Why rustic bread is no good for a peanut butter sandwich
Sliced white bread works better than a crusty loaf in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, because of its compact crumb and sweetness.
Everyone has their own opinion on the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Sliced white bread is the classic choice, but not the only one. Its dense crumb keeps the filling on the surface, so it blends easily when you put the slices together. Rustic bread, on the other hand, has a looser crumb, with gaps where the peanut butter and jelly sink, and its thick crust obscures the filling: each bite ends up dry, with too much bread and not enough of the sweet, creamy filling.
Store-bought white bread has a touch of sweetness that complements the jam and balances the saltiness of the peanut butter. Rustic bread, on the other hand, has a slightly tangy, yeasty flavor, without that sweetness, and its hard crust creates a distinct crunch against the smooth melt of white bread, peanut butter, and jam.
Among the alternatives, sliced wholemeal bread has a compact crumb similar to white bread, though slightly more substantial, and a nutty flavor that pairs well with peanut butter. Soft breads, such as potato bread, brioche, challah (Ina Garten's favorite for French toast), Hawaiian sweet bread, or Japanese milk bread, have a fluffy texture and a touch of sweetness.
For something different, you could opt for cinnamon rolls with raisins, English muffins (toasted or untoasted), or even frozen waffles. You can also toast white bread on both sides or just on the inside for a crispy contrast with the soft crust, or brown it in butter for a richer flavor.
