Here’s game-changing lunch solution for you: Homemade Uncrustables! These delightful pocket sandwiches are not only a lunchbox hit but also a lifesaver on busy mornings. Embrace the DIY Uncrustables magic and learn how to make, freeze, and enjoy them like a pro below.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
What is it about crust on sandwich bread that many kids just seem to hate?! It is so common for kids to eat around the crust, ask for the crust to be cut off, or avoid a sandwich altogether if they see even a hint of crust. So, I came up with my version of what is now known as an Uncrustable and it’s one of the best sandwiches for school lunch! Here’s why:
- Personalized Perfection: Customize the fillings to match your child’s taste buds – from classic PB&J to even turkey and cheese, the options are endless. Plus, you get to cut them into fun shapes if you want!
- Healthier Ingredients: You can also opt for healthier ingredients like whole-grain bread, natural nut butter, and high-quality or homemade fruit preserves.
- Time-Saving Wonders: Let’s face it, mornings can be chaos. Having a stash of homemade Uncrustables in the freezer means you can grab, pack, and conquer the school lunch with ease.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to buying pre-packaged options, making Uncrustables at home is budget-friendly and you can use the crusts to make other recipes like Croutons or Cinnamon Toast Pinwheels!
What You’ll Need
- Sandwich Bread: A classic store bought sandwich bread works best for Uncrustables. They key is that it’s pretty soft. These won’t work as well with a more artisanal loaf of bread.
- Fillings: Whatever sandwich filling floats your boat! You can do the classic PB&J combo, a different nut or seed butter with homemade strawberry preserves or even hummus with chopped veggies.
- Sealer: You can use a Sandwich Sealer like this one or this one or, if you don’t have one of those tools, a fork and a cookie cutter or mouth of a large glass will work too!
How to Make Homemade Uncrustables
Step 1: Spread a piece of sandwich bread with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Place 1 tablespoon preserves on top of peanut butter.
Step 2: Top with another piece of bread.
Step 3: Sandwich the two pieces together and cut with a cookie cutter, Uncrustables sandwich cutter or the mouth of a large glass.
Step 4: If using a cookie cutter or glass, remove the excess bread, take a fork and press down just the edges of the bread to adhere to each other. If using an Uncrustables cutter follow packages directions.
Tips and Tricks
- Customize Your Fillings: Get creative with fillings like almond butter, banana slices, honey, cream cheese, or even hummus and veggies. Make sure the fillings aren’t too runny to prevent soggy sandwiches and don’t overfill.
- Seal Like a Pro: I used to use a fork with a cookie cutter to seal (which works great), but my new favorite school lunch gear item is probably this special Uncrustables sandwich sealer that presses down the edges and seals the sandwiches tight. Whichever method, just make sure you seal properly to prevent fillings from leaking out during freezing.
- Use the Crusts: I hate wasting food! Save those crusts for breadcrumbs, homemade croutons or these cute Cinnamon Toast Pinwheels!
How to Freeze and Thaw Homemade Uncrustables
- Freezing: Place the assembled sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer to an airtight container or zipper bags to prevent freezer burn. Freeze Uncrustables for up to two months. Make sure they’re properly sealed to avoid freezer burn.
- Thawing: To enjoy, simply take a sandwich out of the freezer in the morning and let it thaw in the school lunchbox or at room temperature. It’ll be ready to eat by lunchtime!
More Fun Sandwiches for Kids
These homemade uncrustables are perfect to tuck into school lunch, or serve on a big fun platter like you see pictured above complete with fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, strawberry fruit leather, and other yummy snacks. Let me know what you think of these sandwiches by leaving a comment and rating below!
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Uncrustables
Equipment
- Uncrustables sandwich sealer or cookie cutter with fork to seal
Ingredients
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- peanut butter (almond butter, cashew butter or sun butter work too!)
- fruit preserves
Instructions
- Spread a piece of sandwich bread with 1 tablespoon peanut butter.
- Place 1 tablespoon preserves on top of the peanut butter and top with another piece of bread.
- Sandwich the two pieces together and cut with a cookie cutter, Uncrustables sandwich cutter or the mouth of a large glass.
- If you’re using a cookie cutter or glass, remove the excess bread, take a fork and press down just the edges of the bread to adhere to each other. If using an Uncrustables cutter follow packages directions.
Notes
- Seal Like a Pro: Use a fork or a special Uncrustables sandwich sealer to press down the edges and seal the sandwiches tight. This will prevent fillings from leaking out during freezing.
- Mind the Crust: Trim the crusts off the bread using a round cutter or simply by pressing down with a glass. Save those crusts for breadcrumbs, homemade croutons or these cute Cinnamon Toast Pinwheels!
- Freeze with Love: Place the assembled sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer to an airtight container or zipper bags to prevent freezer burn.
Love these peanut butter and jam sandwiches! My little grandson has such fun ‘helping’ me make them! He picks the fun shapes to cut them and it’s a perfect, delicious occasion!! Thank you!
They are so yummy!
I love the fruit rolls!