How to Make a Tuna Melt Sandwich
September 12, 2024
There’s something uniquely comforting about a tuna melt. It’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or satisfaction. With simple pantry staples like canned tuna, bread, and cheese, this sandwich is not only economical but also incredibly hearty and filling. The combination of creamy tuna salad, tangy pickles, and melted cheddar cheese nestled between golden, buttery slices of bread makes it a perfect choice for a quick lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that you can easily customize to your taste with the addition of pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. This tuna melt is a testament to how frugal ingredients can create a meal that feels indulgent and deeply satisfying.
This tuna melt offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The tuna salad is creamy with a zesty twist from the lemon juice and zest, while the pickles and mustard add a tangy bite. The parsley provides a fresh herbaceous note, and the red onion gives a subtle sharpness. As you bite into the sandwich, you’ll enjoy the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown bread, paired with the gooey, melted cheddar cheese, which adds richness. If you opt to add pickled jalapeños, they introduce a spicy, tangy contrast that elevates each bite. The result is a comforting, flavorful sandwich that balances creaminess, tanginess, and savory goodness.
How to Make a Tuna Melt
Tuna Salad (for 2–3 sandwiches):
2 (5 oz/142 g) cans of tuna in water (drained)
1 tablespoon parsley
1 tablespoon chopped pickle
1 tablespoon chopped red or purple onion
1 teaspoon pickle juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon lime or lemon zest
Juice of 1/2 lime or small lemon
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix all the tuna salad ingredients. Be mindful with the salt, as many of the ingredients are already salty.
Tuna Melt (for 2 sandwiches):
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
4 slices of bread (preferably white or sourdough)
Pickled jalapeño slices (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Make a paste by combining the butter and mayo. Spread this on one side of each piece of bread.
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat to ensure a slow, even toast.
- Place two slices of bread, butter side down, on the pan. Top one slice with tuna salad, pickled jalapeños (if using), and shredded cheese.
- Once the other slice of bread is golden and crisp, place it on top of the cheese.
- Cover the pan with a lid to help melt the cheese, then remove the sandwich from the pan and cut in half.
- Enjoy your deliciously frugal and satisfying Tuna Melt!
Nutrition Breakdown Per Tuna Melt Sandwich (1 serving)
Calories: 500 kcal
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Sugars: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 870mg
Calcium: 20% of the RDI
Vitamin A: 10% of the RDI
Vitamin C: 12% of the RDI
Iron: 15% of the RDI