Ina Garten’s Secret Tuna Melts Recipe: A Lunchtime Delight

Melty cheese and perfectly toasted bread make these ultimate tuna melts by Ina Garten a lunchtime dream come true.

Forget bland sandwiches that leave you unsatisfied.

She combines rich, flaky tuna with a creamy, zesty mayo mixture that brings serious flavor to every bite.

Sharp cheddar and a touch of fresh herbs create a mouthwatering combination that elevates this classic comfort food.

The secret lies in carefully selecting quality ingredients and mastering a few simple techniques.

Each sandwich promises a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, gooey center.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable bite of this irresistible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s Inside Ina Garten’s Ultimate Tuna Melts

• Tuna: Wild-caught, high-quality canned variety ensures rich, clean ocean taste and optimal texture.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binding agent that adds luxurious smoothness and helps ingredients adhere.
• Anchovy Paste: Optional umami booster that deepens savory complexity without overwhelming fish flavor.

• Celery: Crisp vegetable providing delightful crunch and subtle green freshness.
• Scallions: Sharp, mild onion notes that brighten the entire mixture.
• Dill: Delicate herb lending a refreshing, slightly tangy herbal essence.
• Lemon Juice: Zesty acid that cuts richness and elevates overall flavor profile.

• Bread: Sturdy, thick-cut slices that can withstand broiling without becoming soggy.
• Cheese: Grated variety that melts beautifully, creating golden, irresistible crispy surface.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that balance and enhance all ingredients.

Tools for Crafting Ina’s Tuna Melts with Melted Cheddar Perfection

• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing tuna and ingredients smoothly.
• Fork: Essential for flaking tuna into fine pieces.
• Toaster: Crisp up bread slices before topping.
• Sheet pan: Creates stable surface for assembling and broiling tuna melts.
• Grater: Used for shredding cheese evenly over tuna.
• Broiler: Melts cheese and creates golden brown topping.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise salt and pepper amounts.

How to Toast Up Ina Garten’s Ultimate Tuna Melt

• Tuna Mixture

Gently break down canned tuna into soft flakes. Add chopped fresh herbs and crisp vegetables for a zesty base. Create a creamy blend with tangy condiments that will make your taste buds dance.

• Bread Canvas

Select hearty bread slices and lightly toast them to create a golden, crunchy foundation. Generously spread the tuna mixture across each slice, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle a luxurious layer of sharp cheese on top.

• Melting Magic

Position your tuna-topped bread under the broiler. Watch closely as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown blanket. Remove when the edges turn crispy and the cheese becomes irresistibly melted.

Upgrade Your Melt: Ina Garten’s Tips & Swaps

• Expert Tips and Delicious Twists
• Swap cheddar with gruyère, Swiss, or provolone for a flavor-packed upgrade. Experiment with different cheese combinations to discover your perfect melt.
• Add diced red onions or capers for extra crunch and zesty flavor. Finely chop ingredients to maintain a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Introduce fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or tarragon for a bright, aromatic lift. Mix herbs directly into the tuna mixture for maximum flavor infusion.
• Use sourdough, whole wheat, or artisan bread for a gourmet twist. Brush bread edges with olive oil before broiling to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Mix in diced hard-boiled eggs or crumbled crispy bacon for added protein and richness. Keep additional ingredients small and balanced to maintain the tuna's primary flavor profile.

How to Serve the Ultimate Tuna Melt, Ina Style

• Serve Fresh and Hot: Enjoy these tuna melts straight from the broiler while the cheese is still bubbling and golden brown.
• Pair with Crisp Sides: Complement the rich, savory melts with a light, tangy green salad or crisp pickle spears to balance the flavors.
• Create a Casual Lunch Spread: Transform this recipe into a delightful lunch by adding some homemade coleslaw or a bowl of tomato soup for dipping.
• Elevate with Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color and a fresh herb note to the melts.

Meal Planning for Tuna Melts

• Maximize Meal Prep: Whip up the tuna mixture a day ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time during busy weekdays.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep leftover tuna melts in a sealed container for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual tuna melts tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month for a quick grab-and-go lunch option.
• Revive Leftovers: Reheat refrigerated tuna melts in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispy bread and melted cheese texture.

Gourmet Tuna Melts Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s ultimate tuna melts combine rich, tangy ingredients for a classic comfort sandwich. Crusty sourdough, premium tuna, and melted cheese create a satisfying lunch you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 jars (6 to 8 oz/170 to 226 g) imported tuna packed in olive oil, drained
• 4 large slices bread, such as Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White
• 4 oz (115 g) Swiss cheese, such as Emmentaler, grated
• ¾ cup (180 ml) good mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s)
• ½ cup (120 ml) diced hearts of celery (¼-inch pieces)
• ½ cup (120 ml) minced scallions (3 scallions, white and light green parts)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) minced fresh dill
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 oz (28 g) microgreens
• 1 tsp (5 ml) anchovy paste (optional)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Tuna Preparation: Delicately flake canned tuna in a mixing bowl. Integrate finely chopped celery, scallions, and fresh dill, creating a harmonious mixture.
2. Seasoning Blend: Incorporate lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk mayonnaise and anchovy paste until smooth, gently folding into the tuna mixture to create a creamy, well-seasoned filling.
3. Bread Preparation: Preheat broiler to high. Toast bread slices until golden, arranging them on a rimmed baking sheet in a single, uniform layer.
4. Assembly: Spread tuna mixture evenly across each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage. Generously top with grated cheese, completely blanketing the tuna layer.
5. Broiling: Position baking sheet under broiler. Monitor closely as cheese melts, developing a light golden-brown surface with subtle bubbling, approximately 1-2 minutes.
6. Serving: Remove from broiler, allow brief cooling. Transfer to serving plates, optionally slicing diagonally. Serve immediately while warmth and crispiness are at their peak.

Notes

• Flake Tuna Carefully: Use a fork to gently separate tuna into uniform, delicate pieces for the best texture and even distribution of ingredients.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Combining mayonnaise with anchovy paste creates a rich, umami-packed base that elevates the classic tuna melt.
• Watch Broiler Closely: Cheese can quickly burn under high heat, so keep a close eye during the 1-2 minute melting process to achieve perfect golden-brown color.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy these tuna melts right away while the cheese is hot and bubbly, and the bread remains crisp for maximum deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 840 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg