Tuna Melt – The tuna melt is the ultimate comfort food—a delightful creamy tuna salad, gooey melted cheese, and crispy, golden bread for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner.
What Is a Tuna Melt?
A tuna melt is a hot sandwich made with tuna salad, melted cheese, and bread. It’s often grilled or toasted until the bread is crispy and the cheese is perfectly gooey. The combination of savory tuna, creamy mayo, and melty cheese makes it an enduring favorite.
Pro Tips and Tricks for the Best Tuna Melt
- Use High-Quality Tuna: Opt for solid white albacore tuna for a firmer texture and richer flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, while Swiss or provolone provide a milder, gooier melt.
- Add Texture: A bit of chopped celery or red onion in the tuna salad adds a satisfying crunch.
- Get the Perfect Toast: Use medium heat to ensure the bread crisps up without burning while the cheese melts fully.
- Experiment with Spreads: Swap butter for a light layer of garlic aioli or herb butter for an extra burst of flavor.
Tuna Melt Variations
The beauty of the tuna melt is its versatility. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Spicy Tuna Melt: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the tuna salad.
- Avocado Tuna Melt: Layer slices of ripe avocado between the tuna and cheese.
- Open-Faced Tuna Melt: Skip the top slice of bread and broil the sandwich open-faced for a crispy, cheesy top layer.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the bread for large slices of grilled zucchini or roasted bell peppers.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, capers, and a sprinkle of oregano to the tuna mixture.
How to Serve a Tuna Melt
- Classic Pairings: Serve with potato chips, French fries, or a side salad.
- Soup and Sandwich Combo: Pair with a comforting bowl of tomato soup or clam chowder.
- Garnish Ideas: A pickle spear, coleslaw, or even a dollop of tartar sauce makes a great finishing touch.
How to Store and Reheat Tuna Melts
Tuna melts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers if needed:
- To Store: Wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?
Absolutely! Tuna in oil adds a richer flavor and creamier texture to your tuna salad.
What’s the best bread for a tuna melt?
Sourdough is a top choice for its tangy flavor and sturdy texture, but rye, whole grain, or even ciabatta are excellent alternatives.
Can I make a tuna melt without mayonnaise?
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or hummus for a mayo-free option.
What cheese melts best for a tuna melt?
Cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, but Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or American cheese also melt beautifully.
Can I prepare tuna melts ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and grill them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Tuna Melt
Tuna Melt - The tuna melt is the ultimate comfort food—a delightful creamy tuna salad, gooey melted cheese, and crispy, golden bread for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 (6-oz.) cans tuna (drained)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
- 2 dill pickles, finely chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 Tbsp. butter (softened)
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 8 slices of bread (like sourdough)
- 8 slices cheddar
- Optional: 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 400°F for perfectly melty sandwiches.
- Make the Tuna Salad: In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add drained tuna and break it into flakes with a fork.
- Mix in celery, pickles, red onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer 1/2 cup tuna salad, 2-3 tomato slices, and 2 slices of cheddar.
- Top with another bread slice, buttered side up. Repeat for all sandwiches.
- Bake to Perfection: Place sandwiches on a large baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and the bread is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 696Total Fat 46gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 104mgSodium 1151mgCarbohydrates 45gFiber 3gSugar 13gProtein 26g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Why the Tuna Melt Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Repertoire
The tuna melt is more than just a sandwich—it’s a comforting classic that’s endlessly customizable and always satisfying. With these tips, tricks, and variations, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this timeless dish.
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