Peanut butter. Just the name conjures up images of childhood lunches, quick snacks, and that undeniable creamy, nutty flavor that so many adore. While the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich reigns supreme in many hearts, limiting this versatile spread to just one partner is a culinary crime. Peanut butter deserves more! It’s time to explore the vast, delicious world of what goes with peanut butter besides its ubiquitous jelly companion. We’re talking savory, sweet, spicy, and everything in between. Prepare to have your peanut butter horizons expanded.
The Sweet Side of Peanut Butter Pairings
Let’s be honest, the inherent sweetness of peanut butter makes it a natural fit for other sweet ingredients. But beyond the obvious, there are some truly inspired combinations waiting to be discovered.
Fruits: A Natural Harmony
Fruits and peanut butter are a match made in heaven. The sweetness and tang of fruit cut through the richness of the peanut butter, creating a balanced and satisfying snack or meal.
Bananas: This is a classic for a reason! The soft texture and mild sweetness of bananas complement peanut butter perfectly. Try it on toast, in a sandwich, or even blended into a smoothie. The potassium boost is an added bonus!
Apples: Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a delightful contrast to the creamy peanut butter. Sliced apples dipped in peanut butter make a healthy and satisfying snack.
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – the possibilities are endless. The slightly acidic flavor of berries balances the richness of peanut butter beautifully. Try a peanut butter and berry sandwich, or add berries to your peanut butter oatmeal.
Pears: Similar to apples, pears offer a slightly softer texture and a delicate sweetness that pairs well with peanut butter.
Dates: These naturally sweet and chewy fruits are a surprisingly delicious partner for peanut butter. The combination is especially satisfying for those with a sweet tooth. Stuff dates with peanut butter for a quick and easy treat.
Chocolate: An Indulgent Delight
Peanut butter and chocolate – need we say more? This iconic pairing is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweetness of peanut butter, creating a sophisticated and satisfying flavor combination.
Milk Chocolate: A classic choice for a reason. The creamy sweetness of milk chocolate complements peanut butter perfectly.
White Chocolate: For a truly decadent treat, try white chocolate and peanut butter. The sweetness of both ingredients is intense, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Cocoa Powder: Add cocoa powder to your peanut butter for a chocolatey twist. This is a great way to make a healthier chocolate peanut butter spread.
Honey and Maple Syrup: Natural Sweeteners
For a more natural approach to sweetening your peanut butter, honey and maple syrup are excellent choices.
Honey: The floral notes of honey complement the nutty flavor of peanut butter. Drizzle honey over your peanut butter toast or add it to your peanut butter smoothie.
Maple Syrup: The rich, caramel-like flavor of maple syrup is a perfect match for peanut butter. Use it in place of honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
Other Sweet Treats: Spreading the Joy
Marshmallow Fluff: For a truly nostalgic treat, try peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. This combination is undeniably sweet and satisfying.
Granola: Add granola to your peanut butter toast for extra crunch and sweetness.
Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination of peanut butter and pretzels is irresistible. Dip pretzels in peanut butter for a quick and easy snack.
Venturing into Savory Peanut Butter Combinations
While peanut butter is often associated with sweet flavors, it’s also incredibly versatile in savory dishes. Its nutty richness can add depth and complexity to a variety of savory recipes.
Vegetables: Unexpected Allies
Believe it or not, peanut butter and vegetables can be a surprisingly delicious combination.
Celery: This is another classic for a reason. The crisp, refreshing celery sticks are a great vessel for creamy peanut butter.
Carrots: Similar to celery, carrots offer a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that complements peanut butter well.
Cucumbers: For a more refreshing option, try peanut butter and cucumbers. The coolness of the cucumber balances the richness of the peanut butter.
Bell Peppers: The sweetness and slight bitterness of bell peppers can be surprisingly delicious with peanut butter.
Protein Power: Savory and Satisfying
Adding protein to your peanut butter creates a more substantial and satisfying meal or snack.
Bacon: The salty, smoky flavor of bacon is a perfect complement to the creamy, nutty peanut butter. Try a peanut butter and bacon sandwich for a truly decadent treat.
Chicken: Peanut butter can be used as a marinade or sauce for chicken, adding a rich and nutty flavor.
Tofu: Peanut butter can also be used to flavor tofu. Try marinating tofu in a peanut butter sauce before stir-frying or baking it.
