Are you craving an easy but delicious quick lunch idea? These Grilled Cheese Uncrustables are just what you need to make. Grilled Cheese Uncrustables are soft white bread, lightly toasted and filled with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner, with or without ham.
Cheese Uncrustables are easy to make and are freezer friendly. I don't know about you but I'm always looking for a simple lunch for lunchboxes and these homemade uncrustables fit the bill.
Even better is that if you add ham you will take your sandwich to a higher level and have a delicious ham and cheese uncrustable. Don't forget about tuna and make the best uncrustables tuna melt or pocket EVER!
When Smucker's discontinued grilled cheese uncrustables my family was disappointed. I told them there was no need to fret, I was positive that I could create something similar and equally delicious.
So, I got into the kitchen and tested several different ways to make grilled cheese uncrustables. We already make homemade uncrustables in so many flavors that they are definitely worth a look too!
My family says that I hit it out of the park with these cheese uncrustables that you can cook in a skillet on your stove top, in a panini press or sandwich maker or even better - in your air fryer.
Not only can you make grilled cheese uncrustables with this simple recipe, you can also add in some ham, or even tuna salad and take your sandwiches up a few notches.
Make ham and cheese uncrustables as well as tuna melts. Now how cool is that?
How do I freeze uncrustables
If you want to freeze your uncrustables just like if you were to buy them from your local store in freezer aisle, I've got some tips to help you do this.
First, you will need to make your sandwiches by following the directions below. Once your have assembled your uncrustables you need to allow them to cool completely.
Once your sandwiches have cooled completely, using plastic wrap or press and seal wrap, wrap each sandwich tightly individually.
After you have wrapped sandwiches individually, place all wrapped sandwiches into a freezer safe container or freezer bag.
Now, that you have your sandwiches protected from freezer burn you can place the bag or container of sandwiches in the freezer for up to three months.
Want to store your sandwiches for longer than three months? You will need to use a vacuum seal machine and vacuum seal your sandwiches individually. Once they are vacuumed sealed they should last about 6 months in the freezer.
Ready to eat your frozen grilled cheese uncrustables?
They are simple to reheat. You can reheat your ham and cheese uncrustables right in your air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about three minutes. Or until your air fryer is completely warmed. Once your air fryer has preheated lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place your sandwiches into your air fryer basket and cook for about three to five minutes. There's no need to thaw your sandwiches, just cook the sandwiches frozen until they are warm in the center and your cheese is melted.
What kind of bread do I need for cheese uncrustables
My family likes when I make these uncrustable sandwiches with white bread. We really enjoy how soft some of the white bread is.
You actually can use any type of bread that your family prefers including whole wheat bread.
I don't recommend using bread with seeds inside though, because the seeds may not hold up well in the freezer if you are freezing your sandwiches. Also the seeds make it difficult to seal the sandwich right up.
No matter which type of bread you use your sandwiches will be extremely delicious. I'm craving one of these grilled cheese uncrustables right now while I'm typing about them.
What kind of cheese should I use for grilled cheese uncrustables
My family loves when I make these ham and cheese uncrustables with cheddar cheese. Using thin sliced cheddar cheese gives these tasty sandwiches a great cheese pull.
You can also use sliced American cheese or even colby jack. I think colby jack would give these sandwiches the best cheese pull. I'm definitely going to try to use colby jack next time I make these easy grilled cheese sandwiches.
Frankly, any cheese will work and work well. It's cheese after all.
What Do I Need To Make Homemade Uncrustables?
Now you no longer need to stress about the fact that Smucker's discontinued their grilled cheese uncrustables, because you can make them yourself at home with these grilled cheese uncrustables ingredients.
- Bread—For this recipe, try to choose a bread that is a little denser and holds up well in the freezer. Most white or wheat breads should work nicely.
- Sandwich Fixings—Feel free to get creative here and we have a toppings list if you need some ideas! If your kids love meat and cheese sandwiches, stuff your bread with ham and cheddar and cook using the air fryer method described below. In the case that your kids are more the PB&J type, grab your preferred peanut butter and jelly have a look there or follow the uncrustable steps below and skip the toasting part.
- Butter (for air fryer uncrustables only)—If you’re going the savory meat and cheese uncrustable route, you’ll need a little bit of melted butter to ensure that your sandwiches crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- A Circle Cutter—A circle cutter or even a wide-mouthed glass or mason jar will help to make your homemade uncrustables look like the real deal.
- A Fork—You’ll use the prongs of a fork to crimp your uncrustables closed. This is especially vital if you’re planning on freezing your uncrustables.
- Optional - Uncrustables Maker like this one makes things so much easier but is not a requirement.
How To Make Grilled Cheese Uncrustables
- Cut your bread. Using a circle cutter, a glass, or a mason jar, cut large circles out of your bread. Be sure to remove all the crusts!
- Stuff your sandwiches. On half of your bread slices place your meat, including tuna and cheese of choice. You can also spread some butter, mustard, or mayonnaise on this slice of bread.
