How to Make Uncrustables at Home
This copycat uncrustables sandwich recipe is perfect for health-conscious moms on the go! Simply prep a bunch of these deliciously simple sandwiches ahead of time and stick them in the freezer.
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Here's to those mornings when everyone is running behind.
The ones where the only lunchbox choice to make is simply throwing a sandwich together.
But sometimes, after back-to-back mornings like this, you may be on the prowl for a healthier and cheaper alternative to the sugar-loaded frozen PB&Js you buy at the store.
Well you're in luck!
I’m here to teach you the tips and tricks to creating an uncrustable that is nearly identical to the original.
Truly, if you follow my suggestions, your kids will have no idea they’re actually eating a much healthier version of one of their favorite frozen meals.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
- Strawberry Jam—Fresh and store bought strawberry jam will both work well in this recipe. If you have some major fruit lovers in your family, you can also opt for strawberry preserves or smashed fresh strawberries!
- Peanut Butter—My family prefers it thick and creamy, but crunchy peanut butter can also be used to add a fun textural element to these sandwiches. You can also mix things up by trying out different nut butters.
- Sliced Bread—Go the quick and easy route by using store-bought sliced bread, or go the extra mile by baking and using your own homemade bread. If you choose to do the latter, be sure to cut your bread into ½” slices.
- Circle Cutter— Any circular biscuit or cookie cutter will work perfectly! If you don’t have either of these, try using a drinking glass to cut out your sandwich shapes instead. If circles aren’t your kid’s thing, try experimenting with other fun cookie cutter shapes!
- Fork—A sturdy fork is the perfect tool to use to make those signature crimped uncrustable edges. Trust me, once you seal the sides of these sandwiches with a fork, your kids won’t be able to tell the difference between these and the store bought version.
How to Make
- Cut your bread into circles: Using your circle cutter or similar tool, cut the crusts off of your sandwich bread. Be sure to cut two slices per sandwich!
- Spread your peanut butter: After your bread has been cut, spread about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each slice of your circular sandwich bread. Be sure to leave a small ring of plain bread around the outside of your circle—this will make crimping your copycat uncrustables a much cleaner process.
- Add your jam: Spoon your desired amount of jam on top of the peanut butter on one side of your sandwich. If you’d like, you can spread your jam out evenly with a knife.
- Close your sandwich and crimp the edges: Place your second slice of peanut buttered bread on top of the slice with the jam. Gently use the palm of your hand to squeeze the two halves of your copycat uncrustable together. Next, take a fork and using the prongs, crimp the edges of your two slices together to seal them.
- Freeze or serve and enjoy: Feel free to serve these delicious copycat uncrustables right away, or make a giant batch of them and freeze for later!
FAQs
Like so many delicious, sugar-loaded snacks, uncrustables were invented in the 90s. These crustless, frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be found in a variety of flavors in the frozen meal isle of the grocery store.
Uncrustables are well loved by kids and adults alike; however, they’re chock full of preservatives and are pretty pricy considering how small they are.
In this recipe, I’ll teach you how to make better-tasting copycat uncrustables that are not only cheaper, but better for you!
If you choose to freeze your copycat uncrustables, simply set them out on the counter or in a lunchbox to defrost for at least 35 minutes before eating.
If you’re like me and don’t always have the foresight to defrost your uncrustable in advance, try placing a frozen sandwich in a ziplock bag and submerge it in warm water to speed up the thawing process.
Or if you’re the adventurous type, try warming up your frozen sandwich by grilling it on the stovetop or throwing it in the air fryer—you’ll get a sandwich that is slightly crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside.
How to Store Copycat Uncrustables
Copycat uncrustables can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Or, if you’d like the authentic uncrustables experience, you can store your homemade version in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
Recipe variations
The sky is the limit when it comes to the different ingredients you can use to stuff your copycat uncrustables! Below are a few of my favorite flavor combinations.
Sweet Combinations
- Fill the bread of your choice with peanut butter and honey for a delectable, almost dessert-like copycat uncrustable.
- Use marshmallow fluff, mini chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers to create a s’mores inspired sandwich!
- For the chocolate lovers in your family, make a few copycat uncrustables with banana slices and Nutella—you can’t go wrong with this classic combination.
Savory Combinations
- Stuff your circular bread with rotisserie chicken, mozzarella chunks, cherry tomatoes, and pesto, and grill for an Italian panini uncrustable.
- You can’t go wrong stuffing your sandwich with the classic ham or turkey and cheese. Don’t forget the mustard or mayo!
- Create a pizza uncrustable by filling your bread with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella. Throw in the air fryer for the ultimate cheesy experience!
Other Meal Prep Ideas
- Chicken breast - cooked in Instant Pot from fresh or frozen and great for salads, burrito bowls, and more.
- Hard-boiled eggs - for egg salad, deviled eggs, and quick snacks
- Cranberry Banana Oatmeal Muffins - quick breakfast idea
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili - make a double batch and put some in the freezer for another meal.
Other make ahead lunch idea like hot chicken strips and magic bars are wonderful lunch box ideas.
ADDITIONAL RECIPES TO TRY
- Cranberry Banana Oatmeal Muffins
- Blue Macaron Cookies with White Chocolate Ganache Filling
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies
