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Gourmet Tuna Melts Recipe

Gourmet Tuna Melts Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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