A stack of Grilled PB&J sandwiches with a crunchy pretzel coating sits on a white plate. Gooey peanut butter and red jelly peek out between slices of perfectly toasted bread, making this twist on the classic extra delicious. - 1 A close-up of a grilled PB&J sandwich cut in half, stacked on a white plate. The toasted bread is golden brown and sprinkled with coarse salt. The creamy peanut butter and red jelly are visible at the sandwich’s edge. - 2 A stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with crunchy bread, oozing filling, and a hint of salt. A bowl of pretzels, a jar of peanut butter, and a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich are visible in the background. - 3 A close-up of a Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich cut in half, gooey peanut butter and red jelly oozing out, stacked on a white plate. Blurred sandwiches and a bowl of pretzels are in the background. - 4 A stack of Grilled PB&J sandwiches with a crunchy pretzel coating sits on a white plate. Gooey peanut butter and red jelly peek out between slices of perfectly toasted bread, making this twist on the classic extra delicious. - 5 Two halves of a Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich are stacked on a white surface, showing layers of melted peanut butter and red jelly between toasted, golden-brown bread slices. - 6

Make a grilled peanut butter and jelly with a crunchy pretzel coating in minutes. A fun twist on a nostalgic classic that is perfect for lunch or dessert.

in this article:

  • Know Before You Scroll
  • In the Test Kitchen
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • More Peanut Butter
  • Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly
  • Erren’s Top Tips
  • Variations & Add-Ins
  • Storage & Freezing
  • FAQs

Know Before You Scroll

Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly with Crunchy Pretzel Coating - 7

What You’ll Need

Sandwich bread, peanut butter, jam, butter, and pretzels.

Flavor Profile

Sweet and salty with a buttery, toasty crunch and a warm, melty peanut butter and jelly center.

Difficulty Level

Easy. Simple assembly with quick stovetop grilling.

Equipment Needed

Nonstick skillet or griddle, shallow bowl or plate, spatula.

Top Tip

Keep the heat on medium-low so the pretzel coating toasts without burning before the filling melts.

Time-Saving Tips

Crush the pretzels in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.

Ingredient Swaps

Use almond or cashew butter in place of peanut butter, or swap the jam for preserves or honey.

A stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with crunchy bread, oozing filling, and a hint of salt. A bowl of pretzels, a jar of peanut butter, and a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich are visible in the background. - 8

In the Test Kitchen

I know what you’re thinking—grilled peanut butter and jelly? Sounds crazy, right? That’s exactly what I thought when a friend first made it for me. But then I took a bite, and wow. It was warm, gooey, and surprisingly delicious. Still, something was missing. It needed a crunch and maybe a little less sweetness to really hit the mark. I knew I wanted something with a real payoff in texture. The breakthrough? Buttering the bread and pressing it straight into crushed salted pretzels before grilling. The pretzels toast right along with the bread, creating a salty, golden crust that perfectly balances the sweetness of the warm, melty peanut butter and jelly filling. Grilled PB&J is simple, a little indulgent, and wildly satisfying.

Ingredient Notes

A variety of snack ingredients on a white surface: a bowl of pretzels with a crunchy pretzel coating, slices of bread, a jar of peanut butter and jelly with a spoon, a dish of butter, and a small bowl of salt. - 9

Bread

Best Choice

Soft white bread, brioche, or sourdough for even browning.

Substitutions

Whole wheat works, but choose a soft loaf rather than dense sandwich bread.

Peanut Butter

Best Choice

Creamy peanut butter spreads evenly and melts smoothly.

Substitutions

Crunchy peanut butter adds texture but is slightly harder to spread.

Jelly

Best Choice

What every you like best with you PB&J!

Substitutions

Any fruit preserves you choose will also work.

Pretzels

Best Choice

Salted pretzel twists or sticks crushed to a coarse crumb, similar to panko.

You can find the full, printable recipe at the top of this post , but you can read the detailed instructions with photos for each step below.

