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Want to make gluten-free uncrustables with your favorite gluten-free bread? Check out this post! Learn what to look for when purchasing store-bought gluten-free bread, so your uncrustables hold up till lunchtime!
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Are Uncrustables Gluten-Free?
Currently, no gluten-free uncrustables are available for purchase, eliminating the option of packing this fun lunch idea kids love.
What’s great is that you can use many of the gluten-free bread options available to make your own at home and use your favorite nut butter (or nut-free butter), and jelly of choice.
While many bread options are labeled gluten-free, they don’t all perform the best when it comes to crimping two slices of bread in a uncrustable crimper to seal the sandwich. More on what to look for below.
How to Make Gluten-Free Uncrustables
To make these gluten-free uncrustables, you’ll need a sandwich sealer, to push down both pieces of bread, seal them, and crimp them. Here is what you’ll need to do:
- On a flat surface, place two slices of gluten-free bread. Spread peanut butter on the bread -no need to go all the way to the edges- and jelly filling in the middle of one piece of bread.
- Place the second piece of bread on top, and use the sandwich sealer to seal the sandwich by pressing down and holding firmly for 30 seconds.
- Make sure to remove crusts before lifting the crimper from the bread.
Can You Freeze Gluten-Free Uncrustables
Yes, you can make a bunch of gluten-free uncrustables ahead of time and freeze them for later by placing the uncrustable on a lined baking sheet, freezing them, and once frozen, transferring them into a large zip bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 30 days.
When you are ready to use, simply pack frozen in your child’s lunch box, and it will thaw in time for lunch, or microwave for 15-20 seconds if you need to serve them immediately.
Best Gluten-Free Bread for Making Uncrustables
The best gluten-free bread to use for making uncrustables is soft, “white” bread that’s fresh. The fresher and softer the bread, the easier it will be for it to seal itself with the crimper.
Whole-grain and seeded gluten-free bread tend to be denser in texture and can be challenging when it comes to sealing the uncrustable.
Refrigerated gluten-free bread or previously frozen gluten-free bread tend to not be as moist –this of course varies by brand- so while might crimp successfully, sometimes they tear at the top.
At the end of the day, it’s about letting go of perfection and realizing that this kid-favorite meal is great without being like the mass-produced store-bought ones (which contain gluten).
Udi’s Gluten-Free Soft White
Pros:
Easy to find at most grocery stores and in the freezer aile, this bread a great option to make gluten-free uncrustables. This brand has the largest surface area for the slice, allowing the sandwich to seal. Held up very well after freezing.
Cons:
Generally speaking, the bread slices are bland and most dense, giving the uncrustable a denser texture. Although I think this helped maintain its shape.
Sam’s Choice Gluten-Free White Bread
Pros:
This inexpensive brand, found at Walmart retailers in the US, has a delicious and airy texture that made the uncrustable taste great. Minimal waste since the crimper covered most of the slice. Froze and thawed great.
Cons:
Only available at Walmart. The uneven shaped bread slices didn’t create a perfectly round shape.
Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free Country White
Pros:
Easy to find brand that is tasty. Held up very well after freezing and thawing in the lunchbox.
Cons:
The bread slices are not big enough to fully seal the uncrustable, and I was only able to make 2 sealed sandwiches with the middle 4 slices of the loaf.
Schar Artisan White Bread
Pros:
Great taste and texture with most of the bread slices accommodating for the crimper. Held up well after thawing in the lunchbox.
Cons:
Not easy to find.
Air Fryer Gluten-Free Uncrustables
You can use the air fryer to give your gluten-free uncrustable that crispy golden texture kids love from a grilled sandwich. Simply spray or butter both sides of the uncrustable, and air fry it at 350F for 5 minutes.
You can also air fry frozen gluten-free uncrustables. All the details on the added times and tips are in this air fryer uncrustables post.
Gluten-Free Uncrustables Recipe
Watch How It’s Packed:
Ingredients
- 8 slices of gluten-free “white” sandwich bread
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup jelly, your choice
Instructions
- Spread the peanut butter onto 4 slices of bread, keeping the peanut butter mostly in the center. Spread the jelly in the center of the remaining 4 slices and assemble the sandwiches.
- Using the cutter, press it into the center of each sandwich, hold it down for 30 seconds, and remove the outer crusts before lifting the crimper from the bread.
JJ says
This was a super helpful review! I found the same thing when I tried to use certain brands. Franz mountain white was too small and I couldn’t crimp all of the edges. Luckily, my local Wal-Mart sells schar bread, so I am going to give it a try! My kiddos cant have gluten or nuts, so I’m determined to make a nut free gluten free version.
Kimmy says
Finally! A gluten-free uncrustables option! So good to know which bread is best to use too!