Back-to-school season for the kiddos is officially here, which means parents and guardians everywhere are once again asking the age-old question: what’s for lunch? Sure, peanut butter and jelly is the classic, but the New England region of the United States has its own twist that deserves a spot in your rotation: the Fluffernutter sandwich.
This sweet-and-salty sandwich may be legendary in the state of Massachusetts, but it’s a total unknown in other parts of the country. And once you try it, you’ll get why it inspires everything from cookies to Dairy Queen Blizzards. Think of it as PB&J’s fun cousin—part lunch, part dessert and 100% smile-inducing. Here’s everything you need to know.
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What Is a Fluffernutter Sandwich?
At its core, the Fluffernutter is simple: peanut butter + Marshmallow Fluff + soft white bread. The combo delivers sticky, creamy, salty-sweet goodness in every bite. It’s a little messy (have the wipes ready), but so worth it.
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Why Is the Fluffernutter So New England Coded?
The Fluffernutter’s roots are a little tangled, like many food history stories. Some sources trace the iconic sandwich back to Somerville, Massachusetts, where entrepreneur Archibald Query started selling his version of marshmallow cream door-to-door in 1917. He later sold the recipe to candy makers Durkee and Mower, who branded it as Marshmallow Fluff—the same stuff in jars today.
Others, including Food52, who talked with regional food expert Michael Stern, credit Massachusetts confectioners Amory and Emma Curtis, who made Snowflake Marshmallow Créme in their home kitchen starting in 1913. Emma is believed to be the first person to make a Fluffernutter sandwich. She called it the “Liberty Sandwich” and it was a combo of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff on the oat-based bread that was popular during World War I.
By the 1960s, the Fluffernutter sandwich had cemented itself as a regional classic. Today, you’ll still find it celebrated across New England, with a dedicated National Fluffernutter Day (October 8) and even its own festival, Somerville’s beloved annual Fluff Fest (this year on September 20).
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How to Make a Fluffernutter Sandwich
Here’s the recipe for a classic Fluffernutter sandwich, if you can even call it a recipe! Spread peanut butter on one slice, Fluff on the other, sandwich them together, and slice. That’s it. Want to level it up? Try cinnamon, crunchy peanut butter, or even crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory snack.
Whether you grew up eating Fluffernutters or have never heard of them until now, this New England staple deserves a spot in your lunch lineup at least once. It’s nostalgic, fun and guaranteed to bring joy to kids and grown-ups alike.
Related: Veteran NBC Anchor Lester Holt’s Favorite Sandwich Has a Lot Going On—In the Best Way
More Back-to-School Sandwich Ideas
Need even more lunchbox inspiration? Check out these creative recipes that go way beyond PB&J.
- This One Ingredient Makes a Ham and Cheese Sandwich 10x Better
- The Classic Irish Sandwich Bono Swears By
- Fans Call This the ‘Best Sandwich on Planet Earth,’ So I Gave It a Try
- I Tried Adam Sandler’s Famous ‘World’s Greatest Sandwich’ and It’s My New Favorite Lunch
- The Simple Sandwich Jeff Goldblum Calls ‘The Love of His Life’
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