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76 Ways with Peanut Butter

July 05, 2012
Randy Mayor
We love peanut butter, yes, we do! Unlock a world of rich and creamy flavor when you start cooking with jelly's better half. Whether savory or sweet, peanut butter can add a depth of flavor throughout many dishes. Add it to dessert in cookies, brownies, or smoothies. If going with a dinner-based route, stir it into curries, sautés, or spread on sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
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Healthy Peanut Butter Recipes

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Fudge

Don't get us wrong, we can't hate on our beloved PB&J but, just in case you're looking for more ways to put this pantry staple to good use, we have 76 recipes to get you started.

We'll begin with Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Fudge. Just a pinch of instant coffee granules goes a long way when it comes to intensifying the chocolate flavor in the fudge. A sprinkle of peanuts gives a salty bite.

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Chicken Kebabs with Cucumber Noodles

Photo: Stephen Devries
View Recipe: Chicken Kebabs with Cucumber Noodles

Marinated in a little honey, ginger, soy sauce, and peanut oil, these Asian-inspired chicken kebabs  are paired with cucumber noodles to create an easy weeknight dinner.

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Grilled Eggplant Banh Mi Sandwich

Photo: Johnny Miller
View Recipe: Grilled Eggplant Banh Mi Sandwich

Sandwich night doesn't have to be boring anymore. Mix things up with this veggie-filled, Vietnamese-inspired creation.

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PB&J Stuffed Multigrain Pancakes

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: PB&J Stuffed Multigrain Pancakes

Peanut butter powder is the secret to adding intense nutty flavor (without a lot of fat) to these jam-stuffed pancakes.

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Sweet and Spicy Peanut Sauce

Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Peanut Sauce

Stir into ground turkey for a savory burger, or toss with rice noodles and thinly sliced veggies for an Indonesian-style salad.

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Peanut Chicken Noodle Soup

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Peanut Chicken Noodle Soup

If you can't find udon, substitute 6 ounces uncooked spaghetti.

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Banh Mi Bowls

Photo: Victor Protasio
View Recipe: Banh Mi Bowls

We deconstruct the classic Vietnamese sandwich for a whole-grain bowl that's perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinner. Precooked brown rice takes the place of the traditional baguette. Our quick vegetables are ready in just 20 minutes. If you haven't pickled your own vegetables before, you'll be surprised by how easy it is. Not sure how to use the rest of the chile paste? Try tossing green beans with a couple teaspoons (along with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and canola oil) and roasting, spread a little on grilled cheese, or try it in our Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu.

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Thai Crunch Bowl with Salmon

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Thai Crunch Bowl with Salmon

Add bright, bold colors to your palate with this nutty dinner. The sesame-peanut sauce is so downright delicious, you'll want to drizzle it over every meal.

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Crunchy Peanut Butter Bulgur with Berries

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Cindy Barr
View Recipe: Crunchy Peanut Butter Bulgur with Berries

This grain works while you sleep—a no-cook cereal with 40g whole grains per serving.

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Peanut Butter Hummus with Cucumber Dippers

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Peanut Butter Hummus with Cucumber Dippers

Don't let the peanut butter trip you up; this savory dip still packs all the great flavors of hummus with an unexpected, nutty note that provides thickness, creaminess, and flavor. Hummus is made more kid-friendly with the addition of peanut butter. Top with crushed peanuts for extra crunch. Serve with vegetables or pita chips. To easily measure 7 tablespoons water without losing count, pour 1/2 cup into a measuring cup and remove 1 tablespoon.

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Thai Chicken Peanut Crunch Sandwich

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Thai Chicken Peanut Crunch Sandwich

This Thai Chicken Peanut Crunch Sandwich is a flavor sensation. One bite reveals a burst of cucumber, carrot, and red onion. That's quickly met by a kick of heat from Sriracha and a creamy cool down from the peanut butter.

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Peanut Butter-Chocolate Bars

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Peanut Butter-Chocolate Bars

What combination is more heavenly than chocolate and peanut butter? Absolutely nothing! These homemade bars unite the two to make a tasty after-school treat. 

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Powdered peanut butter (which you'll find on the nut butters aisle) adds richness here; if you'd rather not use it, sub more flour. Find plum sauce in the Asian foods section.

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Griddled Banana, Mango, and Jalapeño Sandwiches

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Griddled Banana, Mango, and Jalapeño Sandwiches

Be sure to coarsely mash the banana; you want to keep some texture there. Serving to kids with sensitive palates? Leave off the jalapeño; the sandwiches will still be great. For a killer brunch, serve with an over-easy egg.

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Chicken Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chicken Stir-fry with Peanut Sauce

Save time, money, and calories by making this simple stir-fry in the comfort of your own kitchen. Want more for later? Try doubling the batch of peanut sauce and using it as a dip for grilled chicken kebabs tomorrow night!

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No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

These bars are a perfectly portable snack you can prep on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. The bars will continue to firm up as they chill.

