Best Tuna Melt
This isn’t just any tuna melt – it’s a perfectly crafted combination of creamy tuna salad, melty cheese, and golden-brown toasted bread that’ll make your taste buds dance.
What makes this tuna melt special? It’s all in the details: premium albacore tuna, a touch of fresh lemon juice for brightness, and the perfect ratio of mayo to tuna. Plus, we’re using two slices of cheese per sandwich for maximum melt factor!
Ingredients
For the Tuna Mixture:
- 12 ounces albacore white tuna in water, drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 pinch dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 slices thick-cut white sandwich bread
- 4 slices cheese (cheddar, provolone, or swiss)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
- Sliced tomato (optional)
Steps
- In a medium bowl, combine the 12 ounces tuna, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons red onion, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and oregano. Mix until well combined – the consistency should be creamy but still have texture. If mixture seems dry, add mayonnaise 1 tablespoon at a time. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Butter the outside of each bread slice generously – this ensures even browning and prevents sticking. On the unbuttered sides, layer your sandwich: start with a slice of cheese, add 1/4 of the tuna mixture (about 1/2 cup), optional toppings, another slice of cheese, then top with bread. The double cheese layer is crucial for maximum meltiness!
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat (around 325°F/165°C). Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook another 2-3 minutes until cheese is completely melted and second side is toasted. The key is low and slow – too high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts.
Smart Swaps
- Use whole grain bread instead of white for extra fiber
- Swap regular mayo for light mayo to reduce calories by 50%
- Try dairy-free cheese (use ones specifically marked “melting”)
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Use 100% whole grain bread (reduces net carbs by 6g per slice)
- Replace mayo with mashed avocado (1:1 ratio)
- Add extra vegetables for fiber without carbs
- Portion size: make open-faced to halve bread carbs
Pro Tips
- Pat tuna extra dry before mixing for better texture
- Grate cheese instead of using slices for faster melting
- Press sandwich lightly with spatula while cooking for better cheese melt