Eggs: Add peanut butter to your scrambled eggs for a creamy and flavorful twist.
Spice it Up: Adding Heat and Complexity
Adding a touch of spice to your peanut butter can elevate it to a whole new level.
Sriracha: The fiery heat of Sriracha is a surprising but delicious complement to the creamy peanut butter.
Chili Flakes: For a milder kick, try adding chili flakes to your peanut butter.
Ginger: The warm, spicy flavor of ginger pairs well with peanut butter, adding depth and complexity.
Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor to your peanut butter. This is especially delicious in Asian-inspired dishes.
Other Savory Delights: Expanding the Palate
Crackers: Spread peanut butter on crackers for a quick and easy snack.
Avocado: The creamy texture and mild flavor of avocado make it a surprisingly good partner for peanut butter.
Cheese: While it may sound strange, some cheeses, like cheddar or brie, can be surprisingly delicious with peanut butter. The salty, savory cheese balances the sweetness of the peanut butter.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on your peanut butter toast for a savory and flavorful breakfast.
Peanut Butter in Recipes: Beyond Spreads and Sandwiches
Peanut butter’s versatility extends far beyond being a simple spread. It can be incorporated into countless recipes, adding flavor, richness, and texture.
Peanut Butter Sauces and Dressings
Peanut butter is a key ingredient in many Asian-inspired sauces and dressings.
Peanut Sauce for Noodles: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for a delicious and flavorful sauce for noodles.
Peanut Dressing for Salads: Peanut butter can also be used to make a creamy and flavorful salad dressing. Combine peanut butter, lime juice, honey, and water for a refreshing and healthy dressing.
Peanut Butter Baking: Adding Nutty Goodness
Peanut butter can be added to baked goods to add flavor and moisture.
Peanut Butter Cookies: This is a classic for a reason. Peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly delicious.
Peanut Butter Brownies: Add peanut butter to your brownie batter for a rich and decadent treat.
Peanut Butter Muffins: Peanut butter muffins are a great way to start the day.
Peanut Butter Smoothies: A Protein Boost
Peanut butter is a great addition to smoothies, adding protein and flavor.
Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie: Combine banana, peanut butter, milk, and ice for a quick and easy smoothie.
Green Peanut Butter Smoothie: Add spinach or kale to your peanut butter smoothie for a healthy and nutritious boost.
Peanut Butter as a Culinary Binding Agent
Peanut butter can serve as a culinary “glue,” helping to bind ingredients together.
Homemade Energy Bars: Use peanut butter to bind together oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for homemade energy bars.
Stuffed Dates: As mentioned previously, peanut butter is an ideal filling for dates, providing both flavor and structure.
Choosing the Right Peanut Butter: A Matter of Preference
The type of peanut butter you choose can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your pairings.
Creamy vs. Chunky: This is a matter of personal preference. Creamy peanut butter is smooth and easy to spread, while chunky peanut butter adds texture and crunch.
Natural vs. Processed: Natural peanut butter contains only peanuts and sometimes salt, while processed peanut butter may contain added sugars, oils, and other ingredients. Natural peanut butter may require stirring as the oil tends to separate.
Salted vs. Unsalted: Choose salted peanut butter if you prefer a salty flavor, or unsalted peanut butter if you prefer to control the salt content.
The world of peanut butter pairings is vast and exciting. From sweet to savory, spicy to refreshing, the possibilities are truly endless. So, ditch the jelly (just for a little while!) and embark on a culinary adventure. Experiment with different flavors and textures, and discover your own perfect peanut butter pairing. You might just be surprised at what you find. Don’t be afraid to be creative and try new things. The best peanut butter pairings are often the ones you least expect. Remember that quality ingredients will often give you the best result. Investing in good peanut butter goes a long way!
What are some savory flavor pairings for peanut butter, moving beyond sweet combinations?
Peanut butter’s nutty and slightly sweet profile makes it surprisingly versatile in savory dishes. Consider pairing it with spicy elements like sriracha, chili flakes, or even a drizzle of chili oil. These heat sources cut through the richness of the peanut butter, creating a complex and satisfying flavor. Additionally, umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, miso, or tamari can enhance peanut butter’s savory depth, working particularly well in noodle dishes or marinades.
