Tuna Melt

TUNA MELT is an incredible summer sandwich, made with a ridiculously flavorful tuna salad and cheese on slightly crisp sliced bread, then topped with tomatoes and avocado. An easy picnic must-have or quick lunch fix that can be prepared either in the oven or on the stovetop. This will become your new favorite!

Sandwiches are definitely a summer thing…okay, maybe just right next to LEMONADES and JUICES. They are great for lunch, picnic meals, and even dinner. If you have kids at home, this a fun way to bond with them as you prepare their sandwich. Tired of hearing those kids say “boring”? Then let them choose their favorite topping and assemble their sandwiches. You’d be surprised at how attentive they are when it comes to what goes into their sandwiches.

What is a Tuna Melt?

Tuna Melt is a sensational flavorful melt sandwich, with a combination of tuna fish, cheese, tomatoes (or other vegetables), and crispy golden bread. From the name itself, this sandwich literally melts in your mouth! No wonder they are as popular as the grilled cheese sandwiches at any diners.

Tuna Melt Sandwich Ingredients

The majority of the ingredients for this sandwich can be found at your fingertip. Look around in your kitchen and sprinkle a little dash of creativity so you won’t spend too much on your food. The cheapest way to make your own tuna melt sandwich is by using your leftover bread (see my homemade Brioche Bread HERE) and canned tuna. It doesn’t need to be extravagant and expensive to enjoy your favorite dish.   

Tuna Melts Variations

This sandwich recipe is actually a simple one yet it still leaves room for you to play around with it. Sweet pickle relish is a  delicious addition to the tuna fish. Or you can mix and match with whatever vegetables or fruits you have on hand.

Here are a few ideas on how to jazz up your favorite tuna melt.

• American Classic. Classic American style tuna melt sandwich with tuna fish,  white bread, American cheese, and fresh tomato.
• Banhi Mi Style. A tuna melt sandwich with pickled veggies, lots of cilantro, and with Sriracha mayo.  
• Apple pie. This variation of tuna melt has tuna salad with dried currants, chopped pecans, apple slices, extra cheddar cheese, and brioche hamburger rolls. 
• Californian Style. This variation of tuna melt has added avocado slices, tuna salad, asiago cheese, slivered almonds, and whole-grain bread that makes it a perfect combination for healthy buff people.  

What to Serve with Tuna Melts?

Tuna melts are already a complete meal on their own. But if you want to impress your guests or just want a full summer meal spread, you can prepare this sandwich along with any of these ones below.

• Watermelon Salad
• Tomato Bisque
• French Fries, Chips or Potato Wedges
• Simple Green Salad
• Carrot Pineapple Raisin Salad

Best Sandwich Recipes

• Egg Salad Sandwich
• Fried Fish Sandwich
• Chicken Salad Sandwich
• Monte Cristo Sandwich

 

How To Make Tuna Melt

 

Preheat oven to 375° Degrees F (190 C). While the oven is heating up, proceed with making the tuna salad.  In a medium bowl, mix together tuna, green onion, celery, parsley, creole seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, mustard, and salt to taste.

 

Oven Method

Place bread slices on a lined baking sheet, then brush one side of bread with melted butter or olive oil. Toast for about 2-3 minutes. Remove bread slices from the oven. Top bread with tuna salad, a slice or grated cheese, and any filling (tomatoes and/or avocado). Then cover with the other slice bread. Place on a baking sheet and bake until cheese is melty – 5 to 8 minutes.  For an open-face sandwich, DO NOT top the sandwich with the other piece of bread. Leave as-is and place in the oven until both sides are melted.

 

Skillet Method

Divide the tuna salad equally- in half or thirds, depending on the number of sandwiches you are making. Place tuna salad on half of the bread slices (2 or 3), and evenly spread on the slice.  Followed by cheese and additional ingredients tomato and avocado(optional). Brush with butter. Heat a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add about 1 -2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Place sandwich and cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Carefully flip sandwich using a spatula to aid the process. You can equally flip without a spatula and let it cook for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese melts and the bread is brown and toasty.  Remove and serve warm.