Tuna Melt 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Tuna Melt is an ultimate combination of creamy, savory tuna salad topped with melted cheese and served on crispy toasted bread. The warm, melty cheese adds a layer of richness, while the tuna salad provides a satisfying base. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. It’s a comforting, nostalgic dish that’s easy to customize by adding your favorite ingredients like pickles, onions, or tomatoes. Plus, it’s a filling meal that’s guaranteed to hit the spot.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon chopped red onion (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or your choice)

  • 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or American)

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Make the tuna salad: In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle relish (if using), red onion (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

  2. Assemble the sandwich: Spread a generous amount of the tuna salad onto two slices of bread. Top each with a slice of cheese. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, creating two sandwiches.

  3. Toast the sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

  4. Serve: Once both sides are toasted and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, cut them in half, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2 sandwiches

  • Prep time: 5 minutes

  • Cook time: 10 minutes

  • Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

  1. Add tomato slices: Adding fresh tomato slices to the sandwich adds juiciness and a fresh flavor contrast.

  2. Use a different type of cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.

  3. Spicy tuna melt: For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to the tuna salad mixture.

  4. Use sourdough bread: Sourdough bread adds extra flavor and a satisfying crunch to the sandwich.

  5. Veggie-filled tuna melt: Add extra veggies like lettuce, spinach, or cucumbers to the sandwich for a fresh crunch.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover tuna salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the tuna salad separately from the bread to prevent it from getting soggy.

  • Reheating: If you have leftover sandwiches, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat until the bread crisps up again, or use a toaster oven to reheat the sandwich.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, fresh cooked tuna can be used in place of canned tuna. Just make sure to flake it into small pieces and season it as you would with canned tuna.

2. What’s the best cheese for a tuna melt?

Cheddar, Swiss, and American cheese are the most popular choices, but you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or provolone.

3. Can I make the tuna salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tuna salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.

4. How do I make a healthier version of a tuna melt?

To make a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, choose whole wheat or gluten-free bread, and opt for a lower-fat cheese.

5. Can I freeze tuna melts?

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled sandwiches because the bread may become soggy when reheated. However, you can freeze the tuna salad mixture for up to 3 months and assemble the sandwiches later.

6. Can I use a panini press to make a tuna melt?

Yes, you can use a panini press to make a tuna melt. Preheat the press and cook the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

7. How can I make this sandwich spicier?

To make it spicier, you can add hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes to the tuna salad.

8. Can I add vegetables to the tuna salad?

Yes, adding vegetables like celery, onion, or pickles to the tuna salad can add extra crunch and flavor.

9. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy bread, ensure the tuna salad is well-drained, and toast the bread well before assembling the sandwich.

10. Can I make a tuna melt with gluten-free bread?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make a tuna melt, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

The Tuna Melt is a delicious and comforting sandwich that combines the creamy, savory flavors of tuna salad with melted cheese and crispy toasted bread. This classic dish is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a quick and filling meal. Whether you keep it simple or add extra toppings, the Tuna Melt is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious.

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Tuna Melt 

Tuna Melt 

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  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches
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Description

A comforting sandwich that combines creamy tuna salad with melted cheese and crispy toasted bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients


  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained

    2 tablespoons mayonnaise

    1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

    1 tablespoon pickle relish (optional)

    1 tablespoon chopped red onion (optional)

    Salt and pepper, to taste

    4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or your choice)

    4 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or American)

    2 tablespoons butter (for toasting)


Instructions

  1. Make the tuna salad: In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle relish (if using), red onion (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  2. Assemble the sandwich: Spread a generous amount of the tuna salad onto two slices of bread. Top each with a slice of cheese. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, creating two sandwiches.
  3. Toast the sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  4. Serve: Once both sides are toasted and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, cut them in half, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Add tomato slices: Adding fresh tomato slices to the sandwich adds juiciness and a fresh flavor contrast.
  • Use a different type of cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.
  • Spicy tuna melt: For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to the tuna salad mixture.
  • Use sourdough bread: Sourdough bread adds extra flavor and a satisfying crunch to the sandwich.
  • Veggie-filled tuna melt: Add extra veggies like lettuce, spinach, or cucumbers to the sandwich for a fresh crunch.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Ava

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