The Simplest Way To Melt Peanut Butter In The Microwave

If you were asked what earthly food most resembles the nectar of the gods, you may say it's peanut butter. After all, this creamy spread of nutty goodness is a tasty addition to a seemingly endless array of dishes. Where would the banana, jelly, chocolate, or a naked slab of toast be without peanut butter? Well, chocolate would do just fine on its own, but what about the others? 

The truth is that America loves peanut butter and the statistics prove it. Statista reports that in 2020 over 299 million Americans ate peanut butter, with over 11 million citizens devouring at least six containers of it. The overwhelming brand favorite was Jif. According to a survey conducted by Peter Pan Simply Ground Peanut Butter, the average American will polish off 2,984 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches over the course of their life, which equates to a pile that surpasses the height of the Statue of Liberty (per NY Daily News). And, interestingly, the National Peanut Board points out that this country boasts six different cities that bear the moniker "Peanut" and that two of the nation's past presidents — Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter — were both former peanut farmers. Clearly, America has a close relationship with the peanut and its butter. 

But peanut butter is more than a sandwich spread. It's the key ingredient in a peanut butter cookie recipe. It's also an ideal dip and is great poured over ice cream. So, how do you melt it? 

The traditional method for melting peanut butter involves using the stovetop. CookThink recommends placing your pot of peanut butter on a burner on the lowest setting. Keep stirring the peanut butter until it thickens, remove it from the heat, and — voila! — you have perfectly melted peanut butter. Not everyone, however, wants to spend time monitoring and stirring a pot. Thankfully, there is a quicker way to melt this treasured spread. 

Spoon University offers a step-by-step guide to melting your peanut butter in the microwave. First, you'll need to get your paws on a microwave-safe bowl and a great spoon for stirring. Once you've scooped your peanut butter into the bowl, microwave it for 30 seconds, give it a good stir, and pop it in for another 30 seconds. Repeat this process until it's the desired texture. The result is yummy peanut butter sauce. 

Armed with this useful peanut butter-related skill, you are now set to whip up a peanut butter dip recipe, make some dessert toppings, or simply dig your spoon into a smidgeon of melted peanut butter sauce. Your taste buds will thank you.