Can we get a round of applause for this classic combo? Kids and grown-ups alike will dig this pb&j snack platter made with simple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a flavorful variety of snacks to go with them. It’s an easy, fun and tasty way to serve up an after school snack or quick meal.
Tell me a better duo than peanut butter and jelly… I’ll wait.
You can’t think of one can you? This combo is not only delicious but also nostalgic to me. Growing up peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were my favorite lunch choice and the first meal I learned to cook on my own. When my dad was fighting cancer her craved them; we shared pb&j sandwiches in bed daily until he passed away. They are the ultimate comfort food.
Are pb&j sandwiches healthy?
They sure are! You’ve got plant based protein, healthy fats, and whole grain fiber, all of which can support a healthy diet. Skippy Natural peanut butter, available at Kroger, is a great low carb source of protein with a whopping 7g per serving. It’s packed full of nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Peanut butter is also cholesterol free and boasts close to 8g of “good” monounsaturated fat per serving, which can have a beneficial effect on your heart when eaten in moderation. Those “good” fats are the last to leave the digestive tract and provide satiety, keeping you full longer.
However, not all pb&j’s are created equal. The quality of your ingredients will determine just how healthy your sandwich is. Choose high fiber whole grain bead- homemade is best, 100% fruit spreads and quality peanut butter. We love Skippy natural. It is creamy peanut buttery perfection.
We are a peanut butter and jelly obsessed family. I knew I had to create a lunch platter in its honor. My kids always eat more if I set a tray of healthy options in front of them. We do A LOT of platters for meals at our house, lunch especially. These platters don’t need to be large or the most creative, Pinterest-worthy creations; just aim for a variety of textures, colors, and food groups to encourage them to explore foods they maybe wouldn’t ordinarily eat. Combining foods they typically eat in bite-sized portions or fun shapes with a variety of options is a great way to introduce new foods.
How to build a pb&j snack platter
Start with your favorite peanut butter sandwich combinations. I went with classic peanut butter and jelly but peanut butter and banana or peanut butter with hazelnut spread would be yummy too! I started filling in holes with apples, fresh berries, celery (any fruit and veggie will do) and my pb&j fruit dip. Next, I added fruit leather, trail mix, PB filled pretzels and corn puffs for crunch. Lastly, I tossed in my latest powerball creation… pb&j powerballs!
Yes, you read that correctly! A peanut butter and jelly powerball has joined the Clean Eats family! If you love the flavors and texture of a classic pb&j sandwich you are going to flip over my pb&j powerballs! It tastes exactly like you are biting into a pb&j minus the bread. Perfect for my gluten-free friends!
Can you guess the secret ingredient? Keep scrolling for the recipe.
First, let’s make Pb&j fruit dip
You only need two ingredients to make this simple but delicious fruit dip. Simple Truth Greek yogurt and Skippy natural peanut butter. Feel free to play around with the yogurt flavors, I have found that strawberry is the closest to that classic pb&j flavor but I think mango or blueberry would be tasty too!!
- 1 container Simple Truth strawberry greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Skippy natural peanut butter
Stir until smooth, making sure to blend in all lumps. You could even use a small food processor for this. Serve with fresh fruit, apples, celery and strawberries, pretzels or graham crackers too. There is no wrong way to enjoy this dip! Add it to your next snack platter and watch those fruits and veggies disappear!
I hope you have found some back to school snacking and lunch inspiration! It is a proven fact that my kids eat twice as many healthy snacks if I arrange them nicely on a platter. Try it and tag me in your platter adventures! #skippypeanutbutteratkroger
Looking for more meal time platter inspiration? Check out these kid-friendly options!
- Clean green Snack Platter
- Wings Platter with Blue Cheese Dressing
- Gluten Free Breakfast Platter
- Ultimate Kid Friendly Snack Platter
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kroger. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pb&j Powerballs
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 20 medool dates, pitted soak in warm water for 1-2 minutes to soften if needed
- 1 cup ground old fashioned oats pulse oats in your blender or food prcessor
- 1 pkg Simple Truth freeze dried strawberries about 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup Skippy natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup raspberry or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch kosher salt
- 1-2 tbsp water if needed
Instructions
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Place cashews in a high-speed food processor and process on high for about a minute or until the cashews turn into a meal.
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Then, add in pulsed oats, medjool dates, peanut butter, strawberries, syrup, vanilla, and salt. Mix for 1-2 minutes or until your dough is formed. If the dough is too dry at this point, add some water in 1/2 teaspoon increments. You want it sticky but not too wet. NOTE- add water in very small amounts, you don’t need much.
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Scoop out a heaping teaspoon of dough with a medium cookie scoop and roll between palms. Repeat.
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Place balls in refrigerator for an hour to set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for up to one month.
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