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This DIY Uncrustable is a winner with my kids and they’re just as convenient since I make them in bulk and keep them in the freezer.
Below you’ll find my tips for sealing the edges and preventing the filling from oozing out.
Frozen Homemade Uncrustables
Having a box of Uncrustables in the freezer is super convenient for my kids because they can grab and eat one when they’re home or pack one for a school lunch in seconds.
However, they’re expensive, gone too quickly with 3 kids, and they don’t have that much filing! Enter this recipe plus my tips for making them at home.
Making homemade Uncrustables is really easy and can be just as convenient. I can turn an entire loaf of bread into sandwiches in minutes, filling them with our favorite peanut butter and jelly and using the bread we like.
Plus, once you own a crimper, you can mix up the fillings and even turn them into a pizza Uncrustable!
Homemade Uncrustables Ingredients
You’ll find the measurements in the recipe card for these Uncrustables. A few notes on the ingredients needed:
- Sandwich bread: the softer the bread the better when making these. Read this post that reviews the most popular gluten-free breads for gluten-free uncrustables.
- Peanut butter: creamy or chunky, both work! You can also use one of these nut-free peanut butter alternatives to make these.
- Jelly: strawberry, grape, or any fruit jelly or preserves will work.
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How to Make Uncrustables
Making Uncrustables at home is easy when you read the essential tips below to eliminate the filling from leaking out of the sides when using a sandwich crimper. Here is how:
- Make a PB&J
Keep most of the filling in the middle when you make the classic sandwich. - Seal the sandwich
Press the sealer down and hold it in place for 15 to 30 seconds to seal the edges. Holding it down will seal it tightly and prevent the filling from leaking. - Remove the crust
Once it's sealed, the edges of the crimper should be sharp enough to cut through the bread. Then, pull the crusts away from the sealer. - Freeze
Place the uncrustables on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze for 2 hours before transferring them into a large zip bag. You can also freeze them inside individual sandwich-sized zip bags for easy pack-and-go. - Pack for School
Place a frozen Uncrustable inside the lunch box along with healthy lunch sides.
If you’ve never made these before, watch this short video with all the tips:
How to Freeze Homemade Uncrustables
The best part of making a big batch of homemade Uncrustables is that they can be frozen inside a sandwich-sized zip bag and stay in the freezer for up to a month. Probably more like 3, but I find that if they’re in there too long, the bread feels dry.
Pack them frozen inside a lunch box and they’ll thaw by lunch. Try these Air Fryer Uncrustables which are incredibly delicious with their toasty bread and melty filling!
Easy Homemade Uncrustables (Freezeable!)
Watch How It’s Packed:
Ingredients
- 8 slices sandwich bread, your favorite
- ½ cup peanut butter, smooth or chunky
- ¼ cup jelly or preserves, your favorite
Instructions
Make the sandwiches:
- Spread the peanut butter on half of the bread slices, keeping most of it in the center. Top it with jelly, keeping it in the middle of the sandwich, and top it with another bread slice to close the sandwich. Make as many as needed.
Seal & remove the crusts:
- Place the sandwich cutter in the middle of the sandwich. Push the sealer down and hold it to seal for 15 to 30 seconds. Remove the crusts from around the sealer and then lift the sealer.
Freeze for later:
- If making a lot, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them into a large zip bag and keep them frozen. Or, place each uncrustable inside a sandwich size zip bag and freeze individually.
Pack for lunch:
- Pack the frozen uncrustable inside the main compartment of a lunch box. Add any sides, like fruit and veggies, in separate compartments or containers. If the uncrustable is inside a zip bag, just add it directly inside the lunch bag.
Tricia says
Two questions……first, could you just freeze the entire sammie?? (without sealing and cutting crusts off) and, second, if you did ham and cheese would mayo freeze okay, or should that be left off too??
MOMables says
Tricia,
you can definitely freeze the whole thing (with crusts). You can also freeze ham and cheese (with mayo) sandwiches. Vegetables do not freeze well in sandwiches.
Suzanne says
will this work with nutella?
MOMables says
It sure could!
Shari says
Cream cheese and jelly might also be an option instead of a nut butter.
MOMables says
great idea!
Kat says
We just made a couple of these tonight using a cheap Toaster Pastry press that I had bought from Williams-Sonoma.
My husband likes his PB&J toasted so I did one with toasted bread and one without toasting. That didn’t turn out so well since toasted bread doesn’t like to be molded. What did work was making the pockets as directed, checking for leaks or holes and then toasting.
I am so excited to make a full batch for lunches. Thanks for the inspiration!
Bethany says
I love this! I was just wondering how long these would stay good in the freezer?
MOMables says
About 30 days in a freezer bag. Anything longer the bread tends to dry.
Tiffany says
What about using this idea for the “grilled cheese” uncrustables? Maybe they could be popped in toaster or toaster oven?
Laura says
hmmmm might have to test that….
Valerie Testi says
Anyone try grilled cheese uncrustables? I think it could work?
MOMables - Laura says
They could absolutely work! Make sure you use the crimper so the cheese is sealed inside. Enjoy!
Mary Ellen says
Have you ever tried this with gluten free bread(we use Udi’s)? I’m wondering if it would “stick” together as easily as regular bread would.
Laura says
I have and it does. you may have to “crimp” the edges a bit more… but it works great. Remember to save the crusts for the frugal french toast sticks! :)
feelingalittlelunchy says
I spread peanutbutter on both sides of the bread to keep the jelly from glooping out the top…and I eat them frozen, too. Mmmmmm….
Vicky says
Hi Corey
I love these, what a simple yet brilliant idea! Unfortunately my son’s not allowed pb at school because of other children’s allergies and I’ve never seen your alternatives in the UK. Does this work with ‘drier’ fillings like cheese and ham?
Laura says
Hi Vicky!
You can freeze any sandwich containing deli meats and cheese. It is a great time saver! lettuce and tomatoes do not freeze well. Yes, you can use this same technique to seal the bread but make sure the ham and cheese are “tucked” inside the bread. You can also make your own sunflower butter (sunflowers are not nuts). -Laura
Linda says
Or Tahini ! It’s made from sesame seeds and very popular.
Mary Wilson says
Is the flash freezing to keep the sandwiches from sticking together in the bag?
MOMables-Laura says
Yes! Freezing them on a baking sheet first will prevent them from sticking together.
Pat says
Awesome! My daughter loves sun butter sandwiches since she’s got a peanut allergy. I cannot wait to try these out. You rock, Chef Corey!