My kids love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. If I let them, they would eat it for every single meal.
I don’t know where I originally read about PB&J sushi, but it stuck in the back of my mind, so one day I made it on a whim. Needless to say, it was extremely popular in our house. I served it at both birthday parties last year and it was a hit with kids and adults alike. I also make it every time we go out for sushi as a family (they are wishy-washy when it comes to the real deal).
Since I don’t know where it originated, I can’t give proper attribution, but I did not invent this. I’m just sharing one of our favorite ways to sandwich.
When constructing, you can keep the crusts on or off and you can flatten the bread slightly with a rolling pin. I’ve found that cutting the crusts and flattening the bread helps it roll up better. But, personal preference reigns supreme. Spread a small amount of peanut butter on half of the bread, jelly on the other half. When you roll, make sure you roll UP. That way you have both peanut butter & jelly on every roll. After you have your bread rolled, cut. Easy, right? One slice of bread usually yields 5-6 rolls, depending on how big the bread is, and how big you cut the rolls.
Then, EAT.
The beauty of this “recipe” is that it requires only slightly more work than an ordinary sandwich, but it is so fun for kids to eat. If you have older kids, you can serve it with chopsticks, but it is an ideal finger food for little ones.
Play around with variations! Other yummy mix & match options are:
- Nutella
- Marshmallow Fluff
- Almond Butter
- Apple Butter
- Flavored cream cheese
The possibilities are probably endless, but if you do try something different, let me know how it turns out!
My mom used to make these for us when we were little and we thought they were the bees-knees. I’ve been rolling the bread for the peanut butter sandwiches that I make for O that he doesn’t eat. Squished bread is just easier when you have a little mouth, I think.
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Natalie Reply:
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:47 am
It really is a fun way to jazz up lunch. And a nice way to help teach them how to use chopsticks. Well, once they get the fork and spoon usage down. ;o)
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I’ve done this with Nutella and strawberry slices as well as banana slices. Mihran thought it was pretty tasty.
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Oh, you gals should check http://www.teeniecakes.com/2011/02/banana-cinnamon-roll-bites-with-pecans/ out too. Tasted so good!
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Natalie Reply:
February 3rd, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Do they roll as well w/ strawberry slices & banana??? It’s hard enough keeping the jelly from smooshing out. But it sounds DELICIOUS! Thanks for the tips!
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Awesome. Now my hubby is obsessed with making these for tomorrow. I think making it fun is also a way to get my hubby to help with lunch
haha Bonus!
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Natalie Reply:
February 3rd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Awesome! Anything to get some help with lunch, right? Enjoy!
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This? Awesome. We’re making it for lunch tomorrow.
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Works better more with banana, but strawberry is a good combo too. And if a little slips out it’s alright; food is supposed to be messy and fun, right? I’ve also found that pureeing strawberry jam with the immersion hand blender, makes the strawberry jam easier to spread.
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Ooh, I’m thinking of chopping the bananas/strawberry first before I put them on top of the Nutella. I wonder how easier that might roll.
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I have also seen this done with rainbow fruit rollups and rice krispie treats! Your way is a bit healthier!
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