What Can I Dip in Peanut Butter? 30+ Unexpectedly Delicious Pairings

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 survey, the average American eats about three pounds of peanut butter each year, yet most stick to the same tired pairings. If you're bored with the classic sandwich, you might be asking: What can I dip in peanut butter to add some excitement to your snacks? Beyond the usual suspects, a world of sweet, savory, and surprising combinations awaits.

Quick Summary

Beyond classic pairings like apples, peanut butter is a versatile condiment for fruits, vegetables, crackers, and even savory dishes. Creative dips range from sweet treats like cookies to savory options like chicken and spicy noodles. Exploring unusual combinations can lead to a host of delicious and nutritious snack and meal ideas.

Key Points

Endless Possibilities: Peanut butter pairs well with an extensive range of foods, from classic fruits and vegetables to savory proteins and baked goods.
Sweet & Savory: Don't limit peanut butter to sweet snacks; it shines in savory contexts as well, like Thai-inspired sauces or dipped with crispy bacon.
Mix and Match: Create a snack board with various dippers like fruit, crackers, and veggies to allow for a personalized and fun eating experience.
Nutritional Boost: Pairing peanut butter with nutrient-dense foods like apples and celery can provide a balanced snack with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Upgrade Your Dip: Enhance plain peanut butter by mixing it with Greek yogurt and honey for a creamier, lighter fruit dip.
Versatile Ingredient: Beyond dipping, peanut butter can be an excellent base for sauces, dressings, or as a protein boost in smoothies.

Sweet Dips: Indulge Your Cravings

Peanut butter's creamy, nutty flavor makes it a perfect partner for a variety of sweet items. These combinations go beyond the classic PB&J to create delightful, satisfying treats for any occasion.

Fruit Combinations

Apples and Bananas: The original crowd-pleasers. The crispness of apple slices or the soft sweetness of banana rounds is an ideal match for thick peanut butter.
Strawberries and Grapes: Juicy, bite-sized fruits provide a burst of freshness that complements the rich peanut flavor. A skewer with alternating grapes and peanut butter-dipped strawberries is a fun, easy-to-eat snack.
Pears and Melons: For a less common, but equally delicious, option, try dipping slices of fresh pear or melon into peanut butter. The high water content offers a refreshing contrast to the dense spread.

Baked Goods and Desserts

Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels is a perfect foil for the creamy, slightly sweet peanut butter. This salty-sweet pairing is a fan favorite for a reason.
Graham Crackers and Vanilla Wafers: These provide a gentle, crumbly base that soaks up the peanut butter, reminiscent of a pie crust. Crumbled graham crackers with a peanut butter drizzle can elevate a simple bowl of yogurt.
Cookies: Whether it's chocolate chip, oatmeal, or even shortbread, a cookie dipped in peanut butter is a simple, decadent dessert. For a DIY peanut butter cup, try dipping an Oreo.

Savory Dips: Unexpected and Delicious

Peanut butter's savory side is often overlooked, but it's a staple in many cuisines for its ability to add depth and richness. Think beyond snacks and consider it an ingredient for your next meal.

Vegetable Combinations

Celery Sticks: A nostalgic classic, often served as "ants on a log" with raisins. The fibrous crunch of celery is a satisfying pairing for the creamy spread.
Carrot Sticks and Bell Pepper Strips: The earthy, slightly sweet flavor of carrots and bell peppers works surprisingly well with peanut butter. The contrast in texture is a major highlight.
Roasted Sweet Potato: A warm, roasted sweet potato fry or wedge dipped in peanut butter is a savory-sweet delight. The natural sweetness of the potato is highlighted by the nutty flavor.

Other Savory Ideas

Hummus: For a protein-packed twist, replace the tahini in your favorite hummus recipe with peanut butter. The result is a richer, nuttier dip that pairs beautifully with pita bread or fresh veggies.
Bacon: For a truly unique and flavor-intense experience, dip a crispy piece of bacon into peanut butter. The combination of salty and sweet is elevated to a new level.
Spring Rolls and Satay: While not a direct dip, a Thai-inspired peanut sauce made with peanut butter is a classic pairing for spring rolls or chicken satay skewers. The rich, slightly spicy sauce brings out the best in these fresh ingredients.

Comparison of Popular Peanut Butter Pairings


Pairing	Flavor Profile	Texture Contrast	Best For	Nutritional Notes
Apple Slices	Sweet, slightly tart	Crisp vs. Creamy	Quick snack, dessert	High in fiber, vitamins A & C
Celery Sticks	Mild, earthy	Crunchy vs. Creamy	Light snack, appetizers	High in water content, low calories
Pretzels	Salty	Crunchy vs. Creamy	Salty-sweet craving	Satisfying for salty cravings, carb-heavy
Greek Yogurt	Tangy	Smooth vs. Creamy	High-protein snack, breakfast	Excellent protein boost, probiotics
Roasted Sweet Potato	Sweet, earthy	Soft vs. Creamy	Hearty snack, side dish	Beta-carotene, fiber

Get Creative with Upgraded Dips

If you want to take your peanut butter game to the next level, a few simple additions can create a more complex dip. For example, a basic peanut butter dip can be made by combining peanut butter with Greek yogurt and a touch of honey or maple syrup. This creates a lighter, fluffier texture that is perfect for fruit. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to explore a different flavor dimension.

The All-in-One Peanut Butter Snack Board

Create a customizable snack board featuring an array of dipping options. Start with a central bowl of creamy peanut butter and surround it with a colorful selection of dippers. Think sliced apples, bananas, pears, and strawberries for the fruit section. Add pretzels, whole-grain crackers, and maybe a few vanilla wafers. For a savory element, include celery sticks, carrots, and perhaps some cucumber slices. This is a perfect option for a party or a family movie night, allowing everyone to mix and match their favorite flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Peanut butter's versatility extends far beyond a simple sandwich filling. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there is an endless world of options for what can I dip in peanut butter. From the familiar crispness of an apple to the unexpected combination with bacon or a savory stir-fry sauce, there's always something new to try. So next time you grab that jar, get creative and explore the delicious possibilities that await.

For more great ideas on creative cooking, check out the resources at Bon Appétit to find some surprising new recipes. [Link: https://www.bonappetit.com/search?q=peanut+butter+recipes]

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, consuming peanut butter in moderation can be part of a healthy daily diet. It provides protein, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients, aiding in energy and satiety.

Classic fruit pairings include apples, bananas, and strawberries. The sweetness of these fruits provides an excellent contrast to the creamy, rich flavor of peanut butter.

Absolutely. Peanut butter is a key ingredient in many savory dishes, such as Thai-style peanut sauces for noodles, stir-fries, and as a base for chicken or vegetable marinades.

Peanut butter is effective both before and after a workout. Pre-workout, it provides sustained energy, while post-workout, its protein and healthy fat content supports muscle recovery.

For a creative twist, try dipping roasted sweet potato fries or thick slices of cucumber into peanut butter. The natural flavors and varied textures make for an interesting snack.

To make a healthier dip, combine natural peanut butter with plain Greek yogurt. You can sweeten it with a little honey or maple syrup and add spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.

Besides vegetables, you can create a satisfying peanut butter-based dressing for a quinoa salad, or use a peanut sauce to elevate a tofu or chickpea dish.