process, crusts form due to a reaction between sugars and proteins in the bread. As a result, they are more substantial than the bread's center and tend to add a chewier consistency to the sandwich.Baking911.com: Bread 101

• Toasting

1. For a crispier snack, toast the bread before assembling the sandwich.
2. Toast the assembled sandwich in a toaster oven or on a stove top for a warm, grilled peanut butter and jelly treat. In addition to the toasted bread, the peanut butter and jelly will melt, allowing them to intermix more easily.AllRecipes.com: Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

• There are several variations you can take on the classic PB & J sandwich.

1. For a more fruit-filled sandwich, opt for preserves rather than jelly.TheNibble: Jam Types and Definitions
2. Chocolate lovers can substitute chocolate hazelnut spread for peanut butter.Official Site: Nutella
3. For additional flavor, spread a thin layer of margarine or butter on the bread before adding the peanut butter.
4. Those with peanut allergies can substitute cream cheese for peanut butter.5MinutesforMom.com: Peanut Butter Substitute
5. Try using honey instead of jelly for an extra sweet sandwich.
6. Make a triple-layer PB & J sandwich by adding an additional slice of bread and extra layers of peanut butter and jelly.

• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are so good that you'll undoubtedly be eating them throughout your entire life. Try all the variations and experiment with your own tasty creations as well!