Vegetables also offer a fantastic savory complement to peanut butter. Think about adding peanut butter to roasted Brussels sprouts, incorporating it into a vibrant salad dressing, or swirling it into a creamy vegetable soup. The earthiness of the vegetables, combined with peanut butter’s richness, creates a flavorful and texturally appealing experience.
Can peanut butter be used in baking, and if so, what are some successful applications?
Absolutely! Peanut butter is a fantastic addition to baked goods, adding moisture, richness, and a distinct nutty flavor. Classic peanut butter cookies are always a hit, but don’t stop there. Consider incorporating peanut butter into brownies, blondies, or even cakes. It can also be used as a swirl in muffins or as a filling for cupcakes.
Furthermore, peanut butter can enhance the texture and flavor of breads and pastries. Try adding a tablespoon or two to your favorite bread recipe for a subtle nutty note, or use it as a spread for croissants or toast. Its high fat content contributes to a tender crumb and a richer flavor profile, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory baking projects.
What are some less common fruit pairings that surprisingly complement peanut butter?
While apples and bananas are popular choices, there are many other fruits that pair exceptionally well with peanut butter. Stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines offer a juicy sweetness and slight tartness that balances the richness of peanut butter beautifully. Try grilling them and serving them with a dollop of peanut butter for a sophisticated dessert.
Another surprising combination is peanut butter with citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits. The bright acidity of the citrus cuts through the richness of the peanut butter, creating a refreshing and vibrant flavor profile. Think peanut butter on orange slices or a peanut butter and grapefruit smoothie for a unique and delicious experience.
How does the type of peanut butter (creamy vs. crunchy) impact the pairings you choose?
The texture of peanut butter significantly influences the overall eating experience and can impact pairing choices. Creamy peanut butter provides a smooth, uniform texture that blends seamlessly with other ingredients, making it ideal for sauces, dips, and baked goods where a cohesive consistency is desired. It also works well with delicate flavors as it doesn’t overpower them.
Crunchy peanut butter, on the other hand, adds a textural element that can elevate certain pairings. The added crunch from the peanut pieces provides a satisfying contrast to softer textures, such as fruits, vegetables, or even smooth bread. Consider using crunchy peanut butter in sandwiches, on apples, or in recipes where you want a more pronounced peanut flavor and a textural boost.
Are there any particular spices or herbs that enhance the flavor of peanut butter when used in cooking?
Numerous spices and herbs can beautifully enhance the flavor of peanut butter. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger complement peanut butter’s nutty sweetness, making them perfect for baking applications or adding to oatmeal. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle kick to peanut butter dishes, balancing the sweetness with a touch of heat.
Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint can bring a bright and refreshing element to peanut butter-based sauces and dips. Cilantro pairs particularly well with peanut sauces used in Asian cuisine, while basil adds a herbaceous note to peanut butter and tomato sandwiches. Experimenting with different herbs can unlock unexpected and delicious flavor combinations.
What are some healthy alternatives to traditional peanut butter and how do their pairings differ?
Several nut butters offer healthier alternatives to traditional peanut butter, each with its own unique flavor profile. Almond butter, with its slightly sweeter and more delicate taste, pairs well with fruits like berries, pears, and figs. Cashew butter, known for its creamy texture and mild flavor, is a versatile option that complements both sweet and savory dishes.
Sunflower seed butter is a great option for those with nut allergies, offering a slightly earthy and nutty flavor. It pairs well with vegetables like celery and carrots, as well as fruits like apples and bananas. These alternatives offer different nutritional benefits and flavor complexities, opening up new avenues for creative pairings.
Can peanut butter be incorporated into cocktails or other beverages, and what are some successful examples?
Peanut butter can indeed be incorporated into cocktails and beverages, adding a unique richness and nutty flavor. Consider blending peanut butter with milk, ice cream, and chocolate syrup for a decadent milkshake. For a more sophisticated cocktail, try incorporating peanut-infused bourbon or rum into a peanut butter old fashioned.
Furthermore, peanut butter can be used to create creamy and flavorful smoothies. Blending it with bananas, spinach, protein powder, and almond milk creates a nutritious and satisfying drink. Experimenting with different flavor combinations, such as peanut butter and jelly smoothies or peanut butter and coffee smoothies, can lead to surprisingly delicious results.