I’ve had a ton of requests for easy lunch recipes now that so many of us are working from home. Salads and leftovers are great — but a sizzling Tuna Melt Sandwich is even better, don’t you think?!
Gwen and I split a batch of tuna salad for lunch at least once a week. It’s an easy, healthy option for both of us and we usually dunk into it with a handful of crackers. That said, stuffing the tuna salad mixture between slices of buttered bread, topping with cheddar cheese, then sizzling until golden brown in a hot skillet is a total treat.
Plus this protein-packed combo keeps me full until dinner time. If you struggle with constant snacking during the day, you won’t even think twice about it with this filling lunch in your belly!
How to Make Ahead and Store Tuna Salad
The base tuna salad mixture is perfect for making on Sundays, for example, to have on hand for quick Tuna Melts during the week. Store the tuna filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe easily doubles or triples well.
How to Make a Tuna Melt Sandwich
In a small bowl add a drained can of wild-caught albacore tuna then mash a bit with a fork. Next add your favorite mayonnaise, plus minced pickle spears, or a big scoop of relish, and homemade steak seasoning then stir to combine.
My homemade steak seasoning contains your standard salt and black pepper, plus bold yet everyday herbs and spices that I promise you’ve got on hand. The mixture really shines in the final sandwich!
This is our FAVORITE brand of canned tuna, by the way. It’s a little pricey at the regular grocery store but Costco sells them in a stack for a great price. If you can’t find this particular brand, look for water-packed tuna in whatever brand you can find.
Butter two slices of bread then scoop the tuna salad onto the plain side of one slice. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese then toast on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat until hot and golden brown on both sides. OH MY WORD, such a fabulous step up from your standard cold tuna salad sandwich!
My Tuna Melt recipe is clearly very simple and what I’d call a classic tuna melt. That said feel free to jazz yours up to fit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
- Open the hot sandwich up then add thinly sliced raw red onion, pickled red onions, tomato slices, or avocado slices.
- Save a few carbs and serve the sandwich open-faced. Brown on the bottom in a skillet then pop it under the broiler to melt the cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one of the bread slices before toasting for a zing of flavor.
- Add a couple teaspoons drained capers to the tuna salad mixture for a burst of briny flavor in each bite.
- Fresh chives or sliced green onions/scallions in the tuna salad add brightness and crunch.
Epic Patty Melt
FAQ
What is considered a melt?
What makes a melt sandwich?
What kind of melts are there?
What goes good with a tuna melt?
How do you make a patty melt?
A classic patty melt is the perfect cross between a hamburger and a grilled cheese sandwich — with caramelized onions and a special sauce! In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
What can I use as a substitute for nutmeg?
The closest substitute in flavour would be mace. This is because it comes from the same plant as nutmeg. Nutmeg comes from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans plant and mace is made from the hull of the seed. Another good substitute might be allspice, it tastes a bit like nutmeg mixed with cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. Cinnamon can also be used as a substitute for nutmeg, since they are commonly used together. Ginger can also be used as a substitute, although it doesn’t taste much like nutmeg. Cloves can also be used as a substitute, but only half the quantity is required, since it is stronger in flavour than nutmeg.
How do you use candy melts?
Check out this list of 19 different ways you can use Candy Melts. 1. Tie Dye Candy Spoons Start the morning off sweet with these cute Tie Dye Candy Spoons. Great for eating yogurt, ice cream or pudding, these candy spoons are sure to be a hit with kids (and adults) of all ages! Mix and match candy colors to create a fun tie dye effect. this … 2.
What is a good substitute for a patty melt?
Cheese: Swiss cheese is a traditional choice for a patty melt, but American cheese or cheddar cheese are also great options. I’ve used sharp cheddar here, but you can substitute with your family’s favorite. Bread: a sturdy bread is key. I prefer rye bread, but sliced sourdough bread also works well.