This Tuna Melt recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food! Flaky tuna is combined with a creamy herb-infused mayonnaise spread, then layered between slices of crusty bread with melted cheese and juicy tomato. It’s a simple yet satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of tuna, herbs, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying flavor.
- Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and comes together in just 13 minutes.
- Versatile: You can use your favorite type of bread and cheese, and add other ingredients to the tuna salad, such as celery or onion.
- Classic: This sandwich is a timeless favorite that everyone loves.
Ingredients for Tuna Melt
This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying sandwich. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the tuna salad.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Fresh Thyme, Chives, and Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the tuna salad.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste.
- White Albacore Tuna: Drained thoroughly before using.
- Rustic Bread: Use a sturdy bread, such as ciabatta or Pugliese, that can hold up to the filling.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the bread toast evenly.
- Shredded Fontina Cheese (or Sharp White Cheddar): Provides a melty, cheesy layer.
- Tomato: Adds a juicy sweetness and acidity.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Tuna Melt
Step 1: Make the Tuna Salad
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped thyme, chives, parsley, and black pepper. Gently stir in the drained tuna, breaking it up slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Flip the bread slices over and place some of the shredded cheese on four of the slices. Top with the tuna salad, two slices of tomato, and more cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
Warm a nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the hot pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the bread from burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Tuna Melts immediately. Enjoy them with potato chips and a dill pickle spear, if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Bread: Use a sturdy bread that can hold up to the filling.
- Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or provolone.
- Tuna: Make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly before using it in the salad.
- Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings to your tuna melt, such as sliced avocado or red onion.
How to Serve Tuna Melt
- Quick lunch: This sandwich is perfect for a quick and easy lunch.
- Light dinner: It also makes a great light dinner with a side salad or soup.
- Party food: Cut the sandwiches into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers at a party or gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
It’s best to enjoy this sandwich fresh, but you can store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat the sandwich gently in a skillet or panini press until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of tuna?
Yes, you can use any type of canned tuna you like, but white albacore tuna is recommended for its mild flavor and firm texture.
Can I make this recipe 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 and cook the sandwiches just before serving.
Can I freeze this recipe?
It’s not recommended to freeze this recipe, as freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the bread and filling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the tuna and use a vegetarian tuna salad alternative, such as chickpeas or white beans mashed with mayonnaise and herbs.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Tuna Melt. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintTuna Melt Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: SANDWICH
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Tuna Melt recipe elevates the ordinary tuna sandwich to new heights. Flaked tuna is combined with a flavorful herb and lemon dressing, then layered with melted fontina cheese and juicy tomato slices between slices of crusty bread. It’s a quick and satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 ounces white albacore tuna, thoroughly drained
- 8 slices rustic French or Italian loaf bread (such as ciabatta or Pugliese), 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick slices
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
- 1 1/2 cups shredded fontina cheese (or sharp white cheddar)
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced (8 slices)
Instructions
- Make tuna salad: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, herbs, and pepper. Gently stir in the tuna.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place cheese on four slices, followed by tuna salad, tomato slices, and more cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
- Cook sandwiches: Warm a nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Adjust heat if bread browns too quickly.
- Serve: Enjoy with potato chips and a dill pickle spear, if desired.
Notes
- Use good quality bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- For a different flavor, try using different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or provolone.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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