Ready to give this childhood classic the upgrade it deserves? Whether you're packing your kid's lunch or treating yourself to something special, these elevated PB&J creations will make anyone excited for lunchtime.
The Art of the Upscale
The secret to an elevated PB&J isn't complicated—it's all about premium ingredients and creative combinations. Swap that white bread for artisanal sourdough, brioche, or even croissants. Trade processed jelly for fresh fruit compotes, gourmet preserves, or actual fresh berries that burst with flavor.
Quality nut butters make all the difference. Think creamy almond butter, rich cashew spread, or that perfectly salted natural peanut butter from the farmer's market. These simple swaps instantly elevate your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bread Options
- Artisanal sourdough
- Brioche
- Croissants
- Multigrain bread
- Cinnamon raisin bread
- Hawaiian sweet bread
- Whole wheat bread
- Thick-cut bread (for open-face)
Nut & Seed Butters
- Natural peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Dark chocolate almond butter
- Cashew butter
- Coconut butter
- Nutella
Fresh Fruits
- Strawberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh rasberries
- Fresh peaches
- Kiwi
- Mixed berries
- Bananas
- Pears
Preserves & Sweet Spreads
- Honey
- Fig jam
- Mango preserves
- Raspberry preserves
- Grape jelly
- Marshmallow cream
Toppings & Add-ins
- Fresh mint leaves
- Granola
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Cream cheese
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Dark Chocolate Syrup
Complementary Sides
- Apple slices
- Fancy crackers
- Dark chocolate squares
This list gives you everything you need to create any of the eight combinations or mix and match for your own creations!
Creative Combinations That Hit Different
The Sophisticated Sweet: Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey on brioche bread
The Panini Perfection: Peanut butter, fresh blueberries, and marshmallow cream pressed between sourdough slices
The Beautiful Mess: Your favorite nut butter topped with sliced fresh peaches, kiwi, or berries, then drizzled with golden honey or sprinkled with toasted coconut on thick-cut bread
The Grown-Up Classic: Almond butter, fig jam, and thinly sliced pears on multigrain bread
The Breakfast Crossover: Cashew butter, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of granola on cinnamon raisin bread
The Tropical Twist: Coconut butter, mango preserves, and toasted coconut flakes on Hawaiian sweet bread
The Chocolate Dream: Dark chocolate almond butter, raspberry preserves, and fresh mint leaves on whole wheat
The Savory Surprise: Natural peanut butter, grape jelly, and a thin layer of cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning
Pro Tips for Lunchbox Success
Toast your bread lightly for extra texture, even if you're making it ahead. Create a barrier with your spread to prevent soggy sandwiches—apply nut butter to both sides, then add your sweet elements in the middle. Pack fresh elements separately and assemble just before eating when possible.
Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, wrap in parchment paper tied with twine, or pack in a bento box with complementary sides like apple slices, fancy crackers, or dark chocolate squares.
The Bottom Line
An elevated PB&J proves that sometimes the best meals come from taking something familiar and making it special. These upgraded versions will have everyone asking for the recipe—and maybe even offering to trade lunches. Who knew sophistication could taste this good?