Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches packed for school or work lunches can quickly dry out if they are not prepared and stored properly. To stop this, start with fresh bread, place it in an airtight container, avoid putting the sandwich in the fridge and eat it as soon as possible.
This article will explore the top 9 ways to stop peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from drying out at home that are simple and fast.
1. Use fresh bread
The best way to stop your peanut butter and jelly sandwich from drying out is to start with fresh bread. Fresh bread is less likely to dry out than bread that is day old or starting to go stale. Stale bread will have less moisture and will already start to taste dry.
2. Store the sandwich in an airtight container
Storing the sandwich in an airtight container can help to prevent moisture loss and stop it from drying out. Choose a container that matches the shape of the sandwich as closely as possible. This will help to reduce the amount of air the sandwich has contact with helping it to stay fresh.
I like to use sandwich containers that are the perfect size for 2 slices of bread. They are also washable and re-usable.
3. Wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap
Wrapping your peanut butter and jelly sandwich in plastic wrap will help to keep it from drying out by preventing air from reaching the sandwich. Try to wrap the sandwich tightly without squashing it. Wrap the sandwich so there are no gaps and this will keep it as fresh as possible for up to 24 hours.
4. Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread
To stop your sandwich from drying out try spreading peanut butter on both slices of bread. This will help to lock in moisture and will stop the jelly from soaking into the bread. Create a moisture barrier and help to keep your bread fresh.
5. Use a thick layer of peanut butter
Using a thick layer of peanut butter can create a seal that can stop the bread from drying out. Even if you only put it on one side, make sure it covers one whole side of the bread to trap the moisture in the bread.
6. Use a ziplock bag
Using a resealable ziplock bag can help to keep your peanut butter sandwich fresh and stop it from drying out. Try to find a ziplock bag that fits the shape of the bread. This will keep out the excess air which dries out the bread.
7. Eat the sandwich right away
Eating your peanut butter and jelly sandwich right away is the best and easiest way to stop it from drying out. This will give the air no time to dry out the bread and the jelly won’t soak in to make it soggy.
8. Use a peanut butter that contains oil
To keep your peanut butter sandwich moist choose a peanut butter that contains loads of natural oil. Good quality natural oil will help to keep the sandwich moist. Instead of absorbing moisture from the bread, the peanut butter will help to keep the bread fresh instead.
9. Avoid putting your sandwich in the fridge
To keep your sandwich tasting as fresh as possible avoid storing it in the fridge. The cold air in the fridge causes crystallization of the start molecules which will dry out the bread fast.
How to keep peanut butter and jelly sandwiches good for longer
if you want to keep your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for longer just pop it in an airtight container and freeze it. Make sure you use a freezer safe container and seal the sandwich properly. Your sandwich can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure you label it with the date that you froze it.
How to stop peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from drying out | Summary
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are easy lunches or snacks that you can pack ahead of time. To stop it from drying out remember to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container. Put plenty of good quality peanut butter on your bread and eat it as soon as possible.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.