Peanut Butter, Banana, Bacon Sandwich (The Elvis)

This isn’t just any sandwich – it’s the legendary combination that made The King himself weak in the knees, and honestly, once you taste that perfect harmony of creamy peanut butter, sweet banana, and crispy bacon, you’ll understand why Elvis couldn’t get enough.

The magic happens when that salty-sweet-savory trio comes together in what can only be described as pure sandwich perfection, creating a flavor explosion that’s both nostalgic and absolutely irresistible.

What makes this sandwich truly special is how each ingredient plays its part: the peanut butter provides that rich, nutty base, the banana adds natural sweetness and creamy texture, while the bacon brings that essential smoky crunch that elevates everything.

You can whip this up in just five minutes, making it perfect for those moments when you want something indulgent but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen – though fair warning, you might find yourself making it way more often than you planned.

Whether you’re packing it for lunch, need a quick breakfast that actually tastes amazing, or just want to treat yourself to something that feels like a guilty pleasure but is surprisingly satisfying, this sandwich delivers every single time.

The best part is how customizable it is – toast the bread for that classic crunch, leave it soft for ultimate comfort food vibes, or even grill the whole sandwich for a warm, melty experience that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for boring lunches.

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 2 slices sandwich bread, your favorite variety
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter, your preferred brand and style
• 1 small banana, ripe and sliced
• 2 slices of bacon, thick-cut preferred for best texture

Instructions

Prepare the bacon

1. 1 Cook the bacon using your preferred method until crispy and golden brown. Whether you use a cast iron skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or use another technique, the key is achieving that perfect crispy texture that will provide the ideal contrast to the creamy elements.
2. 2 Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry to absorb any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing your sandwich from becoming soggy and ensures every bite has that satisfying crunch.

Assemble the sandwich

1. 3 Spread a generous layer of peanut butter on both slices of bread, making sure to cover the surface evenly from edge to edge. Using a silicone spatula or butter knife, create an even coating that will act as a barrier to keep the bread from getting soggy while also ensuring every bite has that rich, nutty flavor.
2. 4 Arrange the banana slices on one piece of the peanut butter-covered bread, overlapping them slightly to create full coverage. For best results, slice the banana into ¼-inch thick rounds just before assembling to prevent browning and maintain optimal texture.
3. 5 Break or crumble the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces and distribute evenly over the banana slices. You can leave larger pieces for more dramatic bacon flavor bursts, or crumble it finely for more even distribution throughout each bite.
4. 6 Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, peanut butter side down, and gently press together. For the classic Elvis experience, use toasted bread for added texture and warmth, or enjoy it on soft sandwich bread for ultimate comfort food appeal.

Pack for later (optional)

1. 7 If preparing this sandwich for later enjoyment, wrap it carefully in parchment paper or place it in a compartment of your lunchbox to prevent the ingredients from shifting. Store any additional fruit, vegetables, or favorite sides in separate containers to maintain freshness and prevent flavors from mixing.
2. 8 Add an ice pack to your lunch bag if the sandwich will be stored for more than 2 hours at room temperature, especially during warmer weather, to maintain food safety and optimal taste.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results):

• Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan – Perfect for achieving evenly cooked, crispy bacon with excellent heat distribution and control
• Sharp knife – Essential for clean banana slicing that prevents bruising and ensures uniform thickness
• Paper towels – Critical for properly draining bacon grease and achieving that perfect crispy texture
• Silicone spatula or butter knife – Ideal for spreading peanut butter smoothly without tearing the bread

Helpful Upgrades:

• Kitchen scale – For precise bacon portioning if you’re meal prepping multiple sandwiches or want consistent results
• Parchment paper – Excellent for wrapping sandwiches cleanly and preventing sticking, especially useful for packed lunches
• Quality cutting board – Provides a stable surface for safe banana slicing and easy cleanup

Nice-to-Have Options:

• Panini press or grill pan – Transform your Elvis sandwich into a warm, melty grilled version with beautiful grill marks
• Mandoline slicer – Ensures perfectly uniform banana slices every time, though a sharp knife works just as well for most home cooks

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

• Replace regular bread with your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread – look for varieties with good structural integrity that won’t fall apart
• Gluten-free sourdough or multigrain options work particularly well for this sandwich
• Toast gluten-free bread lightly to improve texture and prevent sogginess

Healthier Modifications:

• Substitute natural peanut butter without added sugars for cleaner ingredients
• Use turkey bacon or Canadian bacon for lower fat content while maintaining that essential smoky flavor
• Try whole grain bread or sprouted grain varieties for added fiber and nutrients
• Consider almond butter or sunflower seed butter for different nutritional profiles

Indulgent Variations:

• Grilled Elvis: Butter the outside of the bread and grill like a grilled cheese for warm, melty perfection
• French Toast Elvis: Dip the assembled sandwich in beaten egg and cook like French toast
• Open-Faced Version: Serve on toasted bread as an open-faced sandwich, perfect for brunch presentations

Flavor Variations:

• Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness that complements the banana
• Sprinkle cinnamon on the banana slices for warm spice notes
• Include thin apple slices alongside the banana for added crunch and tartness
• Try maple bacon for an extra layer of sweet-savory complexity

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This Elvis sandwich provides approximately 650-750 calories per serving, making it a substantial meal that delivers a satisfying balance of macronutrients. The combination offers roughly 25-30 grams of protein from the peanut butter and bacon, 45-55 grams of carbohydrates primarily from the bread and banana, and 35-40 grams of healthy fats from the peanut butter and bacon.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
Peanut butter serves as an excellent source of plant-based protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, and essential nutrients like niacin, vitamin E, and magnesium. These nutrients support heart health, energy metabolism, and muscle function. Bananas contribute potassium for heart health and blood pressure regulation, vitamin B6 for brain function, and natural sugars for quick energy. They also provide dietary fiber that aids digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Bacon, while indulgent, provides high-quality complete protein and essential B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports nerve function and red blood cell formation.

