Easy Tuna Melt Recipe
A Tuna Melt is a classic comfort food that combines creamy tuna salad with melted cheese, all nestled between slices of toasted bread. It's a warm, satisfying sandwich that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Here's a simple recipe to make a delicious Tuna Melt at home.
Ingredients
For the Tuna Salad:
- 1 can 5 ounces tuna, drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 slices of bread such as sourdough, rye, or whole wheat
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or your preferred melting cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- Optional: sliced tomatoes pickles, or additional toppings of your choice
Instructions
Prepare the Tuna Salad:
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, red onion, celery, and Dijon mustard. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. On two slices, place a slice of cheddar cheese. Evenly distribute the tuna salad over the cheese. Add any optional toppings like sliced tomatoes or pickles. Top each with another slice of cheddar cheese, then place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
Butter the Bread:
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich slice. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
Cook the Sandwiches:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest for a minute, then slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Bread Selection: Opt for sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings and grilling process. Sourdough and rye are popular choices.
- Additions: Enhance your Tuna Melt by adding ingredients like sliced tomatoes, pickles, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
- Cooking Tip: Cooking the sandwich over medium heat ensures the bread crisps up without burning while allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.