6 Easy Ways to Use Peanut Butter for More Than Sandwiches
That peanut butter in your pantry is good for more than just PB&Js. Put it to work with these easy ideas for using peanut butter in dinners, sauces, and treats.
The Pantry Power of Peanut Butter
1. I Scream, You Scream
For a killer Peanut Butter and Banana Ice Cream, peel and cut 4 bananas into chunks, then freeze until firm. Blend bananas, ¼ cup peanut butter, and 2 Tbsp. milk in a food processor until smooth. Serve immediately for soft serve, or freeze at least 4 hours. Makes 3 cups.
2. Bowled Move
A Peanut Butter and Chicken Ramen Bowl is more satisfying than a perfect bowling score. Put a 3-oz. pkg. ramen noodles (no seasoning packet), 3 oz. cooked shredded chicken, and a sliced red pepper in a bowl. Pour in 1¼ cups boiling water, cover, and let stand 5 minutes. Whisk together 2 Tbsp. peanut butter, 1½ tsp. each soy sauce and rice vinegar, ¼ tsp. sugar, and a pinch crushed red pepper in a small bowl. Pour sauce over noodles and chicken, then toss to combine. Makes 1 bowl. You might also like to try this recipe for Easy Ramen Peanut Pasta.
3. Copycat Candy
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then these copycat Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups show big love to those other famous confections made by you-know-who. Check out the video to see how to make them at home with just four simple ingredients.
4. Speedy Sauce
Quick and Spicy Peanut Butter Sauce is great as a dipping sauce for lettuce wraps or as a stir-fry sauce for chicken. Stir together ¼ cup each sugar and peanut butter, 2 Tbsp. water, and 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, just until bubbly and smooth (it will look a little curdled until then). Stir in sriracha to taste. Makes about ½ cup. You might also like to try this recipe for Best Peanut Sauce.
5. Best Peanut Butter Cookies Ever
Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect balance of crispy and creamy. Stir together a cup each of sugar and peanut butter with an egg. Shape dough into 1¼-inch balls, then roll in sugar. Arrange balls 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet and flatten with a fork. Bake in a 375°F oven until edges are lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Let cool 1 minute, then transfer to wire racks. Makes 32 cookies.
6. Smooth Operator
Add 2 ripe bananas to 2 cups milk and 1/2 cup peanut butter. Add 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste) and 2 cups ice cubes. Blend until smooth for a quick and easy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.
More to Explore
- Check out our collection of Peanut Butter Recipes.
- See how to use peanut butter in 15 easy dinner ideas.
This article originally appeared in the August/September 2019 issue of Allrecipes Magazine.