This Easy 3-Minute Sandwich Might Sound Crazy, but I Love It

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is perhaps the most basic American sandwich out there, but if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, it can feel more like a dessert than a lunch. If you love peanut butter but prefer savory, I’m about to say one word that you are just going to have to trust me on: pickles. 

Yes. That’s right. A peanut butter and pickle sandwich is a delicious creation that can be made in under five minutes, and I promise it will quickly climb the ranks of your fast sandwich ladder. 

I love to enjoy this sandwich after spending a hot summer day at the pool or after doing some yard work. It’s surprisingly refreshing while still having some protein. Let me convince you to give it a try!

Why Peanut Butter and Pickles Are Made for Each Other

Peanut butter is a creamy and savory ingredient. That’s why it pairs well with something sweet like jelly. But it can also go nicely with something salty and crispy (like pickles!). 

If you’re skeptical of the idea of these ingredients paired together in a sandwich, think of something that might be more familiar: cucumber sandwiches. These classic English sandwiches are made simply with cream cheese and cucumbers. Peanut butter is like a tastier version of cream cheese, and pickles are literally more delicious cucumbers. 

A creamy spread plus crunchy, salty bites just can’t be beat.

The Key Ingredients

• The bread: The best bread for this sandwich is plain white sandwich bread—don’t overcomplicate it. You want a bread that is very soft and pillowy for this sandwich. Whether you toast it or not is dealer’s choice—I’ve tried it both ways and like them equally well.
• The peanut butter: I wouldn’t use crunchy peanut butter for these sandwiches—you want the peanut butter to be very creamy and smooth to contrast the crispy pickles. When assembling, I recommend splitting the peanut butter in half and spreading a layer of it on both sides of the sandwich. This insulates the bread a bit from any pickle moisture, keeping it from getting soggy.
• The pickles: You can use any dill pickles you like for these sandwiches. No matter what you use, though, be sure to dry the pickles very well before placing them on the peanut butter. Excess pickle juice will make for a soggy sandwich!

How To Make My 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwich

To make one serving, you’ll need:

• 2 slices plain white sandwich bread
• 8 to 12 dill pickle chips (enough to cover the bread)
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Toast your sandwich bread, if you like, or leave it untoasted. Lay out the pickle chips on a few paper towels and dry them well. 

Smear each side of the bread with about a tablespoon of peanut butter in a thin layer. Add the pickle chips to one slice of bread (it’s okay if they overlap slightly). Top with the second slice of bread and serve immediately. 

Use Up That Pickle Jar

• Baked “Fried” Pickles
• Easy Pickle Dip
• Pickle Pizza
• Pickle Roasted Potatoes