Easy Peanut Butter and Jelly Roll-Ups for Kids

Looking for a fun way to make a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich more exciting? These peanut butter and jelly roll-ups are one of our favorite school lunches because they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and fit perfectly inside a bento box.

Instead of serving a traditional sandwich, simply flatten the bread, spread on peanut butter and jelly, roll it up, and slice it into bite-sized pinwheels. Kids love the fun presentation, and parents love how quickly this lunch comes together.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Roll-Ups

The star of today’s lunch is a simple peanut butter and jelly roll-up.

To make them:

Flatten a slice of sandwich bread with a rolling pin.
Remove the crusts.
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter.
Add a light layer of jelly.
Roll the bread tightly.
Slice into bite-sized rounds using a serrated knife.

Using less filling helps the roll-ups stay together and makes them much easier to eat.

You can also try:

Strawberry jelly
Grape jelly
Raspberry jam
Honey
SunButter for nut-free schools

Fresh Blackberries

Fresh blackberries add sweetness, fiber, and plenty of color to the lunchbox.

Other fruits that pair well include:

Strawberries
Grapes
Blueberries
Raspberries
Apple slices

Fresh fruit helps balance the sweeter sandwich while adding important vitamins.

Sweet Cherries

Fresh cherries are another fun fruit to pack.

I always remove the pits before adding them to the lunchbox to make them easier for kids to enjoy.

Other seasonal fruits include:

Peaches
Nectarines
Apricots
Plums

Goldfish Crackers

Every lunch needs a little crunch.

A handful of Goldfish crackers makes an easy side that’s always a favorite with kids.

Other crunchy options include:

Pretzels
Whole grain crackers
Veggie straws
Popcorn

Small Sweet Treat

A couple of cookies finish off the lunch without making dessert the main focus.

Including a small treat alongside balanced foods helps create a lunch that feels fun while still providing plenty of nutritious choices.

Why We Love These PB&J Roll-Ups

This lunch is:

Ready in about 10 minutes
Perfect for school lunches
Great for picky eaters
Easy to customize
Fun to eat
A creative twist on a classic sandwich

Sometimes changing the shape of a familiar lunch is all it takes to make it exciting again.

Build Your Own PB&J Lunch

Roll-Ups

Peanut butter & jelly
Peanut butter & honey
SunButter & jelly
Almond butter & jam
Nutella & banana

Fruit

Blackberries
Cherries
Strawberries
Grapes
Apples

Crunch

Goldfish crackers
Pretzels
Crackers
Popcorn

Treat

Cookies
Graham crackers
Mini muffins
Fruit snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make peanut butter and jelly roll-ups the night before?

Yes! Assemble the roll-ups the evening before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until morning.

Why do you flatten the bread first?

Flattening the bread makes it easier to roll tightly and creates neat, bite-sized pinwheels that hold together well.

What bread works best for roll-ups?

Soft sandwich bread works best because it rolls easily without cracking.

Can I make these nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute SunButter or another school-approved spread for the peanut butter.

Be sure to check out our other Bento Box lunches for more fun lunch ideas!