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Embrace the cozy comfort of fall with a unique twist on a classic: Slow Cooker Chili with Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons. This hearty, flavorful chili, crowned with crispy, savory-sweet peanut butter croutons, promises to warm you from the inside out and become your new favorite cool-weather meal!
There’s a definitive shift in the air. Just this past weekend, my car’s seat warmers were a welcome luxury as temperatures dipped into the brisk 30s. For someone who thrives on sunshine and warmth, this sudden arrival of crisp autumn weather always signals one thing: a deep, undeniable craving for ultimate comfort food. It’s more than just a desire; it’s a need for dishes that wrap you in warmth, satisfying both hunger and soul, and that can be prepared with minimal fuss.
When the chill sets in, my culinary focus instantly shifts to meals that are not only delicious but also deeply warming and effortlessly prepared. This is where my beloved Slow Cooker Chili with Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons truly shines. It’s a dish that might sound unconventional to some, but for many, especially those with roots in the Midwest, it taps into a nostalgic childhood tradition. The combination of a steaming bowl of chili served alongside a simple peanut butter sandwich holds a special place in regional culinary history, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet that’s simply irresistible. This recipe takes that cherished memory and elevates it, transforming the humble peanut butter sandwich into crispy, golden croutons that add an unparalleled texture and flavor dimension to every spoonful of chili.
Growing up just south of Chicago, despite being in the Midwest, the classic chili and peanut butter sandwich combo surprisingly eluded my school cafeteria experience. Perhaps my mother, ever-diligent, was always packing my lunch, or maybe it simply wasn’t on our specific menu. Whatever the reason, this iconic pairing remained a mystery to me for years. It wasn’t until a dear friend moved here from Iowa about two years ago that I was finally initiated into this delightful tradition.
The day of my revelation was a typical cold, football-filled Sunday. The aroma of simmering chili wafted from the slow cooker, filling the house with comforting warmth. As the game played on, my friend casually reached for Peter Pan® Peanut Butter and a loaf of bread, and I, naturally, assumed she was preparing snacks for the kids. My jaw, however, nearly hit the floor when I watched her dip that freshly made peanut butter sandwich directly into her chili. My expression must have been a blend of shock and mild horror, because she looked at me with genuine surprise and asked, “What?! Haven’t you ever done this?” My honest answer was a resounding “No, no, I haven’t!”
Despite my initial skepticism, I’m always game for a new culinary adventure. So, with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, I headed to the kitchen to prepare my own peanut butter sandwich for dipping. And let me tell you, that first bite was an absolute game-changer. The creamy, slightly sweet peanut butter melting into the robust, savory chili was nothing short of magic. It was an unexpected harmony of flavors and textures that instantly won me over. From that day forward, I knew I could never eat chili the same way again. But then, a thought sparked: what if we took this concept a step further? What if, instead of just dipping a sandwich, we created crispy, golden peanut butter *croutons*? And just like that, a culinary revelation was born!
The combination is truly remarkable. The velvety richness of Peter Pan® Peanut Butter perfectly complements the hearty, spicy depth of the chili. It introduces a delightful sweetness and a creamy texture that balances the robust flavors of the meat and beans, creating a surprisingly harmonious and utterly delicious experience. It’s a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting, taking comfort food to an entirely new level. I often lament that this wasn’t served in my school cafeteria; I’ve certainly got a lot of lost time to make up for with this incredible duo!
With the chill of autumn deepening, our weekends often revolve around “Football Sundays,” and that means gatherings, good company, and, of course, delicious food. This Crockpot Chili with Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons is the ultimate game-day meal. It’s fuss-free, feeds a crowd, and provides the perfect kind of warmth for cheering on your favorite team. Recently, I made a quick trip to Meijer to gather all the essentials for this comforting dish. My shopping list included several cans of Hunt’s® diced tomatoes, Brooks® Mild Chili Beans, and, of course, a fresh jar of Peter Pan® Peanut Butter. With these quality ingredients in hand, I was eager to get home and assemble everything in my trusty slow cooker, letting it do all the hard work while I enjoyed the day.
I am an enthusiastic advocate for Brooks® Chili Beans. They consistently deliver the ideal flavor profile and perfect texture that I look for in a great chili. For many, including myself, they represent a true Midwestern culinary tradition, a staple that ensures an authentic and satisfying chili every time. Similarly, Peter Pan® Peanut Butter holds a cherished spot in our pantry. It’s a family favorite, packed with wholesome ingredients and a good source of protein, making it a go-to snack straight from the jar (with a spoon, of course!). Its consistent creaminess and rich flavor are absolutely essential for making those magical peanut butter sandwich croutons that elevate this chili from great to unforgettable. Choosing high-quality ingredients like these is key to achieving the ultimate comfort food experience.
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chili with Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons lies in its effortless preparation, making it a true lifesaver on busy days. My crockpot and I are practically inseparable for this very reason! With minimal effort, you can achieve maximum flavor. Simply brown your ground meat in a medium skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add all the remaining chili ingredients – the diced onions, green peppers, carrots, minced garlic, Hunt’s® diced tomatoes, Brooks® Chili Beans, Brooks® Chili seasoning, tomato paste, and water – and give everything a good stir to combine. Once assembled, the slow cooker takes over, transforming these simple ingredients into a rich, deeply flavored chili. Cook it on high for 4 hours, or if you have more time, let it simmer on low for 8 hours for an even more tender and robust result. This hands-off cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty meal that will keep you warm, satisfied, and full, perfect for those long, chilly days or evenings when you need a comforting hug in a bowl. It’s also fantastic for potlucks or game days, as it travels well and stays warm.
