Grilled Peanut Butter Sweet Pickle Sandwich

this recipe

I know, I know, this sounds like the weirdest sandwich you’ve probably ever heard of in your entire life! I admit that it probably is. Just trust me, it is way better than you may think it is. In fact, it is by far my favorite, comfort food sandwich, next to a grilled cheese. And yes, that is saying a lot because I grew up in Wisconsin. We take our grilled cheese sandwiches very seriously there.

Peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich is actually quite delicious. It’s got that hint of natural sweetness from the peanut butter, along with the rich creaminess, the sweet pickles add a nice tangy, sweet crunch, and the thin layer of mayo (yes, you read that right, mayonnaise is also on this sandwich), adds another layer of creamy savory buttery-ness that just works. The sandwich is grilled in butter, so the bread has a nice crunch to it while everything inside the sandwich is warm; the peanut butter gets all melty and…it’s just life!

My mouth is literally watering right now just thinking about eating this sandwich. SO. GOOD.

Here is the back story: my dad grew up in Pittsburgh PA, and my Grandma made him this sandwich. The story that I always remember hearing when I was younger: when my Dad brought my Mom from Wisconsin, where they met, to Pennsylvania, to meet his family for the first time; my Grandma made this peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich for their first meal together. My Mom was pretty grossed out by the sounds of the sandwich, but wanted to make a good impression on my Dad’s family, so she ate it. She was pleasantly surprised that she ended up loving every bite of it.

Fast forward to when my parents were married, living in Wisconsin and raising me, they made this sandwich for me all of the time. They told me the story whenever they made theses sandwiches and I always loved hearing it. The funny thing is, if they wouldn’t have told me that my Mom initially thought the sandwich was weird, I would have grown up thinking it was a perfectly normal sandwich that everyone ate. As common as peanut butter and jelly.

Honestly getting weird looks from kids because of my strange school lunches of shrimp with cocktail sauce, and hard boiled eggs, while every other kid was eating a PB& J with Cheetos, was the norm for me. So, I didn’t think it was all that different, when even later in life if I brought up the idea of this peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich to people, that it was met with grossed out looks. I grew up eating a wide variety of foods and was always given the compliment by adults that I was a “good eater”. My Mom loves telling people that I was ordering escargot on our cruise, when I was in 2nd, Grade while the other kids eating at our table, who were older than me, stayed in their room during dinner and ordered pizza.

Not that I was a snob, because that kind of makes me sound that way. I just had an interesting, diverse palate as a young child. I have my parents to thank for that. They  were the ones who introduced me to all that food.

Knowing that about me, does it surprise you that I ended up being a food blogger?

When I decided to share  this peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich that I grew up eating, and that no one outside of my family had heard of, I knew I must do some research. It is rare in this internet connected world to search for a recipe, and not find a similar version that has already been shared somewhere else.

Although, in my research, I didn’t find anything exactly like my peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich, I did find a lot of people talking about a peanut butter and pickle sandwich that trended back in 2018. This version of the sandwich is not grilled, it is simply dill pickles (sometimes people used bread and butter pickles, which are sweeter), and peanut butter between two pieces of bread. All of the articles that I read, or videos I watched, people went into it thinking they were going to hate it, but then surprisingly loved it. I have yet to try this simple version of a peanut butter and pickle sandwich. I am partial to my grilled peanut butter sweet pickle version, but I would not hesitate to give that more basic one a try.

Another sandwich that I found, although, not as common as the peanut butter and pickle sandwich, was a peanut butter and mayo sandwich. That one sounds a little less exciting to me, but I can see how it could work. Everyone who tried it was also surprised, but it seemed people kind of semi-enjoyed the peanut butter and mayo sandwich, while literally every person said they would 100% make the peanut butter and pickle version again.

I also found that the peanut butter and pickle sandwich is actually kind of a thing in New York, more than anywhere else. The sandwich became popular in the 1930s, during the Great Depression, because it was inexpensive to make and made from ingredients that last a long time. I found the same was true for the peanut butter and mayo version, only it’s more of a Southern tradition (although, my cousin who lives in South Caroline has never heard of either of these sandwiches before). Both sandwiches remained popular from the 30s to the 60s. This makes sense to me, because my Grandma lived through the depression era. Also, Pittsburgh is only a few hours from New York, so there are probably some New York influences in Pittsburgh.

Maybe my Grandma had the grilled peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich somewhere, or she came up with it herself based off of the peanut butter dill pickle sandwich. I wish I could ask her. My dad doesn’t remember where it came from. He, just like me, fondly remembers enjoying it a lot when he was growing up.

I have never done this much historical research on a recipe before, but I found it to be super interesting. Especially because it is the first time I have come up totally empty handed for finding a recipe that closely resembles the one I am sharing. So cool!

Honestly, I never gave a serious thought to sharing my family’s beloved recipe for peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich on the blog before. It didn’t feel like it fit my niche, exactly. Then Covid-19 pandemic happened, and we are relying on those pantry staples more, especially when you start to run out of the fresh stuff (or can’t get the fresh stuff). Now was the time to share it, it is the perfect fit for our current circumstances.  It’s cheap, easy to make, and requires pantry and refrigerator staples that last a long time. Plus, it’s hearty and fills you up.

