This is why you're going to adore tuna melt
The Tuna Melt comes from American cuisine and combines two popular classics: a tuna sandwich and a grilled cheese sandwich. It is precisely the combination of creamy tuna filling and melted cheese that has made it so popular.
This version is a little fresher and more flavorful. We add capers, onion, fresh herbs, and corn to the tuna filling, giving it freshness, a touch of acidity, and a pleasant texture.
This is a recipe that is:
- quick and easy to make,
- perfect for a weekday lunch or dinner,
- crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside,
- packed with tuna and melted cheese,
- made with ingredients you often already have at home.
It is, of course, best served straight from the skillet, while the bread is still hot and crispy and the cheese stretches beautifully as you cut into the sandwich.
Top 5 tips and tricks for the perfect tuna melt
Follow these five tips to make sure your Tuna Melt turns out perfectly every time.
- Drain the tuna – If there is too much oil or liquid in the filling, the bread can quickly become soft and soggy. Lightly drain the tuna fillets before mixing. There is no need to dry them completely, as a little olive oil adds great flavor and keeps the filling juicy.
- Keep the filling from becoming too runny – Mayonnaise binds the ingredients together and makes the filling creamy, but avoid adding too much. A good tuna filling should be firm enough to pile generously onto the bread without leaking out during cooking.
- Choose a cheese that melts well – Cheese is one of the key ingredients in any Tuna Melt sandwich, so choose a variety that melts smoothly and evenly.
- Cook over medium heat – This is the most important trick for perfectly toasted bread. If the heat is too high, the bread will brown too quickly while the cheese remains cold. Cook the Tuna Melt a little longer over medium or medium-low heat instead. This allows the bread to toast evenly, the filling to heat through, and the cheese to melt completely.
- Serve immediately – A Tuna Melt is best straight from the skillet. When you cut into it, the bread should still be crisp, the filling hot, and the cheese beautifully melted and stretchy. If the sandwich sits for too long, steam from the filling will start to soften the toast.
Storing
A prepared Tuna Melt is best enjoyed fresh, so we recommend cooking it just before serving. However, you can prepare some of the individual components in advance.
Tuna filling. Store the tuna filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before using. If any liquid has accumulated at the bottom, drain it off to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Assembled but uncooked sandwich. We do not recommend assembling the sandwich too far in advance, as the tomato and tuna filling will gradually soften the bread. To save time, prepare the tuna filling ahead, then assemble the sandwich just before cooking.
How to make tuna melt at home (video)
Check this short video to master making tuna melt at home.
Next, try these sandwich recipes
- Whipped Tomato Ricotta Toast
- Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich
- Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
- Tuna, Tomato, Cucumber Tramezzini
- Crispy Chicken Burger
- Caprese Sandwich
Made in collaboration with Podravka d.o.o.
METHOD
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tuna spread
Add the drained tuna, chopped capers, chopped pickle, chopped celery, dill, parsley, and chopped onion to a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then add the mayonnaise for creaminess. Mix well, then fold in the drained corn.
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prepare the toast
Place a slice of tomato in the center of four slices of toast. Add enough tuna filling to generously cover the tomato and bread. Top with grated mozzarella, followed by a slice of Cheddar cheese. Finish with the remaining slices of bread.
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pan-fry
Place a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Add the sandwiches and cook on both sides until golden brown and the cheese has melted. While cooking, press down on the sandwiches a few times with a spatula to help them toast evenly. Serve immediately.
