Crunchy Fried PB and J
This recipe transforms a classic PB&J into a decadent, crunchy fried sandwich. Thick-sliced bread is filled with peanut butter, raspberry preserves, banana, and potato chips, then coated in egg and cinnamon cereal before being pan-fried to a golden, crispy perfection. It's a playful and indulgent take on a nostalgic favorite, delivering both sweet and savory notes with satisfying texture.
Equipment
- 1 12-inch nonstick skillet
- 2 Shallow Bowls For egg wash and cereal
- 1 Resealable Plastic Bag For crushing cereal
- 1 Spreading knife or spatula For peanut butter and preserves
- 1 Chef's knife For slicing bananas and cutting sandwiches
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup chunky peanut butter
- Eight 1-inch-thick slices Pullman bread
- 1 cup good raspberry preserves
- 2 bananas sliced thin on the bias
- 2 cups plain potato chips with ridges
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups cinnamon square cereal crushed by hand in a re-sealable plastic bag
- 8 tablespoons 1 stick unsalted butter
Instructions
- Spread the peanut butter on 4 slices of bread and the raspberry preserves on the other 4 slices. Add the bananas and a nice pile of chips on top of the peanut butter slices; sandwich with the raspberry preserve slices.
- Place the eggs and cereal in separate shallow bowls. Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Dip a sandwich in the eggs, then the cinnamon cereal, pressing down to make sure the cereal adheres to both sides. Repeat with the other sandwiches.
- In batches, fry the sandwiches low and slow until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side, adding more butter to the pan as needed. Cut the sandwiches in half on the diagonal and serve.
Notes
The use of Pullman bread is crucial here; its dense crumb stands up well to the moisture from the fillings and the frying process, preventing sogginess. Ensure your nonstick skillet is at a true medium-low heat to allow the butter to brown and the cereal crust to crisp evenly without burning. Pressing the cereal firmly onto the eggy bread creates a robust, crunchy exterior. For an elevated experience, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt to the peanut butter for a sweet-savory balance, or experiment with homemade fruit compotes instead of preserves. A touch of neutral oil with the butter can also prevent scorching.