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Homemade uncrustables are a simple solution for anyone needing quick, fuss-free lunches or snacks. These crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches freeze beautifully, making them perfect for school lunches, road trips, or picnics. You can control exactly what goes in them, so no hidden sugars or preservatives, plus they are much kinder to your wallet than store-bought versions.
I began making these during a very hectic school year when quick lunches were a must. Now my kids ask for them by name because they love the familiar taste and the convenience. The best part is knowing I’m sending them off with something homemade and wholesome.
Ingredients
- Sandwich bread: Sandwich bread — choose soft sandwich bread that isn’t too dense avoid heavy whole wheat or sourdough for easiest sealing
- Peanut butter: Peanut butter — spreading on both slices keeps the bread from getting soggy and seals in the jelly
- Jelly or jam: Jelly or jam — any flavor works thicker preserves or freezer jams perform best
- Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap for individually wrapping sandwiches before freezing use good quality to keep sandwiches fresh longer
- Optional sandwich sealer or cookie cutter: Optional sandwich sealer or cookie cutter — makes sealing and shaping easy and neat, but a fork can substitute
Instructions
- Assembling the Sandwiches:
- Start by spreading a generous layer of peanut butter on both slices of bread. This step is key to preventing sogginess because the peanut butter acts as a protective barrier. Next, spread jelly or jam on one or both slices as you prefer. Place the slices together to form the sandwich.
- Removing and Sealing the Crust:
- Use a sandwich sealer, biscuit cutter, cookie cutter, or an upside-down glass to cut your sandwich into neat rounds or shapes. If you use a cutter without a sealing function, press the edges firmly with your fingers or use a fork to crimp the edges shut. This keeps the filling inside and makes for a tidy, portable lunch.
- Wrapping for Freezing:
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap to protect against freezer burn and keep them separate. Then place the wrapped sandwiches in a larger freezer-safe bag or container. Lay them flat while freezing to keep their shape. Wait until fully frozen before stacking or shifting to avoid a pile of smooshed sandwiches.
- Using Your Frozen Uncrustables:
- When ready to use, take out the sandwich directly from the freezer and place it in a lunchbox. No thawing needed as they will thaw by lunchtime, and they also help keep the lunch box cold until eaten.
My favorite ingredient here is the peanut butter spread on both sides. I learned the hard way that skipping this step leads to disappointing soggy bread. Also, there’s a special moment when my kids carry their little sealed sandwiches proudly in their lunchboxes, knowing I made them just for them. It has become a little ritual of care amidst busy mornings.
Storage Tips
Store these sandwiches in the coldest part of your freezer for best preservation. Avoid stacking them before fully frozen to keep their shape intact. When thawing, leaving them in the lunchbox works perfectly, but you can also thaw them in the fridge overnight if preferred.
Ingredient Substitutions
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work just as well as peanut butter for nut-free variations. Nutella or even cream cheese can be used instead of jelly for different flavor profiles. If you are avoiding gluten, use gluten-free sandwich bread, but keep in mind the texture may affect sealing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sandwiches with fresh fruit or crunchy veggies for a balanced lunch. They are also perfect as grab—and—go snacks during busy days or light picnics. You could even include a small container of yogurt or a cheese stick to add some variety.
These homemade uncrustables make packing lunches faster and more reliable for busy families. Freeze extras to save time and keep mornings calm.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What bread works best for uncrustables?
Regular sandwich bread such as white, wheat, or Texas Toast works best. Avoid very dense whole wheat or sourdough breads as they do not seal well.
- → How do I prevent soggy sandwiches when freezing?
Spread nut butter on both slices of bread to create a protective barrier that prevents the jam from soaking into the bread.
- → Can I use different fillings besides peanut butter and jelly?
Yes, feel free to use almond butter, sunflower butter, Nutella, or different jams, preserves, and honey depending on your preference.
- → What’s the best way to seal the sandwiches?
Use a sandwich sealer like Cut N Seal or press the edges tightly with a fork or your fingers after cutting with a biscuit cutter or glass.
- → How should I store homemade uncrustables in the freezer?
Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place them flat in a large freezer bag or container to prevent crushing.
- → Can the sandwiches be eaten directly from the freezer?
Yes, they thaw quickly and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making them convenient for packed lunches or snacks.