Easy Tuna Melt

This Easy Tuna Melt is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy tuna salad with melted mozzarella, all sandwiched between golden, crispy bread. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a lunch or dinner that satisfies your cravings. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to family and friends, this simple yet delicious recipe is bound to become a go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A classic tuna melt is a crowd-pleaser, and this easy version delivers on all fronts. The creamy tuna salad, made with fresh ingredients like onion, celery, and parsley, pairs perfectly with the gooey mozzarella cheese. Grilled to perfection, the sandwich has a crispy, golden exterior and a warm, melty interior. It’s comforting, hearty, and full of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 20 ounces tuna in water or oil, drained (four 5-ounce cans)

• 1 medium onion, chopped (about ½ cup)

• ½ celery stalk, chopped (about ¼ cup)

• 1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon ready minced garlic)

• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

• 5 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided into 2 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon

• ½ cup mozzarella, shredded

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 12 slices bread

• Softened butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Drain the water or oil from the tuna. Place the tuna in a medium bowl and, using a fork, loosen it apart.

2. To the tuna bowl, add the chopped onion, celery, garlic, parsley, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine.

3. Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix again.

4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

5. Butter one side of a slice of bread and carefully place that slice butter side down into the now hot skillet.

6. Spoon about 3 heaping tablespoons of tuna filling onto the slice of bread in the skillet (more or less depending on how thick you like your sandwiches).

7. Butter one side of another slice of bread and place it on top of the sandwich in the skillet with the butter side up.

8. Watch for browning on the underside of the sandwich and grill until golden brown. Flip the sandwich and grill the other side until golden.

9. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 6 sandwiches

Storage/Reheating

Tuna melts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a toaster oven or skillet to get the bread crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, American, or Swiss for a different flavor. Make sure the cheese melts well for that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth effect.

2. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread?

Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you prefer, including whole wheat or gluten-free options. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the bread’s thickness, so keep an eye on it while grilling.

3. Can I add extra ingredients to the tuna filling?

Yes, you can customize the tuna filling by adding ingredients like pickles, olives, or hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to balance out any added ingredients.

4. Can I make this sandwich in a panini press?

Yes, a panini press works great for making tuna melts! Preheat the press and grill the sandwich until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Can I make this with canned chicken instead of tuna?

Yes, you can substitute canned chicken for the tuna to make a chicken melt. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as chicken can be milder in flavor than tuna.

6. Can I use low-fat mayonnaise or a healthier alternative?

Yes, you can use low-fat mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or even avocado as a substitute for regular mayonnaise to make a healthier version of this sandwich.

7. How do I make this sandwich spicier?

To add some heat, you can incorporate ingredients like chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes into the tuna mixture. You can also use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.

8. Can I add a side dish to serve with this sandwich?

Yes, this sandwich pairs well with sides like a simple salad, French fries, or even a cup of soup for a complete meal.

9. Can I freeze the tuna melts?

You can freeze the assembled sandwiches before grilling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw and grill as usual.

10. Can I make this sandwich without butter?

If you’re looking to make a lighter version, you can skip the butter and toast the sandwich in a nonstick pan without oil. Alternatively, you can use olive oil or avocado oil for a healthier fat option.

Conclusion

This Easy Tuna Melt is a classic comfort food that’s quick, delicious, and satisfying. With its crispy, golden bread, creamy tuna filling, and melty mozzarella, it’s a sandwich you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!

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