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Peanut Butter Crunch Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Peanut Butter Crunch Cookies

Triple the peanut butter, triple the fun! With creamy peanut butter, crispy peanut butter-flavored cereal, and roasted peanuts, we pack plenty of decadence into these ooey-gooey treats. We like the lightly-sweet crunch of Barbara's Peanut Butter Puffins, which is also lower in added sugars.

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Grilled Asian Flank Steak with Mango Salad

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Grilled Asian Flank Steak with Mango Salad

Stir lime juice into creamy peanut butter and crushed red pepper to make the spicy-nutty vinaigrette that accompanies this soy- and ginger-marinated flank steak. Serve with oven-crisped sesame wontons on the side. 

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Ohio Buckeyes

Photo: Helene Dujardin
View Recipe: Ohio Buckeyes

In this classic confection from the Buckeye State, peanut butter and chocolate combine to create an adorable replica of an Ohio tree nut.

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PB, Banana, and Oat Cookies

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: PB, Banana, and Oat Cookies
At just 82 calories a pop, these gluten-free cookies are a healthy indulgence packed with peanut butter, bananas, rolled oats, and chocolate minichips. Pack one or two in your lunchbox for a yummy midday pick me up.

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Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Photo: Romulo Yanes
This salad is light and refreshing, the perfect choice for entertaining. To make a splash when serving, garnish the dish with lime wedges to give diners a hint of the flavor they will encounter when they dive in.

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Pineapple Chicken Satay

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Pineapple Chicken Satay

Round out this meal that is full of fresh and bright flavors with rice and sugar snap peas.

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Skinny Elvis Waffle

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Skinny Elvis Waffle

This aptly-named breakfast treat would've delighted the King of Rock 'n' Roll, with its sweet peanut butter and crispy bacon complemented by delicious sliced bananas.

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Basil Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Basil Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Made from a simple combination of rice flour, water, and salt, rice paper has about 30 calories per 8-inch round—that's 80% less than the same size flour tortilla. While filling one summer roll, let another rice paper soak.

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Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

Drizzle the icing in whatever patterns you like. For a Halloween treat, use a toothpick to create spooky webs.

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Peanut Butter, Banana, and Flax Smoothies

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Peanut Butter, Banana, and Flax Smoothies

Peanut butter and banana smoothies are usually a splurge item. Luckily, we have a healthy version that doesn't skimp on flavor. If the smoothies seem too thick, add another tablespoon or two of milk.

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Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Photo: Gentl & Hyers
View Recipe: Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Peanut butter is whipped into the basic recipe for a moist banana bread with a hint of nutty flavor. A small amount of chopped roasted peanuts offers delightfully surprising crunch.

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Peanut-Almond Snack Bars

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Peanut-Almond Snack Bars

Featuring pretzels, marshmallows, peanut butter, almonds, and even a little hint of chocolate, is there any snack attack this bar can't beat?

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Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Ryan Dausch
View Recipe: Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

You probably have everything on hand to make these chewy, chocolaty peanut butter cookies. To fit the cookies on a single sheet pan, divide cookies into 5 rows of 4. Pressing the cookies flat helps them bake quickly and get lovely crisp edges; otherwise they'll be too round and undercooked.

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Tempeh and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Tempeh and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Tempeh is a high-protein soy product that originated in Indonesia; substitute extra-firm tofu, if desired.

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Peanut Butter-Banana Milk Shakes

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Peanut Butter-Banana Milk Shakes

Reminiscing about your favorite childhood lunch? Peanut butter and fresh bananas combine to create creamy shakes that will be gone in no time. 

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding

This pudding isn't just fast, it's easy too. Try sliced bananas on top.

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Indonesian Vegetable Salad with Peanut Dressing

Photo: Kenji Toma
View Recipe: Indonesian Vegetable Salad with Peanut Dressing

This is a simplified version of the splendid Indonesian salad called gado gado, which along with satay is practically a national dish, often served with crunchy shrimp crackers. It uses shortcut ingredients in the sauce—peanut butter, curry paste—to speed things along. For a spicier dressing, stir in sambal oelek or Sriracha.

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Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin-Peanut Sauce

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin-Peanut Sauce

If you think of veggies as containers for tasty ingredients, dinner gets more interesting. You'll love these Asian-inspired lettuce wraps with their tangy hoisin-peanut sauce.

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Peanut Butter-Chocolate Meringue Sandwiches

Photo: Karry Hosford
View Recipe: Peanut Butter-Chocolate Meringue Sandwiches

Creamy peanut butter filling is sandwiched between chocolate meringues, creating a flavor reminiscent of chocolate-peanut butter cups.

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Winter Squash and Tofu Panang Curry

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr
View Recipe: Winter Squash and Tofu Panang Curry

Nutty whole grains make a perfect bed for a bowl of saucy winter veggies. If you have trouble finding kabocha squash, an acorn or butternut variety is an easy, just-as-delicious substitute.

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Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Photo: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Dip the pretzels, and store in the fridge on a parchment-lined tray up to five days ahead of your next party. Set out shortly before serving, but not too far ahead, as the chocolate may melt.

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