Peanut Butter & Celery Health Wedges

A peanut butter sandwich with crunch and substance. Crunchy peanut butter, chopped celery, and grated cheese pressed between two slices of whole wheat bread in a sandwich maker creates a warm, crispy pocket where the peanut butter gets soft and gooey, the cheese melts, and the celery stays snappy.

The celery is the ingredient that makes this more than a basic PB sandwich. That cool, watery crunch against the warm, nutty peanut butter and melted cheese creates a contrast you don’t expect from something this simple.

Whole wheat bread holds up better in the sandwich maker than white. It crisps on the outside without getting flimsy, and the nuttiness of the bread complements the peanut butter.

Kitchen Tips

• Use crunchy peanut butter. The extra nut pieces add texture that plays well with the celery crunch. Smooth works in a pinch but misses that layered texture.
• Chop the celery small. Big pieces push through the bread when the sandwich maker presses down. A fine dice distributes evenly and stays put.
• Butter the outside of the bread lightly before placing in the sandwich maker. It’s what gives you that golden, crispy exterior.
• Don’t overfill. One tablespoon of peanut butter is plenty. Too much and it squeezes out the edges when pressed.

Variations

• Apple and cheddar: Add thin apple slices and use sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory-nutty combination.
• Honey drizzle: Add a thin drizzle of honey over the peanut butter before closing for extra sweetness.
• Skillet method: No sandwich maker? Press in a hot skillet with a heavy pan on top, flipping once, like a grilled cheese.