- Close and seal. Place one of your plain pieces of bread on top of each of your meat and cheese pieces. Using the palm of your hand, gently squeeze the two pieces of bread together. Finally take a fork and, using the edges of the prongs, crimp the edges of your sandwich closed.
- Brush with butter and fry. Using a pastry brush, brush a bit of melted butter on each side of your sandwich before placing into your air fryer basket. Air fry your homemade uncrustables or use a skillet or even a panini maker!
- Serve and enjoy! Serve your air fryer uncrustables warm and enjoy that gooey cheese pull!
How do I make the circle shaped bread for ham and cheese uncrustables
There are two different ways that you can make these easy freezer sandwiches. The first way I'm going to share with you to make uncrustables doesn't require you to purchase anything extra.
It does take slightly more work than the easy way though.
To make uncrustables you can use a round cookie cutter. I prefer a stainless steel cookie cutter similar to this one. I find that stainless steel cookie cutters make a smoother cut, and need less pressure to complete the full cut.
Also, in my opinion I find that stainless steel cookie cutters also make a cleaner edge to your bread. Even if you are using a plastic cookie cutter the steps are still the same.
When using the cookie cutter method you will also need a fork to press down the edges to your sandwiches.
If you want to not sure a fork to seal the edges of your sandwiches, you can take the easy way out like I have, and purchase an uncrustables maker.
I love this little tool as it makes these sandwiches a snap. If you are looking to purchase an uncrustables maker this is one of the ones that I love and use to make my sandwiches.
How can I keep these sandwiches warm in a lunch box
If you want to keep these sandwiches warm in a lunch box you are going to need to warm your uncrustables sandwiches in aluminum foil once they have been heated up.
Make sure you wrap the sandwiches tightly so that none of the warmth escapes. I've also used a thermos like this one to keep these uncrustables sandwich warm.
To use a thermos to keep them warm, you will need to prime the thermos first with boiling hot water. Allow the hot water to sit in a stainless steel thermos for about 10 minutes to warm all the insulation of the thermos.
Once the ten minutes is up dump the water out of your thermos and wipe the inside of thermos with a paper towel to dry out the inside of the thermos.
Now, place your sandwich in and close the lid. Using this method is the best way to keep your sandwich hot.
Works like a charm every time.
What are some other Uncrustables filling ideas
Any sandwich combination that you love can easily be turned into a normal or air fryer uncrustables! See the lists below for some fun ideas and variations.
Air Fryer Uncrustables
- Ham and Cheddar
- Tuna and Cheese for a Tuna Melt
- Rotisserie Chicken, Pesto, and Mozzarella
- Pulled Pork and Barbeque Sauce
- Three Cheese
- Pepperoni Pizza
What if I want to make air fryer-style Uncrustables but I don’t have an air fryer?
You can easily make air fryer-style homemade uncrustables on the stovetop or in a panini press.
You’ll want to butter your sandwiches as normal, then place a few at a time in a pan over medium heat or onto a hot panini press.
Cook your sandwiches until they’re warm and start to turn golden brown.
Don't forget to flip your sandwiches if you are cooking them in a pan. You want to make sure that you toast both ides of your grilled cheese uncrustables.
Your family will be so glad that you've been able to make these tasty sandwiches at home. It's time to fill up for freezer with this delicious grilled ham and cheese uncrustables.
With summer right around the corner and children home from school this is a great pre-made lunch idea to help you spend less time in the kitchen during the heat of the day.
What to Serve with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Check out all of our favorite sides to serve with your grilled cheese for some great ideas on what to eat with your grilled cheese. I know you'll find at least one recipe you want to try.
Don't forget to come back and let me know what your family thinks about these or our other uncrustables sandwiches. I can't wait to hear what combinations you come up with.
Video
Other Grilled Cheese Recipes you may enjoy
Grilled Cheese Uncrustables
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Grilled Cheese Uncrustables - Air Fryer and More!
Ingredients
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese sliced or your favorite
- 4 slices ham
- ¼ cup butter melted
Instructions
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- Using a circle cutter, cut the crusts off of each slice of bread. Then cut all of your cheese with the same round cookie cutter.
- Cut all of your ham too, if using.
- Stack your meat and cheese on half of your slices of bread. Leave a small ring of plain bread around the edge.
- Place one of your plain bread slices on top of each of your topped bread slices. Use the palm of your hand to gently squeeze the two halves of your sandwich together. Place your uncrustables in a pile. Using the prongs of a fork, crimp the edges of each of your sandwiches together, sealing the filling inside.
Air Fryer
- If you’d like to air fry your uncrustables, brush the outside of each with a little bit of butter and cook in a preheated 390 degree air fryer for 3 minutes on each side.
- If you'd like your uncrustables more toasted add another minute per side in your air fryer.
- Serve and enjoy every bite!
Sandwich Maker or Panini Press or Skillet on Stove Top
- Brush melted butter on to your uncrustables. Place a few at a time in a skillet over medium heat, flipping after a couple minutes, until golden brown or onto a hot panini press or sandwich maker until warm and golden.
Notes
- If you need some ideas for toppings to include inside your uncrustables we have you covered with a list of suggestions for you to look at.
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