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Easy Tuna Melt Recipe

Easy Tuna Melt Recipe

5 from 27 reviews

This Easy Tuna Melt recipe combines hearty tuna salad with melted mozzarella cheese, all sandwiched between buttery toasted bread slices, making a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Quick to prepare and packed with protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a classic American sandwich with a delicious twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Tuna Mixture

  • 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
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup mozzarella, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 slices bread
  • Softened butter

Instructions

  1. Drain Tuna: Drain the water or oil from the tuna thoroughly to avoid soggy sandwiches.
  2. Loosen Tuna: Place the drained tuna in a medium bowl and use a fork to break it apart into smaller pieces for easier mixing and better texture.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, parsley, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and shredded mozzarella cheese into the bowl with tuna. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste and mix gently to distribute seasoning throughout the mixture.
  5. Heat Skillet: Place a nonstick skillet on the stove over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil to warm up for grilling the sandwiches.
  6. Prepare Bread Base: Butter one side of a bread slice. Place the slice butter side down onto the heated skillet carefully.
  7. Add Tuna Filling: Spoon about 3 heaping tablespoons of the tuna mixture onto the bread in the skillet. Adjust the amount based on your preferred sandwich thickness.
  8. Top Bread Slice: Butter one side of the second bread slice and place it on top of the tuna filling with the buttered side facing up.
  9. Grill Sandwich: Cook until the bottom bread side is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side until it is also golden and the cheese inside melts.
  10. Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or Swiss cheese for different flavors.
  • For a healthier option, use tuna in water and reduce the mayonnaise amount.
  • Try adding sliced tomatoes or pickles inside the sandwich for extra texture and taste.
  • Ensure bread slices are buttered properly to achieve a crisp, golden crust.
  • Use whole grain or sourdough bread to enhance nutritional value and flavor.
  • Serve with a side salad or chips for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna melt, tuna sandwich, easy tuna melt recipe, grilled sandwich, mozzarella tuna melt, quick lunch, skillet sandwich