Hey there, fellow food lovers! Austin Carter here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I’m excited to share my take on a classic comfort food: Tuna Melt. This dish brings back memories of my college days when I was tight on cash but craving something warm and satisfying.
I remember throwing together my first tuna melt with whatever I had in my tiny dorm fridge. It wasn’t pretty, but it hit the spot! Since then, I’ve perfected my recipe, and I’m thrilled to pass it on to you.
This tuna melt is simple, delicious, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick but still homemade. It’s got that crispy, golden exterior with a creamy, flavorful tuna mixture inside that’ll make your taste buds dance. So, let’s dive in and make this easy, budget-friendly meal together! For more such quick and easy sandwich options consider Cucumber Sandwich or Bell Pepper Sandwich.
Why You Should Love This?
- Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for a busy weekday lunch. You can even prepare the tuna mixture in advance for meal prep.
- Healthy: High in protein and low in calories. Use tuna packed in water. For a healthier melt, opt for whole-grain bread, unsaturated oil, or a cooking spray instead of butter. You can also cook it open-faced with just one piece of bread and one slice of cheese on top.
- Family Favorite: A delightful twist on regular lunch sandwiches that both adults and kids will love!
![Tuna Melt Recipe [A Fusion of Tuna and Cheese]](https://cdn.beyondthebayoublog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tuna-Melt-Recipe-A-Fusion-of-Tuna-and-Cheese.jpg)
Tuna Melt Recipe
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Large cast-iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 small red onion finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise preferably Kewpie
- ⅓ cup finely chopped dill
- 1 Tbsp. drained capers or chopped pickled jalapeños plus 1 Tbsp. brine
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 7- oz. jar oil-packed tuna fillets or one and a half 5-oz. cans oil-packed tuna drained
- Freshly ground pepper
- 2 Tbsp. butter room temperature
- 8 slices Pullman or sourdough bread
- 4 slices American cheese or sharp cheddar
Instructions
- Prepare Tuna Mixture: Mix finely chopped red onion, celery, mayonnaise, dill, capers or jalapeños, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Add oil-packed tuna and mix, breaking it up with a fork. Season with pepper and salt to taste, adding brine if needed.
- Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place slices buttered side down.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place cheese slices on 4 bread slices. Evenly divide the tuna mixture over the cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Sandwiches: Place sandwiches, cheese side down, in the skillet. Cook, turning once and pressing down with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 4 minutes per side. If using cheddar, cover the skillet after turning to ensure the cheese melts.
- Serve: Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and slice in half. Serve with dill pickles and kettle-style potato chips drizzled with hot sauce.
Nutrition
Variations that Are My Favorite!
- Make it Low Carb: Wrap it in lettuce, use keto bread, or make an open-faced sandwich to reduce the carbs.
- Keep it Health Conscious: Choose a low-sodium or low-calorie tuna that suits your needs.
- Use Different Cheese: Try your favorite cheese! Classic cheddar, asiago, jalapeño jack for spice, or Colby jack are all great options.
- Add More Toppings: For extra texture and flavor, add sliced pickles, soft avocados, or lettuce.
- Try Different Bread: Use an English muffin, white bread, whole grain bread, whole wheat tortilla, or a thick bagel for a new twist on your tuna melt.
What to Serve with Tuna Melt?
