Grilled Peanut Butter Banana

A grilled peanut butter banana sandwich transforms the childhood classic into a gooey satisfying meal with its crispy crust and melty filling My go to when I need five minutes of pure comfort it is quick hearty and packed with nostalgia every bite is golden on the outside and warm and sweet inside perfect for satisfying cravings or making snack time feel special

I first started making these sandwiches when my kids refused to eat their bananas plain Now we all look forward to sandwich night and never have leftovers

Ingredients

• Thick white bread: makes a sturdier sandwich that grills up beautifully Choose a bakery loaf or Texas toast for best results
• Mayonnaise: gives you a golden crispy crust on the outside Use fresh mayo for the brightest flavor
• Smooth peanut butter: melts perfectly in the heat Go for natural peanut butter if you want a more robust roasted taste
• Ripe banana: brings sweetness and creaminess Look for bananas with lots of brown spots to ensure the deepest flavor and best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Bread:

Spread a thin even layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread Make sure to cover the entire surface right to the edges to guarantee the bread toasts up crisp and golden

Add the Peanut Butter:

Turn the bread so the mayo side faces down Spread a generous layer of peanut butter on the plain side of each slice and try to go nearly edge to edge so every bite gets some creamy richness

Layer the Banana:

Slice the banana and arrange in a single layer on top of the peanut butter on two slices of bread Press the banana down a little so it stays put and will melt slightly as the sandwich grills

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Place the remaining two slices of bread on top peanut butter side facing the banana Mayo should now be on the outside on both top and bottom for perfect browning

Grill to Perfection:

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium high Once hot add the sandwiches mayo side down Cook for about two minutes or until the underside is golden brown and crispy and the kitchen starts to smell amazing

Flip and Finish:

Carefully flip the sandwiches and grill for another two minutes or so until crisp on both sides and the peanut butter is gooey Watch closely so you do not burn them and press down gently with the spatula for good contact with the pan

Bookmark

One of my favorite memories is making these on lazy Sunday mornings when everyone in my family would come running once the scent hit the kitchen My favorite part is watching the peanut butter get perfectly melty and thick between the warm slices

Storage Tips

Let sandwiches cool fully before wrapping and refrigerating Leftovers are best in the first day but can be crisped back up by reheating in a skillet on low Store in foil for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in sourdough or multigrain bread for extra texture Crunchy peanut butter works well if you love more bite If mayo is not your thing a thin smear of room temperature butter works too

Serving Suggestions

Serve sliced in half for dipping in honey or chocolate drizzle Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic touch For a fun spin add a sprinkle of cinnamon or try a few chocolate chips before closing the sandwich to grill

Bookmark

Cultural Context

This sandwich is a nod to American comfort food and Elvis Presley himself who made the PB and banana combo famous It is retro nostalgic and still feels special any time of day

Common Recipe Questions

→ Why add mayonnaise instead of butter before grilling?

Mayonnaise promotes even browning and a crispy crust, giving your sandwich rich texture without overpowering the fillings.

→ Can I use a different bread variety?

Thick white bread works best for structure, but sourdough, multigrain, or whole wheat offer delicious texture and flavor variations.

→ Is it possible to add other flavors to the sandwich?

Absolutely. Try honey, a dash of cinnamon, or chocolate chips sprinkled over the banana for an extra sweet touch.

→ How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Grill at medium-high heat and avoid using overripe bananas or excess filling for a crisp exterior without excess moisture.

→ Can this sandwich be prepared ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh off the skillet, but you can prep ingredients in advance and assemble right before grilling for the ideal texture.