CDKitchen, it's what's cooking online!
  • contact the CDKitchen helpdesk

Peanut Butter and Onion Sandwich

  • print recipe
  • save recipe
  • add photo
  • add review
  • #68321

Wait, wait! Don't click away. This recipe sounds "odd" but it's actually "oddly" good! The flavors combine in a way you don't expect.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes
Rating: 5/5

21 reviews
4 comments

ingredients

2 slices bread
peanut butter
thinly sliced onion
mayonnaise
salt and pepper, to taste

directions

Spread a layer of peanut butter on one slice of bread. Spread the other slice of bread with mayonnaise.

Place a layer of thinly sliced onion on the peanut butter. Season as desired with salt and pepper. Place the other slice of bread mayonnaise-side down on top of the onions.

Serve immediately.

recipe tips


If you're hesitant about the raw onion flavor, caramelizing the onions lightly before adding them to the sandwich can introduce a sweetness that complements the peanut butter.

Applying peanut butter to both slices of bread before adding the onion can help create a barrier that prevents the bread from getting too moist from the onion.

Experiment with the thickness of the onion slices to adjust the intensity of the onion flavor in the sandwich.

Adding a light sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can introduce a subtle heat that works well with the peanut butter.

common recipe questions


Can I use any type of bread for this sandwich?

Yes, any type of bread can be used. Whole grain, white, or even rye could add different flavors to the sandwich.

Is there a specific type of onion that works best?

While yellow onions are commonly used for their balance of sweetness and astringency, red onions or sweet onions can also provide a milder, less pungent option.

Can I add other ingredients to this sandwich?

Some people add crispy bacon, sliced apples, or even lettuce for extra texture and flavor layers.

Is there a way to make the onion less overpowering?

Soaking the thinly sliced onion in ice water for about 10 minutes before draining and patting dry can reduce its sharpness.

Can I toast the bread?

Toasting the bread adds texture and a nutty flavor that can complement the creamy peanut butter and crisp onion.

How should I store this sandwich if I'm not eating it right away?

It's best enjoyed immediately, as the bread can become soggy from the peanut butter and mayonnaise. If you need to store it, wrap it tightly and keep it refrigerated for a few hours.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can add additional texture.

What can I serve with this sandwich?

Since the sandwich is quite unique in flavor, simple sides like potato chips, a plain salad, or fruit pair well with it.

Is this sandwich actually popular?

While not mainstream, this sandwich has its enthusiasts who appreciate its unconventional flavor combination.


nutrition data

527 calories, 42 grams fat, 32 grams carbohydrates, 13 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


share on facebook share on twitter share on pinterest


reviews & comments

  1. Dslayer298 REVIEW:

    My Dad was born in 1934-he are these all the time when I was growing up!!

  2. Snook REVIEW:

    I tried this 40 yrs ago on a suggestion-loved it! I love raw onions with everything! Never had mayo on it though- Try this sandwich-surprisingly delicious!

  3. Crunchy

    I'll have to take everyone at their word, because I can hardly eat cooked onions, much less raw. I love peanut butter and bacon sandwiches though. My mom used to eat those. She would also have peanut butter sandwiches with dill pickles, or with banana and mayo, à la Elvis. I think they all sound better with bacon. That and chocolate fix everything.

  4. Guest Foodie

    My initial reaction was "GROSS!" However, with all the positive reviews, I think I will try it. What is there to loose except a few inexpensive ingredients I always have on hand? It takes me back to my youth when my sisters boyfriend loved peanut-butter, jelly and tuna sandwiches.

  5. Taoul REVIEW:

    Grew up with peanut butter, mayo, pickle relish, lettuce. Pretty darn good! I’m going for this pb/onion now.

  6. Dogowner REVIEW:

    My dad being a 1940s war time kid grew up on there but he eventually added egg and took off the mayo so that is what my family is used to. Both ways are good

  7. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    My mom ate these all time..when she passed I tried one on her birthday..they are very good

  8. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    New to me and I loved it!

  9. Chas

    The recipe and no one here has mentioned what TYPE of onion to use. I love onion slices on any type of beef sandwiches, burgers etc. I can't imagine using yellow onions for this purpose. Oh and chopped onion on hot dogs for me is a must. Its got to be WHITE onions which are just mild enough but without being overly sweet. Using a yellow onion to be eaten raw I'd never do. Too strong a flavor. Though for cooking Yellow onions can't be beat

  10. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    I ate this wonder sandwich since I was a kid. Since my name is Mike people would proclaim, Mikie will eat anything. Today I still enjoy this wonderful combination at the same time grossing out others....

  11. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    Nothing like a peanut butter and onion sandwich w a bowl of bean soup.. good eats rightbthete

  12. Grump REVIEW:

    This was very good. If liked this you should try Crunchy Peanut Butter and Karo Syrup with chopped onion. Stir it up and have a glass of milk. Yum.

  13. Mary

    This is a great piece of history.. PB and onion sams were part of wartime ration tea.. When you dare to try something new you might be amazed with how good it is.

  14. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    Delicious!!! Must try!!

  15. Art REVIEW:

    Just made one for lunch at work. Can confirm that it is good. Especially if you like good, crispy onion. It's a great little veggie combo and the flavors are much more mild than you might expect. Nice alternative to the standard PBJ. In summary, definitely worth a try. You may just enjoy it!

  16. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    I love these I add cheese as my mother did. I call them my mom sammies. Wonderful goodness!

  17. Anonymous REVIEW:

    Saw this recipe and thought it sounded awful. Mentioned it to my husband and his eyes got big and he smiled and said he had these when he was a kid and loved them. So, I made him one and took a bite. Ended up making another one for myself. Lesson learned: don't knock it until you try it! It's an unusual combination but it doesn't taste like you think it will. The onion adds crunch but the peanut butter somehow keeps it from being too oniony. It's weird but good!

  18. BONE-DOG REVIEW:

    HAD SEVERAL OF THESE YOU HAVE TO TASTE ONE TO BELIVE THE TASTE COMBINATION !!

  19. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    Mmmm

  20. BananaMan REVIEW:

    My old man ate these when I was a kid. I wound up broke and hungry in my 20s, and had little on hand at my apartment but peanut butter, mayonnaise, and some sliced onion. I remembered him swearing up and down that the sandwiches were good. Figuring I had nothing to lose, and needing something to eat, I made one. I immediately had another. Not something I want all the time, but a vital piece of a satisfying life.

  21. Mickie REVIEW:

    I LOVE peanut butter and onion sandwiches, especially with spaghetti O's!!!!!!!!!!

  22. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    Great seeing this in print. Everybody thinks I'm a freak for eating and loving this sandwich... Thanks... MD

  23. wheelingalong REVIEW:

    When I was young and went fishing with my dad he always made these sandwiches bu a little different, peanut butter on one slice jelly on the other slice and an onion slice (about a quarter of an inch preferably bermuda red). We looked forward to fishing with dad.

  24. Wastelander REVIEW:

    I've always heard nasty things about peanut butter and onion sandwiches. I finally worked up the courage to try one and... well... it wasn't that bad. All of the ingredients blended together, and I really couldn't pick one singular flavor out. I won't be regularly eating this sandwich, but I'm not afraid to say that I've tried it and enjoyed it just a little bit.

  25. Trooper REVIEW:

    We ate this all the time when I was younger. It's an odd combination, but REALLY good! Gotta' go have one right now...

About CDKitchen

Online since 1995, CDKitchen has grown into a large collection of delicious recipes created by home cooks and professional chefs from around the world. We are all about tasty treats, good eats, and fun food. Join our community of 200K+ members - browse for a recipe, submit your own, add a review, or upload a recipe photo.