There’s something magical about the combination of warm, gooey peanut butter and caramelized bananas. This Grilled Peanut Butter Banana recipe takes the classic peanut butter and banana sandwich to extraordinary new heights by introducing heat and a golden, crispy exterior.
Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this simple creation delivers comfort food vibes with minimal effort. The outside gets delightfully crisp while the inside transforms into a warm, melty paradise that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 10 minutes with ingredients you likely already have
- Perfect balance of crispy exterior and warm, gooey filling
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults too
- Customizable with endless topping and filling variations
- Minimal cleanup with just one pan needed
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick white bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 ripe banana, sliced thin
Instructions
- Take each slice of bread and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side. This will be the outside of your sandwich.
- On the non-mayo side of each bread slice, spread a generous layer of peanut butter evenly across the surface.
- Arrange the thin banana slices over the peanut butter on two of the bread slices, covering the surface completely.
- Place the two slices with banana on your griddle, mayo side down. Top each with the remaining bread slices, peanut butter side down and mayo side up.
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown. Carefully flip and cook another 2 minutes until both sides are crispy and the peanut butter is melted and warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use ripe but still firm bananas for best texture – overly ripe bananas can become mushy when heated
- Try almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile
- Add a layer of Nutella for an extra decadent treat
- Sprinkle with a little sea salt just before serving to enhance the sweetness
- For a healthier version, use whole grain bread and natural peanut butter
- Make it dessert-worthy by adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel sauce
Serving Suggestions
These grilled peanut butter banana sandwiches are perfect on their own, but can be elevated with a few simple additions. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or alongside a glass of cold milk for breakfast or snack time.
For brunch, pair with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
- Store any leftovers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
- Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore crispiness
- The sandwich is done when the bread is golden brown and the filling is warm and melty
- Press down gently with a spatula while cooking for even browning
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
While best served immediately, you can prepare the sandwiches up to the grilling stage and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the bananas will change significantly when thawed.
What’s the best bread to use?
Brioche or challah bread creates a rich, dessert-like sandwich, while whole grain provides more nutrition. Any bread that grills well works!
Can I make this in a panini press?
Absolutely! A panini press works perfectly and creates beautiful grill marks. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
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