Description
A warm, crispy, and cheesy Tuna Melt made by layering creamy tuna salad between toasted bread slices and melting cheese on top—comfort food that’s easy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 (6.5-ounce) jar oil‑packed tuna, drained
- 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
- 1 tablespoon minced green onion
- 2 teaspoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Asian chile paste (e.g. sambal oelek)
- ⅓ cup fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 2 thick slices of French bread (or other sturdy loaf)
- ¼ cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork. Add celery, green onion, and capers. Stir in mayonnaise and chile paste until evenly combined.
- Fold in torn mozzarella pieces, season with salt and black pepper. Chill the tuna salad until ready to use.
- Preheat the oven broiler and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Butter both sides of each bread slice with the softened butter.
- Place bread slices on the baking sheet. Broil one side for 2–3 minutes until golden, then flip and broil the other side 2–3 minutes until crisp.
- Remove the bread and flip slices so the darker-toasted side is down.
- Divide the tuna salad evenly over the bread slices, spreading it to the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of the tuna, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.
- Return to the broiler and broil 5–6 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Serve immediately, while the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp.
Notes
- Try different bread types: sourdough, whole grain, or ciabatta work well.
- Swap cheeses: Swiss, provolone, or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.
- Add flavor: a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped pickles, or diced bell pepper can brighten the tuna mixture.
- Make it a sandwich: top with another slice of bread and grill it like a classic melt.
- For gluten-free option: use gluten‑free bread.
- Reheat gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Broiling / Toasting
- Cuisine: American Diner Style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
