Freezable Homemade Uncrustables

Sections: Easy Morning Meals to Start Your Day Right

Freezable homemade uncrustables are a handy option for easy lunches and snacks, perfect for kids and busy days. Using sandwich bread and your choice of nut butters and jams, these crustless sandwiches are sealed to keep fillings intact and prevent sogginess. Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread to create a moisture barrier, then add jam and assemble. Cut and seal with a sandwich sealer or cookie cutter, then individually wrap and freeze. Great for school, picnics, and travel, they thaw quickly and keep lunchboxes cool.

A woman in a chef's outfit smiles for the camera.
Written By Clara
Last modified on Fri, 05 Sep 2025 22:05:40 GMT
A stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Pin to Save
A stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. | cozybakinglife.com

Homemade uncrustables are a super convenient and freezable option for busy families needing easy school lunches or snacks. Making these crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at home gives you control over ingredients while saving money compared to storebought versions. They are great for packing in lunchboxes, car trips, picnics, and anywhere you need a nofuss messfree sandwich.

I first started making these on hectic school mornings when I barely had time to think. Now they are a staple that my kids eagerly grab, making busy mornings less stressful for everyone.

Ingredients

  • Sandwich bread: choose soft white or sandwich style wheat bread avoid dense whole wheat or sourdough because they do not seal as well
  • Peanut butter: spreads on both slices to protect the bread from jelly moisture and prevent sogginess
  • Jam or jelly: any flavor you like thin layers work best to avoid overfilling and mess
  • Plastic wrap or sandwich bags: for wrapping individual sandwiches before freezing plastic wrap is more cost effective
  • Optional: biscuit or cookie cutter or sandwich sealer for cutting and sealing edges
  • Notes: Squeeze fresh peanut butter if possible for best taste and creaminess. Use your favorite jam for variety and fun flavor combos.

Instructions

Spoon peanut butter:
Spread a generous and even layer of peanut butter on one side of each bread slice. Make sure to reach the edges for a good seal and moisture barrier
Add jelly:
Spread a thin layer of jelly or jam on one or both slices over the peanut butter. A thin spread keeps the sandwich from becoming too wet or messy while still delivering flavor
Assemble sandwich:
Place the two slices together with peanut butter facing jelly to create your sandwich. Press gently so they stick but do not squash the bread
Cut and seal:
Use a sandwich sealer or biscuit cutter to cut off the crusts and seal the edges. If you do not have a sealer press the edges firmly with your fingers or a fork to crimp and seal. This keeps fillings inside and creates the familiar uncrustable shape
Wrap individually:
Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place in small sandwich bags. This prevents freezer burn and keeps sandwiches separate
Freeze flat:
Lay the wrapped sandwiches flat in your freezer until fully frozen usually several hours or overnight. Once solid you can stack or rearrange them for storage
Pack and enjoy:
Take frozen sandwiches out of the freezer and pack directly into lunchboxes with no need for thawing. They thaw naturally by lunchtime and help keep the lunch cold longer
Two slices of bread with peanut butter and jam.
Two slices of bread with peanut butter and jam. | cozybakinglife.com

My favorite part is how the sealed edges lock in freshness and messfree fun. Watching my youngest carefully unwrap each sandwich now and then reminds me how this small prep step turns hectic mornings into calm moments. It’s made school lunches an easier win for our whole family.

Storage Tips

Wrap each sandwich individually to avoid freezer burn and clumping. Store wrapped sandwiches in a large freezer safe bag or container for organization. For best texture avoid stacking before sandwiches are completely frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try almond butter or sunflower butter for nut free options. Use honey or preserves in place of jam if you prefer. Experiment with different bread types but avoid very dense or crusty loaves for sealing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve frozen or thawed with fresh fruit or veggie sticks. Pack with a small ice pack to keep the lunchbox cool longer. Pair with a favorite drink for a balanced meal on the go.

A stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
A stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. | cozybakinglife.com

Homemade uncrustables save time reduce waste and allow complete control over what your kids eat. Prep ahead and freeze a batch for an easy grabandgo lunch option.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What bread types work best for uncrustables?

Sandwich breads like white, wheat, or Texas Toast work well. Avoid dense whole wheat or sourdough as they don’t seal properly.

→ How can I prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy?

Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread to act as a moisture barrier, stopping jam from soaking into the bread.

→ Can I use different fillings besides peanut butter and jelly?

Yes! Nutella, almond butter, sunflower butter, or various jams and preserves all work great for customization.

→ What tools can I use to cut and seal the sandwiches?

You can use a sandwich sealer, biscuit or cookie cutter, or even an inverted cup. Press edges firmly to seal and remove crusts.

→ How should I store the uncrustables in the freezer?

Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or bags, then store them flat in a larger freezer bag or container to avoid squishing.

→ Do these sandwiches need thawing before eating?

No thawing required. They can be placed directly into lunchboxes and usually thaw by lunchtime.

Freezable Homemade Uncrustables

Make crustless, freezable sandwiches with various fillings for easy, kid-friendly lunches and snacks on the go.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time for Cooking
~
Total Duration
10 minutes
Written By: Clara

Recipe Category: Morning Meals

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Culinary Style: American

Servings: 4 Portion Count (4 sealed sandwiches)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly, Free from Dairy

List of Ingredients

→ Bread

01 8 slices sandwich bread (white or wheat, avoid dense whole wheat or sourdough)

→ Fillings

02 4 tablespoons peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
03 2 tablespoons fruit jam or jelly (any flavor)

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Lay out 8 slices of sandwich bread. Ensure bread is fresh and soft for easy sealing.

Step 02

Spread peanut butter evenly on one side of each bread slice, covering nearly to the edges to prevent sogginess.

Step 03

Spread jam on top of peanut butter on half of the bread slices. Optionally, apply a thin layer of jam on the other peanut buttered slices or place a spoonful in the center.

Step 04

Place each jamed slice onto a peanut butter-only slice, peanut butter sides facing inward to form a sandwich.

Step 05

Use a 3- to 4-inch round biscuit cutter, glass, or sandwich sealer to cut out each sandwich and seal edges firmly to prevent filling leakage.

Step 06

Wrap each sealed sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place in individual sandwich bags.

Step 07

Arrange wrapped sandwiches flat in the freezer for several hours or overnight until fully frozen to maintain shape, then store stacked in a freezer bag or container.

Step 08

Remove sandwiches directly from freezer to lunchbox without thawing; they thaw by lunchtime and keep the lunch cold.

Additional Suggestions

  1. Spreading peanut butter on both slices acts as a moisture barrier to prevent sogginess during freezing.
  2. If kids do not eat crusts, spread fillings only in the center slightly larger than the cutter size to minimize waste.
  3. Leftover crusts can be repurposed for croutons, breadcrumbs, or to feed birds.

Must-Have Supplies

  • Biscuit or cookie cutter (3 to 4 inch diameter) or sandwich sealer
  • Plastic wrap or sandwich bags
  • Freezer-safe storage bag or container

Allergen Details

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a professional if uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts or peanuts; verify based on nut butter used
  • May contain gluten from sandwich bread unless gluten-free bread is used