There’s something so comforting about a classic tuna melt, with its gooey cheese and savory tuna salad nestled between crispy slices of bread. This recipe takes that nostalgic favorite to the next level, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner, this tuna melt is destined to be a hit in your kitchen.
Steps
- Break apart the drained tuna in a mixing bowl using a fork. Combine it with diced celery, minced green onion, capers, mayonnaise, and Asian chile paste. Stir in small pieces of mozzarella, season with salt and black pepper, and refrigerate the tuna mixture until you’re ready to use it.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Generously butter both sides of the French bread slices.
- Broil the buttered bread until the top is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the slices and broil the other side for another 2-3 minutes until toasted. Once done, remove from the oven and place the darker sides down on the baking sheet.
- Use two forks to gently spread the tuna salad onto the bread slices, ensuring it reaches the edges. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over each slice and add a pinch of cayenne pepper on top.
- Return the sandwiches to the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 5-6 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 (6.5 ounce) jar of oil-packed tuna, drained
- 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
- 1 tablespoon minced green onion
- 2 teaspoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon Asian chile paste (such as sambal oelek)
- ? cup fresh mozzarella cheese
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons softened butter, divided
- 2 thick slices of French bread
- ¼ cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1188 | Total Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 1836mg | Total Carbohydrate: 46g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Total Sugars: 4g | Protein: 72g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 506mg | Iron: 6mg | Potassium: 542mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the type of bread used in the tuna melt?
- Absolutely, while the original recipe calls for French bread, you can use alternatives like ciabatta or Texas toast. Just ensure the bread is thick enough to hold the toppings and butter both sides for optimal toasting.
- What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese in the tuna melt?
- If you don’t have mozzarella on hand, you can substitute with Parmesan, provolone, or even pepper jack cheese. Each will offer a unique flavor twist to your tuna melt.
- Is it possible to add extra ingredients for more flavor?
- Yes, you can customize your tuna melt by adding ingredients such as diced red bell pepper, pickled jalapenos, or fresh dill. These additions can enhance the overall taste and provide a more personalized touch to the dish.
- How can I make this recipe spicier?
- To increase the spice level, you can add more Asian chili paste or substitute it with a spicier option like Korean red pepper sauce. Additionally, sprinkling extra cayenne pepper can also elevate the heat.
- Can I prepare the tuna salad in advance?
- Certainly, you can prepare the tuna salad mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making for a tastier sandwich when you’re ready to assemble and broil it.
Tips
- When spreading the tuna salad onto the bread, ensure it reaches all the way to the edges for even coverage and consistent flavor in every bite.
- If you don’t have mozzarella cheese on hand, feel free to experiment with different types like Parmesan or Provolone for a unique twist on the classic tuna melt.
- To achieve a perfectly melted and bubbling cheese topping, keep a close eye on the sandwiches while they are under the broiler to avoid burning.
- If your broiler is not heating evenly, consider placing a baking dish under your sheet pan to bring the sandwiches closer to the heat source for a more consistent cook.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – A medium to large bowl for combining the tuna salad ingredients.
- Baking Sheet – Essential for broiling the bread and the assembled tuna melts.
- Aluminum Foil – To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and even cooking.
- Forks – Used for mixing and spreading the tuna salad onto the bread.
- Broiler – While a broiler is typically part of an oven, if someone does not have an oven with a broiler function, a stand-alone broiler unit might be needed.
