Almond butter sandwiches are a delicious, nutritious alternative to the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Almond butter offers a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet jams, fresh fruits, and other fillings.

This versatile sandwich can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or even a nutritious snack.

Benefits of Almond Butter

Almond butter is rich in protein, fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, and healthy fats. It contains no cholesterol or trans fats. Compared to peanut butter, almond butter has more calcium, iron, vitamins, and minerals. It's also lower in calories than peanut butter.

Almond butter is a great source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and maintain HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Its high vitamin E content makes it an excellent food for healthy skin and hair. The protein and fiber in almond butter help you feel fuller for longer, preventing overeating.

So almond butter is clearly a nutritional powerhouse that you’ll want to include in your diet. And what better way than in a tasty almond butter sandwich?

Selecting Bread for Almond Butter Sandwiches

When making almond butter sandwiches, opt for bread that provides nutritional value while complementing the almond butter’s flavor. Here are some healthy bread options to consider:

Sprouted whole grain bread: Made from sprouted grains, this bread is easier to digest while being higher in protein, vitamins, and minerals. The hearty texture and nutty flavor pair perfectly with almond butter.

Whole wheat bread: An excellent source of fiber and nutrients like magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins. Its dense texture contrasts nicely with creamy almond butter.

Multigrain or seeded bread: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats from multiple grains and seeds like oats, flax, and sunflower. The crunchy texture is a great complement to smooth almond butter.

Sourdough bread: The tangy, robust flavor of this bread with its chewy yet light texture beautifully balances the rich nuttiness of almond butter.

Rye or pumpernickel bread: With their dense texture and distinctive rye flavor, these breads make a more flavorful base for almond butter than regular white bread.

Gluten-free bread: Made from grains like brown rice, millet, or quinoa, gluten-free bread works well for anyone avoiding gluten. Pick a brand with added protein for nutritional benefits.

Bagels: For a satisfying breakfast or snack, spreading almond butter on a whole-grain bagel is a smart choice. Opt for bagels with healthy seeds or grains.

Rice cakes or corn thins: Very low in calories, these crunchy discs make guilt-free vehicles for almond butter and other sandwich fillings.

Picking the Perfect Almond Butter

With the right almond butter, you can take your sandwiches from great to spectacular. Here’s what to look for when selecting almond butter:

Unsweetened or lightly sweetened: Avoid brands with added sugars. Seek ones sweetened only with a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Roasted almonds: Roasting highlights the nuts’ inherent sweetness for a richer almond flavor.

100% almonds: Skip blends diluted with sunflower or canola oil. Stick to brands made from just almonds (and salt).

Creamy or crunchy style: Creamy has a smooth, velvety texture. Crunchy offers texture contrast. Choose your favorite or try both.

Organic: Organic brands ensure the almonds are grown without pesticides for your peace of mind.

No hydrogenated oils: Avoid almond butter with trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils.

Once you’ve selected a healthy almond butter, it’s time to choose amazing fillings to make your sandwich pop.

Satisfying Fillings For Almond Butter Sandwiches

While almond butter is delicious on its own, sandwich fillings take it to the next level. Sweet, savory, crunchy, or creamy – the options are endless! Here are some satisfying ideas to mix and match:

Sliced fruit: Bananas, apples, pears, mango, peaches, plums, berries

Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries, figs

Nut butter: Peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter

Jams and preserves: Strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, apricot, plum, apple butter

Honey, molasses, or maple syrup: For extra sweetness

Shredded coconut: For tropical flair

Granola or muesli: For crunch

Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, toasted coconut, pumpkin seeds

Nutella: For chocolate hazelnut lovers

Vegetables: Cucumber, roasted red peppers, grilled eggplant

Cheeses: Cream cheese, goat cheese, shredded cheddar or Swiss

Herbs and spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom

Extracts: Almond, vanilla, orange, lemon, peppermint

Get creative with combinations like almond butter with sliced pears and blue cheese or almond butter with strawberries and balsamic drizzle. The options are endless!

Amazing Ways to Make Almond Butter Sandwiches

While the standard almond butter sandwich is simple, open-faced, and ready in minutes, you can also take it up a notch with special preparation methods. Here are some ways to savor almond butter sandwiches:

Grilled: Lightly butter the bread’s outer surfaces and grill in a skillet for crispy, golden perfection.

Sautéed: Cook the sandwich in a bit of butter until the bread is browned and the filling is slightly melted.

Panini press: For warm, toasty sandwiches with deliciously crisped bread and melted fillings.

French toast: For breakfast, dip the assembled sandwich in egg and milk then pan-fry until golden.

Waffle iron: Make waffle sandwiches by cooking the filled bread in a preheated waffle maker.

Quesadilla style: Grill almond butter and fillings between flour tortillas for a Latin twist.

Baked: For open-faced sandwiches, toast bread, top with fillings, then bake until hot.

Sandwich maker: For fast results, invest in a dedicated sandwich maker to grill them quickly.

Freeze for later: Make sandwiches ahead, wrap individually, and freeze. Thaw and enjoy later.

With so many breads, fillings, and preparation methods, the almond butter sandwich possibilities are endless. It’s an anytime treat that never gets boring. Keep experimenting with fun flavor and texture combos!

FAQ

Can you make almond butter at home?

Yes! To make homemade almond butter, simply blend raw almonds in a food processor for 8-12 minutes until creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add a dash of olive oil for easier blending. For crunchier butter, blend for a shorter time.

How long does almond butter stay fresh?

Unopened, almond butter will stay fresh in your pantry for about 1 year past the “best by” date on the jar. Once opened, it will keep for 3-4 months in the pantry. For maximum freshness, store opened almond butter in the fridge.

What bread is healthiest for almond butter sandwiches?

Some of the healthiest options are sprouted whole grain bread, whole wheat bread, and seeded multigrain bread. Look for varieties with at least 3 grams of fiber per slice. Avoid white bread lacking in nutrition.

Can you freeze almond butter sandwiches?

Yes, almond butter sandwiches freeze exceptionally well. Just individually wrap sandwiches in plastic wrap or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge before eating.

Are almond butter sandwiches safe for school lunches?

Absolutely! Almond butter sandwiches are perfectly safe in lunches kept chilled with an ice pack. The combo of protein and fiber will provide long-lasting energy. Skip jelly, which can get messy when thawed.

What bread is best for grilled almond butter sandwiches?

Breads like sourdough, French bread, and country white work well for grilled sandwiches. Their firm texture won’t fall apart when griddled. Heavier whole-grain breads won’t grill as evenly.

Are almond butter sandwiches good for diets?

Thanks to their protein, fiber, and healthy fats, almond butter sandwiches can be part of any healthy diet plan, from gluten-free to Paleo to vegetarian. Skip sugary jellies and fill them with fruits, seeds, and veggies instead.

Are almond butter sandwiches safe for school allergies?

To avoid risk for students with peanut allergies, check if your school has restrictions on nut products. Almond butter sandwiches are safer than peanut butter, but discuss precautions with teachers.

Experiment with exciting new versions of the classic almond butter sandwich. With healthy ingredients and inventive preparations, you’ll never get bored!

Conclusion

The simple almond butter sandwich is endlessly adaptable for any time of day. Start with nutritious bread and your favorite natural almond butter.

Jazz it up with a pleasing filling from sweet jams to savory cheeses and anything in between. Grill, bake or pan-fry it for fun variations. With so many options for creating gourmet almond butter sandwiches, this lunchbox classic will never get old!