As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are on the lookout for convenient and nutritious lunch options that kids will actually enjoy. One beloved choice that has stood the test of time is the classic Uncrustable—a perfectly portioned sandwich that’s loved for its fun, crustless appeal.
But why settle for store-bought when you can easily make your own at home? Join us as we dive into the simple and fun process of creating customized Uncrustables, ensuring your kids have tasty and wholesome lunches that reflect their favorite flavors, all while saving money and reducing waste.
What Is an Uncrustable?
Smucker’s® Uncrustables® frozen sandwiches are all the rage: kids love them, and parents do, too! If you haven’t seen them yet, get ready to explore!
An uncrustable is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, designed with kids (and busy parents) in mind! These little pockets of goodness feature a crustless design, encasing a variety of yummy fillings like peanut butter and jelly, cream cheese and jam, or even savory delights like turkey and cheese.
The magic happens when the edges are sealed, creating a perfect, portable lunch that's easy for little hands to hold and enjoy without the mess of crusts. Not only do kids love their fun shapes and variety of flavors, but moms appreciate the convenience and nutritious fillings.
How to Make Your Own Uncrustables
If you’re a parent who wishes to limit the amount of who-knows-what in your kids’ food, you can make your own Uncrustable sandwiches.
The Handy Uncrustable Tool Every Kitchen Needs
The only challenge with homemade Uncrustables is getting them to seal properly — that is, without the proper tool. We’ve got just the thing: the Joyce Chen® 3-Piece Dumpling Press Set.
This tool enables you to create perfectly sealed, delicious treats with ease. It includes three press sizes: 2.75”, 3.75”, and 5”. The 3.75” works great for most standard supermarket sized loaves of bread, while the 5” press is ideal for larger sandwiches.
Each press features crimped edges that give a delightful seal in one quick motion, and the back side doubles as a cutter to trim the bread to the perfect size.
What You’ll Need
- Bread: Soft-sliced sandwich bread works best.
- Fillings (more on those below!)
- A Joyce Chen Dumpling Press
Step-by-Step Instructions
Keep these handy for after you choose the fillings your kids like best:
- Place your bread on a cutting board.
- Use the back side of the dumpling press to cut out clean, even rounds of bread.
- Place the round onto the open press.
- Add your filling in the center.
- Fold and press to seal — no fork needed!
TIP: For best results, lightly warm the bread first in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.
Store them in an airtight container or ziplock bags and toss them in the refrigerator for handy snacks or lunch packing time. You can also wrap them in plastic, then seal them in a freezer bag to freeze for up to three months.
Fillings: The Sky's the Limit
What you choose for fillings is totally up to you and your children. Mix them up and offer a variety of savory and sweet choices!
Here are some favorites:
- PB&J
- Sunflower seed butter & jam
- Apple butter & nut butter
- Cream cheese & jam
- Nutella & banana
- Chia seed jam
- Hummus
- Thinly Sliced hard-cooked egg
- Lemon Curd
Get Creative:
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter & Banana
- Nutella & Strawberries/Bananas
- Sweet Potato Puree & Almond Butter
- Honey & Banana with Cinnamon
Savory Fillings:
- Turkey & cheese
- Hummus & veggies
- Ham & cheese
- Egg salad
- Mashed avocado with chopped chicken
- Pizza Uncrustables (pepperoni, mozzarella & sauce)
- Egg Salad
- Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bite: Cream cheese mixed with spinach and artichokes
- Roast Beef & Pickle Crunch : Roast Beef with a hint of mayo and pickle slices.
Ready-to-Go Lunch Heroes
The result? Soft, deliciously sealed sandwiches that pack easily and taste great.
Order the Joyce Chen® Dumpling Press Set
Constructed from durable, BPA-free plastic, this press set is dishwasher safe and designed for longevity. Stainless steel hinge pins ensure smooth, rust-free use. The Joyce Chen Dumpling Press Set ensures consistent, uniform results with every sandwich.
Order yours today and get a head start on easy, fun, and wholesome back-to-school lunches!