Step By Step Instructions

1

Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread 2 tbsp peanut butter on two slices of bread. Spread 2 tbsp jam on the other two slices. Sandwich together.

A split image shows a slice of bread with red jelly and another with creamy peanut butter, each being spread with a knife—perfect for crafting the ultimate peanut butter sandwich. - 10

2

Butter the Outside:

Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich — both sides.

A slice of bread is being spread with butter using a knife, with another slice and a bit of red jam visible—perfect for making a classic Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. - 11

3

Crush the Pretzels

Add pretzels to a shallow plate or bowl and crush with the bottom of a cup or rolling pin until coarse (like panko breadcrumbs). Gently press the buttered sides of the sandwich into the crushed pretzels so they stick. Press lightly but evenly for full coverage.

A sandwich coated with a crunchy pretzel coating sits on a plate filled with more crumbs, ready for further preparation or cooking. - 12

4

Grill It

Heat a skillet over medium-low. Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side , until golden brown and the pretzels are toasty and crisp. Slice, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt (optional), and serve hot!

Two images side by side show a slice of bread in a frying pan: the left is pale with oat pieces, while the right reveals golden brown crisped crumbs—perfect for a Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly or adding a Crunchy Pretzel Coating twist. - 13 A close-up of a Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich cut in half, gooey peanut butter and red jelly oozing out, stacked on a white plate. Blurred sandwiches and a bowl of pretzels are in the background. - 14

More Peanut Butter

  • Peanut Butter Kiss Blossom Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies
  • Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars {British Flapjacks}
Two halves of a Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich are stacked on a white surface, showing layers of melted peanut butter and red jelly between toasted, golden-brown bread slices. - 15

Ingredients

  • ▢ 4 slices sandwich bread (brioche or sourdough )
  • ▢ 4 tbsp peanut butter
  • ▢ 4 tbsp jam ( or jelly)
  • ▢ 2 tbsp softened butter
  • ▢ ½ cup crushed salted pretzels (more coverage = more crunch!)
  • ▢ Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  • Spread 2 tbsp peanut butter on two slices of bread. Spread 2 tbsp jam on the other two slices. Sandwich together.
  • Add pretzels to a shallow plate or bowl and crush with the bottom of a cup or rolling pin until coarse (like panko breadcrumbs).
  • Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich — both sides.
  • Gently press the buttered sides of the sandwich into the crushed pretzels so they stick. Press lightly but evenly for full coverage.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-low. Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the pretzels are toasty and crisp.
  • Slice, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt (optional), and serve hot!

Tips

Erren’s Top Tips

Variations & Add-Ins

Storage & Freezing

Nutrition

Can I make this in a panini press?

Yes, but keep the heat low and do not press too hard or the pretzel coating can crack off.

What if I only have unsalted pretzels?

They will still work, but add a small pinch of flaky salt after grilling to balance the sweetness.

Can I use jelly instead of jam?

Absolutely. Either works well here since the sandwich is grilled and warm.

Two halves of a Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich are stacked on a white surface, showing layers of melted peanut butter and red jelly between toasted, golden-brown bread slices. - 16

Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly

Ingredients

  • 4 slices sandwich bread brioche or sourdough
  • 4 tbsp peanut butter
  • 4 tbsp jam or jelly
  • 2 tbsp softened butter
  • ½ cup crushed salted pretzels more coverage = more crunch!
  • Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  • Spread 2 tbsp peanut butter on two slices of bread. Spread 2 tbsp jam on the other two slices. Sandwich together.
  • Add pretzels to a shallow plate or bowl and crush with the bottom of a cup or rolling pin until coarse (like panko breadcrumbs).
  • Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich — both sides.
  • Gently press the buttered sides of the sandwich into the crushed pretzels so they stick. Press lightly but evenly for full coverage.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-low. Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the pretzels are toasty and crisp.
  • Slice, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt (optional), and serve hot!

Video

Notes

Erren’s Top Tips

Variations & Add-Ins

Storage & Freezing

Nutrition

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen!