The Best Easy & Low-Cost Recipes Using Peanut Butter in 2024

When is National Peanut Butter Day 2024?

March 1st marks National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, a day that celebrates America’s favorite legume! Did you know each American on average eats approximately 3 pounds of peanut butter per year? Today is a time to indulge in the creamy, nutty goodness of this beloved spread.* But before you dive into that jar with a spoon, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind it. Stay tuned, because today’s food blog also has some easy and cost-effective recipes to make sweet and savory dishes using peanut butter! 

Who Created Peanut Butter?

While it may seem like a modern invention, this creamy spread can be traced back to the ancient Incas and Aztecs, who ground roasted peanuts into a paste. However, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg is credited with being the inventor of peanut butter, as we know it today. Kellogg was a physician and health food enthusiast who patented the first process for making this spread in 1895.

Peanut butter gained popularity in the early 20th century, thanks in part to its presence at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Then in the 1920s, Joseph Rosefield developed a process for making it smooth, which revolutionized the industry and made the tasty spread more appealing to a wider audience. Today’s peanut butter often includes additional ingredients such as salt, sugar, and oil to enhance its flavor and texture.

Is Peanut Butter Healthy?

Peanut butter can be a healthy part of a balanced diet since it’s a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, it’s also high in calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.

Is Peanut Butter Good for Weight Loss?

While peanut butter is calorie-dense, it can be part of a weight loss diet when consumed in moderation. Its high protein and fiber content can help keep you feeling full, which could help aid in weight loss.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter in moderation, since it’s a good source of protein and healthy fats for dogs. However, it’s important to choose a version that does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s toxic to dogs.

Is Peanut Butter Vegan?

Most peanut butter is vegan, as it’s made from peanuts and does not contain any animal products. However, some flavored or specialty peanut butters may contain ingredients that are not vegan, so it’s always best to check the label.

What are the Different Types of Peanut Butter?

There are several types of peanut butter, such as creamy (smooth), crunchy (which contains small peanut pieces), natural (made with just peanuts and sometimes salt), and flavored (which may contain added ingredients like chocolate or honey).

How Long Does Peanut Butter Last?

Peanut butter became a staple during both World Wars due to its high protein content and long shelf life. This is because an unopened jar can last for several months to a year at room temperature. Once opened, it should be eaten within a few months and stored in the refrigerator to stay fresh.

Now that we’ve answered all your burning questions about this delicious creamy spread, let’s now jump into our favorite recipes using peanut butter!

Recipes Using Peanut Butter

Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

By: Tatiana Lewis

A light and refreshing salad with a great peanut punch! Perfect as a side or by itself. 

For the Dressing 

• 1/4 cup peanut butter, we recommend creamy  
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, seasoned or unseasoned, chef’s choice 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free 
• 3 tablespoons honey  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced  
• ½ teaspoon of ground ginger 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 
• 2 tablespoons water, or more as needed 

For the Salad 

• Romaine lettuce chopped 5 to 6 oz. 
• 2 cups of red or green cabbage, shredded 
• 1 cup shredded carrots-2 medium carrots 
• 3 green onions, chopped  
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped 
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro  
• 3/4 cup chopped peanuts for topping  

Directions 

1.  Add all the peanut dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisk well to combine. Season and adjust to taste, then set aside. 

2. Chop the vegetables, then add them to a large bowl. 

3. Add half of the prepared dressing to the bowl of veggies and toss well. Taste the salad, and add more sauce as needed, but keep in mind you might not use it all. Add the chopped peanuts and enjoy!

4. Want more than just salad for dinner? Add some grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.

Chicken Satay Recipe

By: Tatiana Lewis

So easy and straightforward to make, your favorite Thai restaurant will start to wonder where their best customer went. 

Ingredients For the Chicken  

• 1-pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips 
• 2.5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free 
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (if using fresh lime juice, use two lime) 
• 1 tablespoon honey 
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce or sweet chili sauce 
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger 
• 2 cloves garlic minced 
• Grilling skewers metal or wood (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 1 hour before grilling so they don’t burn)

Ingredients For the Peanut Sauce  

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 
• 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 
• 1 tablespoon honey 
• 1.5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free 
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce or sweet chili sauce  
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 
• 2 cloves garlic minced 
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice, fresh or from a bottle  

Directions 

1. Whisk together all the marinade ingredients, such as the soy sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha/sweet chili sauce, ginger, and garlic in a large mixing bowl.  

2. Add the chicken, toss to coat, then cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 2 hours. Additionally, if you want to make this dish for the next day, it can marinate overnight. 

3. When you’re ready to start grilling, take your chicken out of the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. While the chicken is coming up to temperature, make the peanut sauce.  

4. For your peanut sauce, combine the chicken broth, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, Sriracha/sweet chili sauce, ginger, and garlic in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then let cook, often stirring, until the sauce is smooth and has thickened, for about 6 minutes. Lastly, stir in the lime juice and set aside. 

5. Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high. Then thread the chicken onto the skewers. 

6. Grill chicken until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Foodsafety.gov states chicken must be cooked to the minimum internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.* 

7. The last step is to sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro, then serve warm with peanut sauce and lime wedges. 

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

By: Tatiana Lewis

You may remember these cookies from our Ice Cream Sandwich Day recipe blog. These are the easiest peanut butter cookies you can make, requiring only 5 ingredients.   

Ingredients  

• 1 egg, room temperature, beaten  
• 1 cup sugar  
• Pinch of salt 
• 1 cup of peanut butter, creamy  
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract  

Directions   

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.   

2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients.   

3. Roll the dough into balls; we recommend a tablespoon to help measure. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, then flatten with a fork.  

4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.  

Try These Recipes for Yourself! 

Peanut butter is great for many kinds of not only sweet dishes, but also savory ones. So, as always, we encourage you to explore new recipes and see what else you can make with peanut butter.* However you choose to celebrate, National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this delicious and versatile spread. So grab a spoon and join in the celebration!

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