The Best Combination for Peanut Butter: Sweet, Savory, and Surprising Pairings

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Peanut Board, Americans consume around 700 million pounds of peanut butter annually, proving its status as a pantry staple. While the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a beloved classic, understanding what is the best combination for peanut butter can unlock a world of flavor possibilities. This exploration goes far beyond the lunchbox to include everything from breakfast to dinner and dessert.

Quick Summary

This article explores a wide array of sweet, savory, and unique pairings that go exceptionally well with peanut butter. It covers classic options like fruits, expands into creative cooking ideas such as savory sauces, and provides a comparative look at different flavor profiles to help you find your ideal mix.

Key Points

Classic Sweet Pairings: Fruits like bananas, apples, and berries provide a fresh, healthy balance to peanut butter's creamy texture.
Decadent Chocolate Combinations: Peanut butter and chocolate is a universally loved pairing, perfect for everything from homemade candy to baked goods like brownies and cookies.
Savory and Spicy Sauces: Peanut butter is a versatile base for savory sauces, adding richness to global-inspired dishes like Thai noodles and African stews.
Surprising Adventures: Experiment with unconventional pairings like bacon, kimchi, or burgers to add a unique, complex flavor profile to your meals.
Health and Nutrition: Pairing peanut butter with carbohydrates can help regulate blood sugar levels due to its protein and healthy fat content, making it a satiating choice.
Versatile Meal Component: From a quick breakfast addition in oatmeal to a decadent dessert, peanut butter can enhance a wide range of meals and snacks.

Unlocking Sweet Success: Classic and Creative Sweet Pairings

Peanut butter's creamy, nutty flavor makes it a natural partner for a variety of sweet foods. The key to a great combination is balancing its richness with a complementary texture or taste. Here are some of the most popular and delicious sweet pairings.

Fruitful Partnerships

Fruit is an excellent match for peanut butter, offering a fresh, natural sweetness that cuts through the spread's richness. A classic choice is sliced apples, where the crisp texture provides a satisfying contrast to creamy peanut butter.

Banana and Peanut Butter: The natural sweetness and soft texture of banana is an iconic complement. Try it sliced on toast, mashed in a sandwich, or blended into a smoothie for a creamy, protein-packed treat.
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a tart, juicy contrast. They work wonderfully in smoothies, parfaits with yogurt, or drizzled over toast with peanut butter.
Dates and Figs: For a naturally sweet, energy-boosting snack, stuff dates with peanut butter and sprinkle with sea salt. The chewy texture of the fruit and the creamy filling are a perfect match.

Decadent Chocolate Duos

It's no secret that chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven. This dynamic duo can be enjoyed in countless ways, from simple to sophisticated.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: For a homemade dessert, melt chocolate and pour into mini muffin tins, add a dollop of peanut butter, and top with more chocolate. This combination perfectly balances the deep cocoa flavor with the nutty, salty spread.
Brownies and Cookies: Swirl peanut butter through a brownie batter before baking for a marbled, nutty twist on a classic. For cookies, the rich, buttery flavor of peanut butter enhances the chocolate chips, creating a chewy, decadent treat.
Dessert Topping: Warm peanut butter slightly and drizzle over ice cream or pancakes for an instant upgrade. Add chocolate shavings or syrup for the ultimate indulgence.

Exploring Savory and Surprising Combinations

While its sweet pairings are famous, peanut butter is incredibly versatile in savory applications. The saltiness and nutty undertones add complexity and richness to many dishes.

Globally Inspired Sauces

Across many cuisines, peanut butter is used as a base for savory sauces that are both rich and flavorful.

Thai Peanut Sauce: A simple sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and lime juice is perfect for chicken satay, noodle dishes, or spring rolls.
African Peanut Stew: In this hearty, comforting dish, peanut butter thickens the broth and adds a deep, savory flavor, which complements vegetables and protein beautifully.
Spicy Noodles: For a quick and delicious weeknight meal, toss noodles with a spicy peanut butter sauce. Add chili flakes or sriracha to create an addictive, fiery paste.

Bold and Unexpected Pairings

For the more adventurous palate, peanut butter can be paired with ingredients that challenge conventional thinking, yielding surprisingly delicious results.

Bacon: Elvis Presley famously enjoyed a peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich, and for good reason. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon is a perfect counterpoint to the creamy, sweet spread.
Kimchi: This fermented Korean dish offers a sharp, tangy, and spicy contrast that works surprisingly well with peanut butter's rich, sweet profile. It can be mixed into a sauce for a creative noodle bowl.
Burgers: Melt a layer of peanut butter over a juicy beef or veggie burger. This adds an unexpected creaminess and nutty flavor that elevates the classic American meal.

The Verdict: Comparing Classic and Creative Combinations


Feature	Classic PB&J	Fruit & Veggies	Savory Sauces	Peanut Butter & Chocolate
Flavor Profile	Sweet & Salty	Fresh & Nutty	Savory & Spicy	Decadent & Sweet
Best For	Nostalgic comfort food, quick lunches	Healthy, quick snacks, breakfast	Dinner, meal prep	Dessert, special treats
Ease of Preparation	Very Easy	Very Easy	Requires cooking, more effort	Ranges from easy to complex
Health Benefits	Can be high in sugar, but provides protein and energy.	Excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.	Adds richness to nutritious, vegetable-packed meals.	Primarily a dessert, best enjoyed in moderation.
Versatility	Limited to sandwiches, but has variations.	Highly versatile, can be a snack or a meal component.	Expands peanut butter beyond snacking into main dishes.	Perfect for cookies, cakes, and other desserts.

Conclusion

While the peanut butter and jelly sandwich holds a special place in our hearts, exploring new combinations can reinvigorate your relationship with this classic spread. Whether you prefer the straightforward comfort of apples and peanut butter or the adventurous flavors of a Thai-inspired peanut sauce, the possibilities are vast. The best combination for peanut butter ultimately comes down to personal taste and the occasion. So, go ahead—grab a spoon and start experimenting with sweet, savory, and surprising pairings to find your new favorite. You might be surprised by what you discover.

Frequently Asked Questions

The simplest and healthiest pairing for peanut butter is fresh fruit. Sliced apples or bananas offer a great balance of sweetness and fiber, and the combination is a quick, nutrient-rich snack.

You can create savory dishes by using peanut butter as the base for a sauce. A classic example is a Thai-inspired sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and lime, which works well with noodles, chicken, or vegetables.

For a creative breakfast, stir a spoonful of peanut butter into your morning oatmeal for added protein and creaminess. You can also top pancakes or French toast with a drizzle of warm peanut butter and sliced fruit.

Yes, some surprisingly good pairings include bacon, kimchi, and even pickles. The contrast of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors creates a complex and memorable taste experience.

Absolutely. Peanut butter can be swirled into brownie batter, melted and drizzled over ice cream, or blended with frozen bananas for a quick, dairy-free soft serve.

While it might seem unusual, certain strong, salty cheeses can pair well with peanut butter. Some people enjoy it with cheddar or blue cheese for a bold contrast of flavors.

Make quick, protein-rich energy balls by combining peanut butter with oats, chia seeds, and honey or maple syrup. No baking is required, and they can be stored in the fridge for a fast snack anytime.