Description
This Perfect Tuna Melt recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic tuna sandwich, featuring a creamy tuna mixture combined with fresh vegetables, melted mozzarella cheese, and a buttery grilled bread exterior. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal savory sandwich for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Tuna Mixture
- 2 (5oz) cans of tuna, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling
- Sliced bread (4 slices)
- Softened butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well incorporated to ensure a creamy filling.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Let it warm up to medium temperature to ensure even cooking without burning.
- Assemble the First Slice: Butter one side of a slice of bread thoroughly. Place the bread butter-side down in the skillet to start grilling. Immediately scoop about 2 tablespoons of the tuna mixture onto the bread in the skillet, spreading evenly but gently.
- Top the Sandwich: Butter one side of another slice of bread, then place this slice buttered side up on top of the tuna mixture. The unbuttered side should be facing the tuna.
- Grill the Tuna Melt: Grill the sandwich, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and grill the other side until golden brown and the mozzarella cheese is melted inside, approximately another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice in half and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley to enhance the flavor brightness of the tuna mixture.
- Adjust mayonnaise amount to your preferred creaminess level.
- For extra crispiness, you can use sourdough or a rustic bread.
- If preferred, swap mozzarella for cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Make sure the skillet is at medium heat to avoid burning the bread before melting the cheese.
