Ultimate Cheesy Tuna Melt
Experience the delectable combination of creamy tuna salad and melted cheese with this Ultimate Cheesy Tuna Melt. This sandwich is perfect for lunch or a casual snack and is sure to become a favorite in your home. With a base of solid white tuna mixed with zesty lemon juice, crunchy celery, and fresh herbs, this tuna melt is a flavor explosion. The addition of luscious slices of Swiss or mozzarella cheese, paired with juicy tomatoes on aromatic pumpernickel or rye bread, creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Customize it with your favorite seasonings, or add some sweet yum yum pickles to elevate the flavor even more. Trust us, once you try this, you'll find yourself craving it again and again!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Solid white tuna packed in water
2 (6 ounce) cans (well drained)
Low-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup (can use more, or use regular-fat mayonnaise)
Fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
Large celery rib
1 (finely chopped)
Green onions
2 (finely chopped)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Seasoned salt
to taste
Lemon pepper or black pepper
to taste
Pumpernickel or rye bread
4 slices (large slices)
Tomatoes
4 slices
Swiss or mozzarella cheese
4 slices (or use as much cheese as you like)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to broiler heat.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, low-fat mayonnaise, lemon juice (or red wine vinegar), finely chopped celery, green onions, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
3
Season the mixture with seasoned salt and lemon pepper according to your taste preferences.
4
Arrange the slices of pumpernickel or rye bread on a baking sheet and broil for about 1 minute, or until they are lightly toasted.
5
Remove the bread from the oven and evenly spread the tuna mixture over each slice.
6
Layer one slice of cheese on top of the tuna on each piece of bread, followed by a slice of tomato. Optionally, you can use two tomato slices for extra juiciness, then top with another slice of cheese.
7
Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and broil for approximately 3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
8
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy your savory Ultimate Cheesy Tuna Melt!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Ultimate Cheesy Tuna Melt?
The recipe uses two 6-ounce cans of solid white tuna packed in water, well drained.
What type of mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of low-fat mayonnaise, though you can use regular-fat mayonnaise if preferred.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
Yes, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar as a substitute for fresh lemon juice.
What kind of bread works best for this tuna melt?
Aromatic pumpernickel or rye bread is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 200 calories per serving of this tuna melt.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of protein.
Which cheeses are suggested for melting?
Swiss or mozzarella cheese slices are suggested for their excellent melting qualities.
How do I prepare the celery and onions?
Both the large celery rib and the green onions should be finely chopped.
What seasonings should I add to the tuna mixture?
The mixture should be seasoned with seasoned salt and either lemon pepper or black pepper to taste.
How long should I toast the bread initially?
Arrange the bread on a baking sheet and broil for about 1 minute until lightly toasted before adding the tuna.
How long does the final broiling take?
The assembled sandwiches should be broiled for approximately 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can use two tomato slices instead of one for extra juiciness, or add finely chopped celery.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect option for a quick lunch or a casual snack.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
One serving contains 10g of fat and 12.5g of carbohydrates.
Can I customize the flavor of the tuna melt?
Yes, you can add sweet yum yum pickles or adjust seasonings to elevate the flavor.
Should the tuna be drained before mixing?
Yes, it is important to ensure the solid white tuna is well drained before combining with other ingredients.
How many slices of bread are required?
The recipe calls for 4 large slices of pumpernickel or rye bread.
Is fresh parsley used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 primary ingredients required for this recipe.
What oven setting is used for cooking?
The oven should be preheated to the broiler setting.
Is this tuna melt considered comfort food?
Yes, the tags identify this recipe as comfort food and a quick meal.
How do I know when the tuna melt is done?
The sandwich is ready when the cheese is bubbly and thoroughly melted.
Can I use more cheese than the recipe calls for?
Yes, the recipe notes you can use as much cheese as you like beyond the suggested 4 slices.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar info?
The provided data does not specify fiber or sugar content.
How do I assemble the sandwich layers?
Spread tuna on toasted bread, top with a slice of cheese, then a slice of tomato, and optionally more cheese.
Is this a healthy recipe?
It is tagged with healthy eating and uses low-fat mayonnaise and fresh ingredients.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
Lemon pepper is suggested, but regular black pepper can be used as a substitute.
Should I let the sandwich cool before eating?
Yes, the instructions suggest letting it cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
What gives the tuna salad its crunch?
The finely chopped celery rib provides a pleasant crunch to the tuna salad mixture.
What makes this the 'Ultimate' tuna melt?
The combination of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, crunchy vegetables, and melted cheese on aromatic bread makes it stand out.