Sarah Titus presents “The Perfect Tuna Melt,” a recipe that elevates the classic tuna melt to a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also super easy to make, making it perfect for quick dinners or lunch dates with friends. It’s versatile enough to be served on various types of bread, including sandwiches, toasties, paninis, subs, wraps, or baguettes, and can even be adapted for lower-carb options like English muffins, tomatoes, or avocados. The key ingredients include drained tuna, chopped onion and celery, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil, shredded mozzarella, sliced bread, and butter, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. The preparation involves mixing the tuna with the vegetables, mayonnaise, olive oil, and cheese, then cooking it on a skillet with buttered bread until golden brown. This recipe promises a gooey, flavorful tuna melt that’s far from the ordinary.
Ingredients:
Tuna, 2 x 5-oz cans, drained
Onion, medium size, chopped
Celery, 1/2 a stalk, chopped
Garlic (1 clove), minced
Parsley, 1 tablespoon, chopped
Mayonnaise, 3-4 tablespoons
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 3 tablespoons, divided
Mozzarella, 1/3 cup, shredded
Bread, sliced (A panini is a great option too!)
Butter, softened
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Tuna Mixture: Drain water from tuna and place it in a medium bowl. Add chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, and parsley to the tuna. Incorporate mayonnaise, olive oil (for a lighter version, you may omit olive oil), and mozzarella cheese. Mix all ingredients until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Sandwich: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Butter one side of a slice of bread and place it buttered side down in the hot skillet. Keep the temperature consistent and cook slowly to avoid burning.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the tuna mixture onto the bread in the skillet as it browns. Butter another slice of bread and place it on top of the tuna mixture, non-buttered side down.
Grill to Perfection: Check if the bottom slice of bread is toasted to a golden brown. If so, flip the sandwich over and grill the other side until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
Serves four. Adjust the amount based on your crowd size and appetite levels.
Notes:
The combination of butter and olive oil in the skillet helps to achieve a perfectly toasted exterior without burning, while adding a rich flavor to the sandwich.
Feel free to customize your tuna melt with different types of bread, such as English muffins, tomatoes, or avocado for a lower-carb option.
Consider making an open-faced tuna melt for a lighter version.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4