Tuna Melt

Tuna Melt is a classic toasted sandwich that combines a creamy fish filling with melted cheese. It is a quick and satisfying meal for lunch or dinner. You can use different types of bread like sourdough or white bloomer depending on what you have at home. The contrast between the crispy bread and the warm filling makes it a popular choice.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Tuna Melt

Good reasons to make tuna melt

This Tuna Melt is incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples. The combination of sharp cheddar and seasoned tuna creates a rich and balanced flavour. It only takes a few minutes to cook in a frying pan until the bread is golden. This recipe is perfect when you want something warm and comforting without much effort.

Step by step: tuna melt

Step 1
Prepare the filling: Drain the liquid from the tuna and put it in a bowl. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, chopped spring onion and pepper. Mix well with a fork.
Step 2
Assemble the bread: Spread butter on one side of all four slices of bread. Place two slices buttered side down on a board. Divide the tuna between them and top with the cheese.
Step 3
Start the frying: Place the other bread slices on top with the buttered side facing up. Put a pan on medium heat and add the sandwiches. Cook for a few minutes until the bottom is golden.
Step 4
Melt the cheese: Turn the sandwiches over carefully. Cook for another three minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crunchy. Serve the Tuna Melt immediately.

Tips to make tuna melt even better

To get the best texture for your Tuna Melt, make sure you drain the tuna thoroughly so the sandwich does not become soggy. Using a mature cheddar will provide a stronger flavour that stands up well against the fish. If you like a bit of crunch, you can add finely chopped celery or red onion to the tuna mixture. Heating the pan on a medium heat is important to ensure the bread toasts evenly without burning before the cheese melts.

You can also add a few slices of tomato inside if you prefer a more traditional version. Always serve these sandwiches fresh from the pan to enjoy the crispy exterior.

You might also enjoy cheeseburger, forest fruit jam or creamy chicken soup with curry.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 160 g tinned tuna in brine
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 spring onion chopped
  • 4 slices of bread
  • 100 g cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:2385 kJ / 570 kcal
  • Fat:33 g
  • - of which saturates:15 g
  • Carbohydrates:32 g
  • - of which sugars:2 g
  • Protein:35 g
  • Fibre:2 g
  • Salt:950 mg

People also ask

A sturdy bread like sourdough or a thick white bloomer works best for a Tuna Melt. These types of bread can hold the heavy filling and become very crispy when fried in butter.
You can prepare the tuna salad mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. However you should only assemble and cook the Tuna Melt just before eating to prevent the bread from getting soft.
To avoid a soggy sandwich, ensure the tuna is drained very well and do not add too much mayonnaise. Searing the bread in a hot pan with butter creates a golden crust that protects the bread from the moist filling.
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