Uncrustables are processed cheese that comes in round, flat, or triangular shapes. They’re quick and convenient, and they can be great for kids as they tend to like them even more than standard sliced cheese. However, some unprocessed varieties can be a little harder to re-heat than others. Thankfully, we have the solution! Cracking how difficult it is to defrost uncrusted cheese without getting it all messy is probably the least of your concerns when you decide to give it a go for the first time. If you’re already aware of how tough it can be at times with other brands and types of cheese, then this article is for you! Read on to learn everything you could possibly need to know about how to defrost unprocessed cheese without getting it all over your hands, microwave, or oven.
How To Defrost Uncrustables Fast
Plan Your Menu Before You Shop
This will save you time and help ensure that you don’t run out of something important. Furthermore, it will help you plan for the future. If you are planning a party or gathering, consider making a few extra dishes that can be served with untrustable. For example, if you are having a barbecue, consider making a few salads or a soup that uses untrustable as a base. Similarly, if you are having a dinner party, consider making some snacks that can be served alongside the untrustable.
Make sure your uncountable are dry before you freeze them
Purchasing dry uncrustables is important. Even if the uncrustables are sealed in plastic bags, they will absorb moisture in the air if they are not dry. This might cause them to become soggy or even rotten when they are thawed out. Dry uncrustables will be less likely to absorb excess moisture, so they will stay much fresher for longer. You should be able to tell if an uncrustable is dry or not by simply touching it. If it feels slightly tacky, it is probably wet inside. Wet uncrustables can be re-dried in an oven, but you will have to do so slowly so you don’t burn them.
Wrap in parchment paper or plastic wrap
When you are ready to freeze uncrustables, place them in either parchment paper or plastic wrap. Depending on the type of uncrustable you are freezing, this will help keep the uncrustable from getting soggy while it is stored. If you are freezing the like-shaped pizza slices or cheese wedges, this is especially important. If you use parchment paper, simply wrap them in the paper, then place them in an airtight container or plastic bag. You can also use freezer paper to make the wrapping process even easier. Simply place the uncrustable between two sheets of freezer paper and roll it up tightly. Then place it in an airtight container or plastic bag. If you are freezing round or square frozen foods like chicken tenders or nuggets, rice cakes, or even waffles, plastic wrap is a better option. Simply wrap the uncrustables in the plastic wrap and then seal it in an airtight container or plastic bag.
Freeze uncrustables flat
Freezing uncrustables flat makes them easier to stack and store in the freezer. Put the uncrustables in a freezer-safe container or bag, then flatten them out as much as possible. This will help them fit more closely together and take up less room in your freezer. If you are freezing uncrustables in a container, try to space them out as much as possible. This will help prevent them from touching each other and absorbing excess moisture from the air. When you are ready to use uncrustables, simply take them out, transfer them to a plate, and serve them however you normally would. If you are freezing uncrustables in a bag, simply unroll them and place them flat in the bag. Then seal the bag and place it back in the freezer.
Use ice cube trays to freeze uncrustable sticks
If you are freezing uncrustables in the form of sticks, you can use ice cube trays to create palettes. Simply put 1-2 uncrustables on each palette and place them in an ice cube tray. Then, once a tray is filled, place it back in the freezer. This method is especially helpful if you are freezing uncrustables that require longer thawing times, like chicken tenders or nuggets. The tray method allows you to ration out the uncrustables while keeping them frozen until you are ready to use them. This will save you the trouble of having to thaw out too many uncrustables at once.
Use the ultimate freezer hack
If you have an oven or a stovetop that can be used as a steamer, you can use it as a freezer-to-oven steamer. Simply fill the oven with as much water as it can hold, and let it boil before placing the uncrustables inside. Then, close the oven door and let them steam for a few minutes before removing them from the oven. The steam from the uncrustables will help them to thaw quickly, especially if you have a large batch that needs to be thawed out. This is the perfect freezer hack for those who don’t want to go out and buy a steam iron or other appliance designed for thawing food quickly.
Why Do Uncrustables Get Harder to Defrost?
1. Rapid Freezing
Uncrustables are frozen quickly to keep the crusts from being soggy after thawing. However, this quick freezing process makes it harder for the center of the sandwich to defrost evenly.
2. Thickness of Crust and Filling
The thickness of both the outer crust and filling can make it difficult for the sandwich to defrost. Since the crust and filling are frozen together, it takes longer for heat to penetrate both layers.
3. Temperature Regulation
Keeping an Uncrustable at a consistent temperature during thawing is important for optimal results. If left out too long, or subjected to high temperatures, the sandwich can become dry and hard.
4. Packaging Materials
The packaging used to freeze the Uncrustables can also affect how quickly it will defrost. If left in the wrapper, air cannot circulate and help speed up the process.
5. Type of Liquid
The type of liquid used to thaw an Uncrustable can make a difference as well. Water will help to break down the ice crystals faster, and prevent the sandwich from becoming overly soggy.
6. Room Temperature
Defrosting an Uncrustable at room temperature will speed up the process, but not too much- otherwise, it could become dry and hard.
7. Microwave Time
All microwaves are different, so it is important to adjust the time accordingly. Insufficient or too much heat can affect how quickly Uncrustable thaws, and if it will be soft or hard when done.
8. Direct Heat
Placing the Uncrustable directly over a flame, or in hot water can cause it to defrost too quickly, which could make it dry and hard.
9. Heat Exposure
An Uncrustable should not be exposed to too much heat, as this can cause it to become dry and hard.
10. Additional Ingredients
If the Uncrustable contains any additional ingredients, such as cheese or vegetables, it may take longer to defrost than the bread and filling. It is important to take this into account when defrosting. By following the above tips and tricks, you can ensure that your Uncrustable will be soft and delicious when defrosted.
Tips For Defrosting Unprocessed Cheese
- Begin defrosting your unprocessed cheese by taking it out of the freezer and transferring it to the refrigerator. It is important that you place the cheese in a sealed container, such as a glass jar or plastic bag, to prevent any bacteria from contaminating the cheese while in transit.
- Allow your unprocessed cheese to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. During this time, you will notice that your cheese begins to soften and its flavor becomes more intense as it defrosts.
- If you are in a hurry and do not have time to wait for the cheese to defrost overnight, there is an alternate method of thawing unprocessed cheese. Place the cheese in a sealed container and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 15 minutes, ensuring that the water remains cold for optimal defrosting.
- Once your unprocessed cheese has finished defrosting, consume or cook with it immediately. Unprocessed cheese is highly perishable and will spoil quickly if not consumed immediately. Take care to store the leftover cheese in an airtight container and place it back in the refrigerator until you are ready to use or consume it.
- Unprocessed cheese can also be defrosted by microwaving, although this method is not recommended due to its potential for drying out your cheese. If you do choose to defrost your unprocessed cheese using a microwave, keep an eye on it while it is thawing as microwaves can heat food quickly and unevenly.
- Keep in mind that defrosted unprocessed cheese will not be as creamy or flavorful as freshly cut cheese. If you are planning to serve your cheese in a dish that requires creaminess and flavor, it is best to opt for fresh cheese instead of defrosted.
Conclusion
Even though they’re harder to defrost, unprocessed cheeses can still be a great choice for those who are looking for a quick snack or meal. The best way to ensure that they don’t get tough on you during re-heating is to follow the instructions given above.