Dietary Considerations:
This sandwich contains common allergens including peanuts and gluten (from bread), making it unsuitable for those with these specific allergies. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates makes it particularly satisfying and can help maintain energy levels for several hours. The natural sugars from the banana provide quick energy, while the protein and fats offer sustained satiety.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

• Peanut butter → Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter (use same amount)
• Regular bacon → Turkey bacon, Canadian bacon, or coconut bacon for different dietary needs
• White bread → Whole wheat, sourdough, or your preferred bread variety
• Fresh banana → Dried banana chips for extra crunch (use about 2 tablespoons)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

• Premium peanut butter → Store-brand natural peanut butter or regular peanut butter
• Artisanal bread → Standard sandwich bread or day-old bread (toast for better texture)
• Thick-cut bacon → Regular bacon strips or bacon bits for more economical option

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

• Fresh banana → 2 tablespoons banana chips, 1 tablespoon banana extract mixed into the peanut butter, or thin apple slices
• Bacon → Ham slices, breakfast sausage patties (crumbled), or even crispy prosciutto
• Peanut butter → Any nut or seed butter, or in emergencies, cream cheese with a drizzle of honey

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

• When using alternative nut butters, warm them slightly for easier spreading
• If using turkey bacon, cook it extra crispy to achieve similar texture to regular bacon
• Store opened alternative nut butters in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before use for best spreadability

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

• Replace regular bread with low-carb bread options (typically 3-5g carbs per slice vs. 12-15g in regular bread)
• Use thin-sliced bread or remove some of the bread interior to reduce carb content by approximately 25-30%
• Try lettuce wraps using large butter lettuce leaves as a virtually carb-free alternative

Smart Portion Modifications:

• Reduce banana to half a small banana (saves approximately 10-12g carbs)
• Use powdered peanut butter mixed with a small amount of water (reduces calories and carbs while maintaining flavor)
• Increase bacon portion to 3 slices for more protein and fat to help stabilize blood sugar

Blood Sugar Management Tips:

• Pair with fiber-rich vegetables like celery sticks or cucumber slices to slow carb absorption
• Add extra protein such as a hard-boiled egg on the side to further stabilize blood sugar response
• Time consumption after physical activity when insulin sensitivity is naturally higher

Total Carb Reduction: These modifications can reduce total carbs from approximately 50g to 15-20g per serving

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
Coffee makes an exceptional companion to the Elvis sandwich, with the bitter notes perfectly balancing the sweet and salty elements. A cold brew or iced coffee works particularly well for lunch, while hot coffee is perfect for breakfast versions. Cold milk – whether dairy or plant-based – provides a classic, refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites. For something more sophisticated, try black tea or chai which complement the nutty and sweet flavors beautifully.

Side Dish Recommendations:
Crispy sweet potato fries offer a nutritious, colorful contrast with their natural sweetness complementing the sandwich’s flavor profile. Fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus provides refreshing acidity that cuts through the rich peanut butter and bacon. Coleslaw with a tangy vinegar-based dressing offers crucial textural contrast and helps balance the sandwich’s richness. Pickle spears provide that essential acidic counterpoint that makes each bite of the sandwich taste even better.

Complete Meal Ideas:
For brunch entertaining, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh berries for a complete sweet-and-savory spread. Lunch presentations work beautifully with vegetable chips and hummus for added nutrition and crunch. Create a picnic-perfect meal by pairing with pasta salad and fresh lemonade for outdoor dining.

Occasion Suggestions:
This sandwich shines at casual weekend brunches, packed lunches for work or school, quick breakfast solutions for busy mornings, and comfort food dinners when you want something satisfying but simple.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques:
Toast bread lightly even if you prefer soft sandwiches – this creates a moisture barrier that prevents sogginess while maintaining tenderness. Slice bananas just before assembly to prevent browning and maintain optimal texture and appearance. Warm peanut butter slightly by microwaving for 10-15 seconds if it’s too thick to spread easily, especially with natural varieties that separate.

Common Mistakes and Solutions:
Soggy sandwich syndrome happens when bacon grease isn’t properly drained – always pat bacon completely dry and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before assembly. Uneven peanut butter distribution leads to dry bites – spread from center outward in smooth, overlapping strokes. Banana browning can be prevented by choosing bananas that are ripe but still slightly firm, and assembling immediately before eating.

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies:
For packed lunches, wrap tightly in parchment paper rather than plastic wrap to prevent condensation. Prepare components separately if making more than 2 hours ahead – store cooked bacon in refrigerator, slice banana just before assembly. Freeze option: Assemble sandwiches without banana, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 1 month. Add fresh banana slices after thawing.

Scaling for Groups:
Batch cooking bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on parchment-lined sheet pans allows you to prepare bacon for multiple sandwiches efficiently. Assembly line method works best for parties – lay out all bread slices, spread peanut butter on all pieces first, then add toppings systematically.

The Elvis sandwich represents more than just a combination of ingredients – it’s a perfect example of how simple, quality components can create something truly memorable. Whether you’re introducing someone to this classic for the first time or rediscovering it yourself, this sandwich delivers that perfect balance of comfort, indulgence, and satisfaction that explains why it became legendary. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the way each element enhances the others, creating a culinary experience that’s both nostalgic and timelessly delicious.