The secret to the irresistible peanut butter sandwich croutons is in the final steps. About 30 minutes before your chili is done, begin preparing them. Think of it like making a grilled cheese, but with peanut butter! Spread a generous layer of Peter Pan® Peanut Butter onto six slices of bread, then top each with another slice to create six sandwiches. Melt half a tablespoon of butter onto the top slice of each sandwich, then place them in a skillet set over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches until each side is beautifully golden brown and crispy, typically about 2-3 minutes per side. The butter helps create that perfect golden crust, while the peanut butter inside warms and becomes even creamier. Once grilled, let the sandwiches cool slightly to handle, then slice them into small, bite-sized squares – these are your glorious croutons! Just before serving, layer these warm, crunchy, and delightfully savory-sweet croutons right on top of your steaming bowls of chili. This final touch adds an incredible textural contrast and a flavor dimension that you simply have to experience to believe. It’s a culinary masterpiece that truly stands apart.
Now, can you honestly look at this Slow Cooker Chili with Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons and not be captivated by its charm? It’s a symphony of textures and flavors: hearty beans, savory meat, tender veggies, and that unexpected, creamy-crunchy peanut butter element. Yes! It’s everything you could possibly want in a comfort meal and more. The vibrant colors, the rich aroma, and the promise of that unique flavor combination make it an absolute showstopper. Don’t hesitate – it’s time to dig in and experience this incredible fusion for yourself. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
1 vote
Slow Cooker Chili with Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 6 servings
This Slow Cooker Chili with Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons combines childhood nostalgia with comforting warmth, perfect for any crisp, cool day. It’s an easy, hearty meal that’s sure to surprise and delight!
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Chili
- 1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup green pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup carrot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can Hunt’s® diced tomatoes NSA (no salt added)
- 1 can Brooks® Mild Chili Beans (or your preferred variety)
- 1 package Brooks® Chili seasoning
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons
- 12 tablespoons Peter Pan® Peanut Butter, divided
- 12 slices bread, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
Instructions
Slow Cooker Chili
- In a medium skillet, brown the ground meat (turkey or beef). Drain any excess fat. Transfer the browned meat into your slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion, green pepper, carrot, minced garlic, Hunt’s® diced tomatoes, Brooks® Chili Beans, Brooks® Chili seasoning, tomato paste, and water to the slow cooker with the meat. Stir everything well to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 8 hours, until the chili is thoroughly heated through and the flavors have melded.
Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons
- While the chili finishes cooking (within the last 30 minutes), place a clean skillet on the stove and set over medium heat.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of Peter Pan® Peanut Butter evenly onto 6 slices of bread. Top each peanut butter-covered slice with another slice of bread, creating 6 sandwiches.
- Evenly spread 1/2 tablespoon of butter onto the top piece of each sandwich.
- Place the buttered-side-down sandwiches into the heated skillet. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. The peanut butter should be warm and slightly gooey.
- Allow the grilled sandwiches to cool slightly on a cutting board, then slice them into small, bite-sized squares to create your croutons.
- Serve the warm chili in bowls, and generously top each serving with the freshly made peanut butter sandwich croutons. Enjoy!
Notes
*Nutrition information provided is an estimate for 1 serving of chili plus 1 peanut butter sandwich crouton serving (approximately 2 tbsp peanut butter, 2 slices bread, and 1/2 tbsp butter).
Courses Dinner
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 308 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 10 g | 15% | |
Saturated Fat 2 g | 10% | |
Cholesterol 76 mg | 25% | |
Sodium 565 mg | 24% | |
Total Carbohydrates 35 g | 12% | |
Dietary Fiber 10 g | 40% | |
Sugars 9 g | ||
Protein 23 g | 46% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Perhaps the most resounding endorsement for this unique chili comes from my son, a notoriously picky eater. He devoured his bowl with gusto, declaring it “amazing!” If this dish can win over even the most discerning palate in my household, I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in yours too. Don’t let the unconventional pairing deter you – embrace the adventure!
Have you ever encountered this intriguing chili and peanut butter combination before? Does the idea initially sound a little wild to you? I understand if there’s a hint of skepticism, but I implore you: don’t knock it until you try it! I promise, with every comforting spoonful and every crispy bite of those peanut butter croutons, you’ll discover a new depth of flavor and satisfaction that will make this a cherished recipe in your fall and winter rotation. It’s truly an experience that blends the familiar with the wonderfully unexpected, delivering unparalleled comfort.
Next time you’re stocking up at Meijer, keep an eye out for potential savings on Peter Pan® Peanut Butter, which is essential for those irresistible croutons. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather your ingredients and try this incredible Slow Cooker Chili with Peanut Butter Sandwich Croutons. You can also explore more fantastic and easy slow cooker recipes that Crock here – after all, it’s prime crockpot season, and there’s no better time to embrace the convenience and deliciousness of slow cooking!
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