Uncovering Every Unexpected Thing What Can Peanut Butter Be Paired With

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Peanut Board, the average American consumes over six pounds of peanuts and peanut products each year, with much of that in the form of peanut butter. But despite its popularity, many people are unaware of the incredible variety of foods with what can peanut butter be paired with, moving beyond the traditional. This article explores innovative and delicious combinations that will change the way you think about this pantry staple.

Quick Summary

Beyond common jelly pairings, peanut butter's versatility extends to countless sweet and savory combinations. Explore unexpected food pairings for every meal, including fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and unique spices, to elevate your cooking and snacking game.

Key Points

Classic Sweet Pairings: Peanut butter pairs exceptionally well with sweet foods like bananas, apples, and berries, offering a balanced sweet and salty flavor profile.
Savory Combinations: Explore savory uses of peanut butter in dishes like Thai satay sauce, peanut noodles, or even as a surprising addition to burgers with bacon.
Decadent Desserts: Peanut butter is a classic ingredient for rich desserts, combining perfectly with chocolate, or used in baked goods and cheesecakes.
Healthy Snacks and Breakfasts: Boost protein and flavor in your breakfast oatmeal, smoothies, or homemade energy bites by incorporating peanut butter.
Unexpected Flavors: Step outside the box with unusual pairings like peanut butter and pickles or even a spicy element like sriracha for a new flavor experience.
Textural Contrast: Peanut butter's creamy consistency works well with crunchy elements like celery, pretzels, and bacon, creating a satisfying textural experience.

Sweet Pairings: A Classic for a Reason

While not innovative, the sheer number of sweet items that complement peanut butter is a testament to its comforting flavor profile. The rich, nutty taste serves as a perfect base for a variety of sugary and fruity ingredients.

Fruit Combinations

Peanut butter's natural saltiness makes it a fantastic partner for a wide range of fruits. This is a simple, healthy snack that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Bananas: The ultimate classic. Sliced bananas on peanut butter toast or blended into a smoothie with peanut butter offer a complete, satisfying treat.
Apples: Crisp apple slices dipped into a bowl of creamy peanut butter provide a delightful contrast in texture and a balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Berries: Don't just stick with grape jelly. Try spreading peanut butter on toast and topping it with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberry slices for a burst of fresh flavor.
Dates: Stuffed dates with a spoonful of peanut butter and a sprinkle of sea salt make for an indulgent, yet wholesome, dessert or energy bite.

Decadent Desserts

Peanut butter finds its true calling in the dessert world, creating a rich and savory depth that cuts through sweetness.

Chocolate: This combination is a universally beloved pairing. From classic peanut butter cups to swirl brownies and chocolate cakes with peanut butter frosting, the options are endless.
Cookies: Whether you're making classic crisscross cookies or adding peanut butter to chocolate chip dough, the creamy texture and nutty flavor enhance any baked good. Recipes exist for peanut butter cheesecake as well.
Cheesecake: A creamy peanut butter cheesecake offers a rich and tangy dessert experience, often topped with cookies or chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.

Savory Surprises: Unexpected Flavor Matches

Expanding your horizons beyond the sweet side reveals peanut butter's potential in savory dishes. The combination of its creamy, fatty texture with bold, sharp, or spicy flavors creates complex and satisfying results.

Asian-Inspired Dishes

Peanut butter is a cornerstone ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly in sauces.

Satay Sauce: A blend of peanut butter with ingredients like soy sauce, lime, ginger, and chili paste creates a rich dipping sauce for chicken skewers, tofu, or vegetables.
Peanut Noodles: A simple sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and a hint of hot sauce can transform plain noodles and stir-fried vegetables into a flavorful meal.
West African Peanut Stew: This is a hearty and flavorful dish that uses peanut butter as a base, often incorporating vegetables and protein like chicken or sweet potato.

Unconventional Sandwich and Toast Toppings

Dare to be different with these surprising savory twists on your next peanut butter sandwich.

Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon is a perfect counterpoint to the smooth, rich peanut butter. It's a classic combination for a reason.
Pickles: A surprisingly popular pairing, the briny, tangy crunch of pickles provides an unexpected contrast that many find addictive.
Burger Topping: Add a smear of peanut butter to your next beef or veggie burger for a creamy, savory layer that stands out.

Comparison Table: Peanut Butter Pairing Profile


Pairing Type	Best For	Flavor Profile	Texture Contrast	Recipe Example
Sweet & Fruity	Quick Breakfasts & Snacks	Sweet, fruity, with a hint of salt	Soft fruit with creamy PB	Peanut Butter & Banana Toast
Decadent Desserts	Indulgent Treats	Rich, salty-sweet, and deep nutty flavor	Smooth and creamy; can have crunchy bits	Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Asian-Inspired Sauces	Weeknight Dinners	Savory, nutty, spicy, and tangy	Smooth and rich dipping sauce	Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Salty & Savory	Adventurous Snacks & Lunch	Salty, savory, creamy, and crunchy	Creamy and crunchy texture play	Peanut Butter & Bacon Sandwich

Breakfast and Snack Innovation

Start your day or power through an afternoon slump with a peanut butter combination that delivers both energy and flavor.

Oatmeal: Stir a tablespoon of peanut butter into your hot oatmeal for a boost of protein and creamy texture. Top with berries or chocolate chips for added flavor.
Smoothies: A spoonful of peanut butter instantly makes any smoothie richer, thicker, and more satisfying. Pair with banana, chocolate protein powder, or berries.
Energy Bites: Combine peanut butter, oats, and honey or maple syrup to create no-bake energy bites. Customize with chia seeds, flaxseed, or dried fruit.

Conclusion

Peanut butter's potential goes far beyond the classic sandwich. From balancing the sweetness of fruit to forming the base of complex, savory sauces and elevating indulgent desserts, its versatility is a culinary superpower. By exploring these numerous options, you can rediscover this kitchen staple and bring new and exciting flavors to your table. Don't be afraid to experiment with new pairings, as the perfect combination might be waiting just for you.

Helpful Resource

For more creative and savory ideas, check out Food52’s recommendations on surprising peanut butter pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond jelly, you can pair peanut butter with many things like sliced apples, bananas, celery sticks, or even in savory dishes. Try it with a bacon sandwich, in a Thai-inspired satay sauce, or stirred into oatmeal for a satisfying meal.

Peanut butter pairs well with a variety of fruits, including bananas, apples, raspberries, strawberries, and dates. The saltiness of the peanut butter enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.

Yes, peanut butter is used in many savory dishes, particularly in Southeast Asian and West African cuisines. It's the base for satay sauce, West African peanut stew, and can be used in marinades or sauces for noodles and stir-fries.

Absolutely. You can add peanut butter to your breakfast by stirring it into your morning oatmeal, blending it into a smoothie, or spreading it on whole-grain toast topped with banana or berries.

A surprising but delicious combination is peanut butter with pickles. The tangy, salty pickles provide a sharp contrast to the creamy, rich peanut butter, creating a unique and exciting flavor profile.

Yes, peanut butter and chocolate is a classic and widely beloved pairing. The salty, nutty flavor of peanut butter perfectly complements the rich sweetness of chocolate in everything from cookies to cheesecakes.

For a healthy snack, you can pair peanut butter with apple slices or carrot sticks for a quick and easy option. You can also mix it with oats and honey to create nutritious, homemade energy bites.