Uncrustables, the crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made by The J.M. Smucker Company, are a popular convenient snack or meal for both kids and adults. But what’s the best way to thaw these frozen sandwiches? Can you microwave Uncrustables to quickly defrost them?
While microwaving Uncrustables is not recommended by the manufacturer, you can microwave them briefly if you take precautions. Read on for a complete guide to microwaving Uncrustables, including microwave times, safety tips, and alternative thawing methods.
What are Uncrustables?
Uncrustables are frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with the crusts cut off. They were first created in 1995 by The J.M. Smucker Company as a convenient meal option for schoolchildren.
Uncrustables come individually wrapped in a sealed pouch, assembled on frozen bread. Most varieties contain Smucker’s peanut butter and Smucker’s grape or strawberry jelly. They are an easy grab-and-go snack, perfect for school lunches, picnics, road trips, and more.
Uncrustables are sold in the freezer section at most major grocery stores. Popular flavors include:
- Classic Grape
- Classic Strawberry
- Peanut Butter and Honey
- Peanut Butter and Chocolate
- Peanut Butter and Banana
They come in packs of 4, 6, 10, or more sandwiches and are ready to thaw and eat.
Can You Microwave Uncrustables?
According to the Uncrustables website, they do not recommend microwaving the sandwiches to thaw or heat them.
Microwaving can potentially lead to the fillings becoming dangerously hot while the bread remains cold. This could lead to burns if the molten filling leaks out.
However, you can microwave Uncrustables briefly if you follow safety precautions:
- Use short cooking times (15-30 seconds at a time)
- Flip the sandwich halfway through
- Allow to rest before eating
- Check for hot spots after cooking
It’s best to microwave Uncrustables just long enough to take the chill off and allow the sandwich to finish thawing. Extended microwave times can create scalding temperatures.
Be very careful, especially when preparing Uncrustables for children, who may bite into the sandwich immediately and risk burns.
Microwave Times for Uncrustables
Based on customer experiences, here are some recommended microwave times for Uncrustables:
- 15 seconds on one side, flip, 15 more seconds (for a partially frozen sandwich)
- 20-25 seconds on one side, flip, 20-25 more seconds (to thaw a frozen sandwich)
- 30 seconds on one side, flip, 30 more seconds (to heat/serve)
Always allow the microwaved sandwich to sit for at least 30 seconds before consuming, to allow the heat to equalize. Check for hot spots and avoid bites that feel hot.
If reheating a thawed Uncrustable, start with just 15 seconds on each side. A thawed sandwich will heat faster than a frozen one.
Microwaving Uncrustables Safely
Follow these tips for safe microwaving of Uncrustables:
- Leave the sandwich fully wrapped in its pouch
- Start with short cooking times
- Flip halfway through cooking
- Let sit 30+ seconds before eating
- Check temperature before taking a bite
Uncrustables contain a decent amount of fat from the peanut butter. Fat and oil can heat unevenly and quickly become scalding hot. Keep cooking times brief and allow the sandwich filling and bread to equalize in temperature after cooking.
Children should not microwave Uncrustables without adult supervision. Show kids how to properly heat these sandwiches to avoid burns.
Never microwave Uncrustables without the wrapper, as this can create leaks and splatter. The sealed pouch contains the filling safely during heating.
Thawing Uncrustables Without the Microwave
For best results, The J.M. Smucker Company recommends thawing frozen Uncrustables sandwiches without the microwave. Here are some microwave-free ways to safely thaw Uncrustables:
Room Temperature Thawing
Remove frozen Uncrustables from the packaging and lay individually wrapped sandwiches on a plate or baking sheet. Leave at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until thawed. Time will vary based on how frozen the sandwiches are.
Refrigerator Thawing
Place frozen Uncrustables in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight until thawed and ready to eat.
Water Bath Thawing
Submerge the wrapped frozen sandwiches in a bowl of lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes until thawed. Change the water if it starts to feel cold. Drain sandwiches well before unwrapping.
Heat Pack Thawing
Wrap frozen Uncrustables in a towel and place on top of a heated microwavable heat pack to thaw within 10-20 minutes.
Defrosting in Front of a Fan
Point a fan at the wrapped frozen sandwiches to speed up defrosting at room temperature.
Car Dashboard Thawing
On a hot sunny day, place frozen Uncrustables on your parked car’s dashboard, rear window ledge, or seat to thaw in 15-30 minutes.
Serving and Storing Thawed Uncrustables
Once thawed, Uncrustables will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. Keep them tightly wrapped until ready to eat.
To serve, remove the outer plastic pouch and enjoy. You can put a thawed Uncrustable in a lunchbox without refrigeration for 4-6 hours.
For longer storage, re-freeze thawed and unopened Uncrustables sandwiches for 2-3 months. They will keep frozen for up to 9 months from the original pack date.
Avoid refrigerating opened Uncrustables once they have reached room temperature. Eat any leftovers within 2 hours.
Benefits of Uncrustables
Uncrustables offer benefits beyond being a convenient snack. Here are some reasons to keep them in your freezer:
- Nutritious: Provide protein from peanut butter and nutrients from whole wheat bread.
- Balanced meal: Offer carb, protein, fat for sustained energy.
- Portable: Easy to pack for school, work, travel, hiking.
- Kid-friendly: Appeal to picky eaters and are easy to eat.
- Allergy-friendly: Free from many common allergens like dairy.
- Budget-friendly: An affordable option for quick lunches.
With a bit of planning, you can enjoy Uncrustables sandwiches safely thawed in the microwave or thawed using a preferred non-microwave method. Follow the manufacturer’s advice and take precautions when microwaving to avoid burns.
FAQ About Microwaving Uncrustables
What happens if you microwave Uncrustables too long?
The filling can overheat and leak out of the bread, potentially causing burns. The bread may not thaw evenly. Extended microwave times can make the sandwiches very hot.
Can you microwave Uncrustables from frozen?
Yes, you can microwave frozen Uncrustables to thaw them using short cooking times. But it is slower than thawing at room temperature and carries more risks. Thaw frozen sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight if possible.
Should you wrap Uncrustables when microwaving?
Always keep Uncrustables fully wrapped in their sealed pouches when microwaving. The wrapper prevents leaks while heating. Never microwave them unwrapped.
Is it bad to microwave bread?
Microwaving bread can make it rubbery in texture. With Uncrustables, the filling may overheat while the bread stays cold. It’s best to thaw them without using the microwave if you can.
Can you toast microwaved Uncrustables?
You should avoid toasting Uncrustables in a toaster oven or toaster after microwaving them, as the bread and filling will likely heat unevenly. Enjoy them untoasted.
The Bottom Line
Uncrustables make for a fast, portable frozen snack. While the manufacturer recommends against it, you can microwave the sandwiches briefly to thaw or heat them if you use care. Always use short cooking times, allow sandwiches to rest after microwaving, and check temperatures before eating.
For food safety, thaw frozen Uncrustables in the refrigerator whenever possible rather than relying on the microwave. Follow proper storage and serving guidelines, and enjoy these handy sandwiches at home or on the go!
