Unleash your inner rockstar with Elvis Presley’s Fried Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich. A delicious and indulgent treat that perfectly combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and banana.
This warm, gooey, and slightly crispy sandwich will leave you wondering why you didn’t try it sooner.
And the whole thing only takes 10 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- Ripe banana: Make sure the banana is ripe but not overly mushy, as it adds natural sweetness and a soft texture to the sandwich.
- Bread: Use your favorite type of bread, whether it’s white, whole wheat, or even a gluten-free option.
- Smooth peanut butter: I like using a creamy and rich peanut butter for more decadence.
- Butter: This gives the sandwich a rich flavor and a nice golden brown finish. I use unsalted butter.
- Bacon: Elvis Presley was a king, and bacon makes this sandwich fit for a king. There’s bacon in the sandwich, and the bacon fat is used for frying. Psst… want to learn how to store bacon fat?
Instructions
Start by peeling and slicing the ripe banana into even rounds.
Cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Keep the fat in the pan for later!
Butter one side of all the slices of bread, and spread a generous layer of peanut butter on the other side.
Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the peanut butter, add the bacon and then make your sandwiches with the butter sides facing out.
Re-warm the bacon fat over medium heat, and fry the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a plate and allow them cool for a minute or two.
Then cut them in half diagonally with a sharp knife.
Hint: you can also add maple syrup or honey to the pan with the butter. This will give you an extra crispy outside with a caramelized flavor.
Substitutions
- For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread to make the sandwich.
- If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Or you can swap the smooth peanut butter for crunchy.
- For a healthier sandwich, swap the butter and bacon fat for cooking spray. Or check out my list of bacon fat substitutes for more options.
Variations
Don’t limit yourself to the recipe! Try some of these exciting twists.
- Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the peanut butter layer for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.
- Use Nutella or another chocolate-hazelnut spread instead of peanut butter for a delicious chocolate and banana combination.
- Go crazy and use a few drops of hot sauce to your sandwich to counteract all the sweetness.
Serving suggestions
This indulgent sandwich can be served as a sweet breakfast or a satisfying snack, and pairs well with other dishes that complement its flavors and textures.
- Greek yogurt: Creamy yogurt with a drizzle of honey will add a touch of tanginess and protein to the meal.
- Cold brew coffee: A glass of smooth and strong cold brew coffee will cut through the sweetness of the sandwich.
- Green salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will add some crunch and freshness to the meal.
If you’re a fan of this sandwich recipe, why not explore my accompaniment suggestions for another iconic sandwich? Check out my article on the best things to serve with fried chicken sandwiches for more delicious meal inspiration!
Storage
This sandwich doesn’t store or freeze well – it needs to be enjoyed immediately.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas cut into thin pieces
- 4 slices bread any kind will do
- 4 tbsp smooth peanut butter don't use extra smooth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 slices streaky bacon optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Cook bacon (if using) in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until crispy. Reserve bacon and fat in the skillet.
- Butter one side of each bread slice, then flip buttered-side-down. Spread peanut butter on the un-buttered side of all slices. Place banana pieces on two bread slices. Add bacon (if using) atop bananas.
- Top with remaining bread slices, buttered-side-up, forming sandwiches. Warm skillet with leftover bacon fat (or oil/butter for vegetarian/vegan) over medium heat. Fry sandwiches on both sides until golden-brown and peanut butter slightly oozes (2-3 minutes per side).
- Let sandwiches rest briefly before slicing. Serve promptly and enjoy.