All I know, is that it’s time to introduce the world to one of my all time favorite sandwiches. Or maybe, we just need to make it popular again. Possibly, it was once popular in my Grandma’s world, before everything was available on the internet.

This grilled peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich is still one that I crave as an adult. I often make it when I am under the weather and don’t have the energy to make anything else. It hits the spot every time.

I even turned Paul onto them. He was totally skeptical, but willing to give it a try, because I have introduced him to A LOT of foods he never thought he would like, and he ended up really loving it!!! Now, he gets excited when I make it.

What’s in this crazy peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich, anyways?

• 2 slices of sandwich bread
• sweet pickles, AKA gherkins
• creamy peanut butter
• mayonnaise
• butter (for cooking)

That’s it!!!

5 simple ingredients you likely already have on hand!

How to make peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich:

1. Slice the sweet pickles lengthwise.
2. spread peanut butter over one slice of bread.
3. spread a thin layer of mayo over the other half of the bread.
4. add as many sweet pickles to the peanut butter half of the bread. Pop the lid on the sandwich.
5. Heat up a skillet. Melt the butter. And cook sandwich on both sides until the bread is crispy.
6. Slice in half.
7. Take a bite. And be prepared to be blown away!!!

15 minutes until you have a toasty, creamy, hearty, crunchy, sweet, tangy, delicious sandwich for lunch!! OR dinner!!!

Peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich comes together in 15 minutes, only requires 5 ingredients, and is so hearty you will be full until the next meal. It’s vegetarian and can easily be adapted to be gluten free by using gluten free sandwich bread (this is how my parents makes it these days).

Seriously, my mouth has been watering the entire time I have been writing this post. Pretty sure this sandwich is going to be my lunch. Along with some Greek yogurt dill dip and carrots on the side? Yes, that would make me a very happy girl.

I know this recipe sounds super odd, but it’s my job to introduce you to new foods. To inspire you to go outside of your comfort zone a little. At the end of the day, that is the true reason why I shared this recipe. Try it, who knows, it may  become a new family favorite recipe for generations to come. One that you will make for your kids.

I had so much fun doing the research for this recipe. I hope, at the very least, you learned something new.

And please, please if you make this peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich, let me know. I am dying to find out who makes it and likes it. I bet you’ll be blown away!

More quick and easy pantry staple meals:

• 10 ingredient tuna melt
• chipotle black bean burgers
• salmon patties with herby slaw
• lentil quesadillas (only takes 10 minutes to make, once the filling is prepped)
• 10 minute curry chicken salad (includes chicken – a fridge staple – but the remaining ingredients are mostly pantry staples).

Did you give this recipe a try? Do me a huge favor, and leave a comment down below, along with a star rating. I would really love to hear form you, especially about this recipe. Thanks friends.

Grilled Peanut Butter Sweet Pickle Sandwich

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 5 reviews

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
• Category: lunch, easy, entree, 10 ingredients or less, one pan, 30 minutes
• Method: Pan Fry
• Cuisine: vegetarian, gluten free
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Peanut butter sweet pickle sandwich is an odd combo that totally works. It’s my comfort food. Only takes 15 minutes to make, and requires a few fridge and pantry staples you likely have on hand. Let this unique sandwich totally surprise you.

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Ingredients

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• 2 slices of bread (I used whole wheat, white works well too)
• 2 to 3 sweet pickles (AKA gherkins), sliced lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter (no sugar or extra oils)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)

 

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Instructions

1. Assemble the sandwich: Slice the pickles the long way. Depending on how thick or thin they are you might get three slices out of one pickle, or just two, but you want to try to keep all of the slices about the same thickness. On one slice of bread spread the peanut butter, on the other slice of bread spread the mayonnaise. Place the sliced sweet pickles on the peanut butter side of the bread, in an even layer, filling in as many empty gaps as you can. Sometimes I cut the long slice in half to fit them on the edge of the bread. If you have any pickle slices leftover, they make a yummy Chef’s snack. Place the mayonnaise side of the bread on top of the peanut butter and pickle side of the bread.
2. Grill the sandwich: Heat a small to medium sized skillet over medium low heat (I like using my well seasoned cast iron skillet, but a non-stick works just as well). Once the pan is hot, melt one tablespoon of the butter. Place the sandwich in the pan and allow it to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bread has toasted. Flip and carefully add the other tablespoon of butter to the pan, allow it to melt and tilt the pan so the butter runs underneath the bread. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bread is toasted on that side as well. Remove the pan from the heat.
3. Finish: Remove the sandwich from the pan. Slice the sandwich in half – diagonal always tastes better 😉 – and enjoy immediately, while warm.

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Notes

Pickles: A few years ago there was a trend for a peanut butter and dill pickle sandwich (no mayo, not grilled). I have actually never tried that sandwich. Some people also used bread and butter pickles instead of dill. Anyways, you could maybe use bread and butter pickles instead of sweet pickles here, because they are also a little sweet, but I have never tried using dill pickles in this particular sandwich. This is always the way I had it growing up, so that’s always what I want…and what I recommend.

Gluten free: To make this recipe gluten free, simply use some gluten free sandwich bread.

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