Some mornings I wake up and want something fancy for breakfast. Other mornings, I just want something simple that hits the spot. That’s when I reach for my trusty jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread.
Peanut butter toast might sound basic, but there’s something so satisfying about getting it just right. The bread perfectly toasted, the peanut butter spread while it’s still warm so it gets a little melty. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it takes less than five minutes to make.
I’ve been making peanut butter toast since I was a kid, and now I make it for my own children. Sometimes the simple things really are the best things. Plus, when you’re rushing to get everyone out the door in the morning, you need breakfast that works.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Toast
- Quick and easy – Ready in just minutes, this is perfect when you need a fast breakfast or snack without any fuss.
- Simple ingredients – With just two basic pantry staples, you probably already have everything you need to make this right now.
- Protein-packed – The peanut butter gives you a good dose of protein to help keep you satisfied and energized throughout your day.
- Budget-friendly – This costs practically nothing to make and is way cheaper than grabbing breakfast on the go.
- Comfort food classic – Sometimes the simplest things are the best, and this nostalgic combination never gets old.
What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?
You can use any type of peanut butter you have on hand for this recipe, whether it’s creamy, crunchy, or natural. Creamy peanut butter spreads more easily and gives you that smooth, classic texture, while crunchy adds a nice bite with those little peanut pieces. Natural peanut butter works great too, just give it a good stir first since the oils tend to separate. If you’re watching your sugar intake, look for brands with no added sugar, but honestly, whatever peanut butter you love eating straight from the jar will taste perfect on your toast.
Options for Substitutions
This simple recipe is super easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Creamy peanut butter: Any brand of peanut butter works great here – try crunchy for extra texture, or swap in almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter if you have nut allergies or want to mix things up.
- White bread: Feel free to use whatever bread you have on hand – whole wheat, sourdough, rye, or even a bagel or English muffin. Each will give you a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Amount of peanut butter: The 2 tablespoons is just a starting point – use more if you love a thick layer or less if you prefer it lighter. It’s really all about your personal preference.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake people make with peanut butter toast is spreading cold, thick peanut butter on fresh bread, which often tears the slice and creates uneven coverage. To avoid this frustrating problem, let your peanut butter sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, or give it a quick 10-15 second microwave zap to make it more spreadable. Another common error is not toasting the bread enough – aim for a golden brown color that’s crispy but not burnt, as this provides the perfect base that won’t get soggy under the peanut butter. For even better results, spread the peanut butter while the toast is still warm so it melts slightly into the bread, creating that perfect creamy texture we all love.
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Toast?
Peanut butter toast is perfect on its own, but I love pairing it with a cold glass of milk for the classic combo that never gets old. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas, strawberries, or apple wedges make great sides that balance out the rich peanut butter with something light and sweet. If you’re having it for breakfast, a cup of coffee or orange juice works really well too. For a more filling meal, try adding some scrambled eggs on the side – the protein combo keeps you satisfied for hours.
Storage Instructions
Best Fresh: Peanut butter toast is definitely best enjoyed right after you make it when the bread is still warm and the peanut butter is perfectly spreadable. If you need to save it for later, wrap it loosely in foil and eat within a few hours to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Make Ahead: While you can’t really store assembled peanut butter toast, you can definitely prep by having your bread sliced and peanut butter at room temperature. This makes it super quick to whip up whenever you’re craving a snack or need a fast breakfast on busy mornings.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Total Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 8-10 g
- Fat: 16-18 g
- Carbohydrates: 24-28 g
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp jif creamy peanut butter
- 1 slice white sandwich bread
Step 1: Toast the Bread
- 1 slice white sandwich bread
Toast one slice of white sandwich bread in your toaster or toaster oven until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Let it cool slightly for easier spreading.
Step 2: Spread the Peanut Butter
- 2 tbsp Jif creamy peanut butter
- toasted bread from Step 1
Spread 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter evenly over the surface of the warm toasted bread.
I find spreading the peanut butter while the bread is still slightly warm makes it melt in a bit for an even more delicious bite.
